Why is your rabbit pulling its own fur out of its paws?

There are a few different reasons why a pet rabbit that lives alone might pull its hair out. An experienced rabbit vet can help you figure out what the exact problem is with your bunny.

False Pregnancy

If the rabbit is female and not spayed, she could be having a "false pregnancy." This is where the rabbit thinks she is pregnant, and starts acting like she's pregnant. Pregnant rabbits pull out their fur, particularly from their chin (dewlap) and belly, to make a nest for their babies.

False pregnancies are not healthy for rabbits. Preventing false pregnancies is one reason why you should consider spaying your rabbit.

Other Causes

In all pets, fur pulling and biting can be a sign of:

• Parasites or other physical discomfort/pain
• Emotional distress e.g. caused by boredom, stress/anxiety, poor living conditions, etc.