Long-haired rabbit sitting in front of a flower bed

Is it normal for rabbits to pull their fur out? Some fur pulling is common in female rabbits, but it can also be a sign of an underlying health problem. Rabbits will pull out fur for relief or to soothe themselves.

The primary concern with fur pulling is that it can cause sore skin and lead to life-threatening blockages in your rabbit's digestive system if large amounts of fur are ingested. We've put together some information to help you understand why your rabbit may be pulling out their fur.

Why Do Rabbits Pull Their Fur Out?

There can be any number of reasons why your rabbit is pulling out fur. But some of the most common reasons for fur pulling nclude:

Let's take a closer look at each of those common rabbit fur pulling reasons and define why they cause the behaviour and, more importantly, how can you help.

Nest Building

If your female rabbit is pulling out fur from her chest, belly and flanks (sides), it's likely that she's pregnant. She'll use her fur to build a nest for her kits (baby rabbits). This usually happens near the end of her pregnancy and can be a sign that the kits will be delivered soon. In this situation, fur pulling is a hormone-driven behaviour and is nothing to worry about.

Why is My Rabbit Pulling Her Fur Out When Not Pregnant?

If you know your rabbit isn't pregnant but she's displaying this nest building behaviour, it's likely she is suffering from pseudopregnancy, also called a 'phantom pregnancy' or 'false pregnancy'.

Phantom pregnancy is when female rabbits experience the hormonal changes that are normal in pregnancy, even though they're not pregnant. False pregnancies usually end when the hormones return to normal at the end of their reproductive cycle.

Contact your vet if you're concerned about your rabbit or if the behaviour continues.

Parasites

Common parasites, such as fleas and mites, can cause discomfort in both male and female rabbits. Rabbits will scratch, bite and pull fur to find some relief from the flea and mite bites. Your rabbit may also rub themselves against rough surfaces, which will also affect their fur. Some mites burrow into your rabbit's skin, causing an infection that leads to the fur falling out.

Skin Conditions

Rabbit's skin is very delicate and can easily be damaged. Allergies, dehydration, poor diet and nutrition, unclean and dusty housing can all cause dry irritated skin. Rabbits will overgroom, scratch and pull out their fur to relieve the discomfort of a skin condition if left untreated.

Boredom or Stress

A bored rabbit in an unstimulating environment, or a stressed rabbit in a noisy and busy space, may resort to fur pulling to soothe themselves. If your rabbit is kept in a bonded pair, and they're separated for whatever reason, it can cause them to suffer from anxiety.

Individual rabbits are more likely to suffer from boredom and stress, as rabbits are used to living in large groups. Having at least one other rabbit with them will offer them companionship, entertainment and comfort.

Fur pulling by other rabbits can happen during scuffles and fighting. If your rabbits often get in a scrap, it's best to separate them. Neutered males are less likely to fight than unneutered ones.

Grooming

Rabbits are generally very good at grooming themselves, but some coats need a lot more maintenance than others. Medium- and long-haired breeds, such as Angora, Miniature Lops and Lionhead rabbits, can be prone to tangled fur and mats.

Rabbits will try to remove these by pulling them out. If your rabbit is suffering from another condition, such as dental disease or arthritis, this will affect their grooming abilities. If they can't groom themselves properly, this can lead to other skin problems and potentially hair pulling.

Diet

If your rabbit's diet doesn't meet their nutritional needs, your rabbit may pull fur and ingest it. This is dangerous as it can lead to gastrointestinal blockages, which are life-threatening emergencies. If you think your rabbit has ingested too much hair, contact your vet straight away.

How to Stop My Rabbit from Pulling Out Fur

To stop your rabbits pulling out their fur, you first need to be able to answer, Why is my rabbit pulling its fur out? If you're unsure of the cause, speak to your vet.

Neutering a Female Rabbit

If your rabbit continues to experience false pregnancies, the solution to the fur pulling is to have her neutered. Female rabbits are less at risk from uterine diseases and cancer, and mammary diseases when neutered. It also helps prevent urine spraying, behavioural changes, and unwanted pregnancies.

Treating Parasites and Skin Conditions

Your vet can treat fur pulling caused by parasites. Routine preventative treatment will prevent further infestations.

If you suspect your rabbit is suffering from a skin condition, they'll need to see your vet to determine the cause. Allergies can be managed with medication. If the cause is your rabbit's environment or diet, you can make changes to ensure your rabbit is getting what they need to be happy and healthy.

Check your rabbit's coat condition when grooming or stroking them. Keep an eye out for mats/tangles or dry, flaky skin. Whether you have a long-haired or short-haired rabbit, regular grooming will help keep their fur in tip-top condition.

Do You Have an Ideal Rabbit Enclosure?

A rabbit that's pulling fur due to stress or boredom can be helped by changing its environment. Make sure your rabbit has a big enough enclosure, regular access to a larger outdoor run, and plenty of toys to play with.

Their housing should have a variety of platforms, stairs, tunnels and hides for your rabbit to explore. It should also be plenty big enough to house your rabbits depending on the number of rabbits and their size.

An enclosure can't be too big!

Don't Ignore Your Rabbit Pulling Out Fur

Never ignore your rabbit's fur pulling behaviour. Although it can be normal in female rabbits, it can also be a sign of parasites, skin problems, boredom, stress and grooming issues.

Checking for issues attached to your rabbit pulling out fur can be a good bonding experience for you too. While you're checking their coat, you're taking the time to groom and care for them. Your bunny should respond to this affection in a positive way.

Your vet will be able to determine the cause and help treat the problem. Rabbit fur pulling can lead to further health conditions, so don't delay getting your bunny treated!

Everypaw Rabbit Insurance

Here at Everypaw, we want to help you keep your bunny healthy and in tip top shape. So, when it comes to your rabbit’s care, Everypaw’s Rabbit Insurance could be just the cover to look after your little thumper.

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Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.

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