Rascally Rabbits III: Intact Rabbits

Companion Animal Behavior Program, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine



Contact Information

Name: Dr. Ulrike Reinisch
Address: UC Davis VMTH, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616
Voice: (530)- 752-1393
Email: usreinisch@ucdavis.edu


1. 		 

Survey Instructions
   
[Top] [Instructions] [Section 2] [Section 3] [Section 4] [Section 5] [Section 6] [Section 7] [Section 8] [Section 9] [Thank You] [Submit]
   
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU START THE SURVEY!!!

 
   

1.1.  
Thank you for your interest in our survey on rabbit behavior, which is being conducted by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Through your participation, you will help us gain a better understanding of pet rabbit behavior and the effects of spaying and neutering on their behavior. The survey should only be filled out for PET RABBITS and should take approximately 15-25 minutes to complete. Your participation is VERY important, and we thank you for your time and patience. Once the study is completed, the results will be published and made available to the public.
 

 
   

1.2.  
There are 3 Rascally Rabbit Surveys (Rascally Rabbits I, II and III). To ensure the accuracy of our results it is critical that you take the correct survey and that you only take ONE SURVEY for ONE RABBIT in your household. Please carefully read the following instructions to help you select the appropriate rabbit and survey. Note: If you previously responded to a survey entitled "Rabbit Behavior" on or before December 10, 2005, this is a different survey, so please do take the time to fill out the correct Rascally Rabbit Survey (I, II or III).
 

 
   

1.3.  
CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE RABBIT: If you have multiple rabbits, only complete the survey (Rascally Rabbits I, II or III) for the ONE RABBIT YOU HAVE OWNED FOR AT LEAST 3 MONTHS AND WHOSE NAME BEGINS WITH THE LETTER(S) CLOSEST TO THE BEGINNING OF THE ALPHABET. For example, if your rabbits are named Bonnie and Rex and you have owned both for at least 3 months, only complete the survey for Bonnie. If your rabbits' names are Bonnie and Ben, only answer the survey for Ben.
 

 
   

1.4.  
CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE SURVEY: This survey, Rascally Rabbits III, should ONLY be completed for INTACT RABBITS (i.e. rabbits that have NOT been spayed or neutered.) If your rabbit was intact when you acquired it, but has since been spayed or neutered, please GO TO RASCALLY RABBITS I (http://intercom.virginia.edu/SurveySuite/Surveys/RabbitBehaviorPart1). If your rabbit was already spayed or neutered when you acquired it, please GO TO RASCALLY RABBITS II (http://intercom.virginia.edu/SurveySuite/Surveys/RascallyRabbitsII).
 

 
   

1.5.  
PLEASE NOTE: While the behaviors asked about in this survey are sometimes considered to be problematic by rabbit owners, they are often part of normal rabbit behavior and communication.
 



 2. 		 

General Information
   
[Top] [Instructions] [Section 2] [Section 3] [Section 4] [Section 5] [Section 6] [Section 7] [Section 8] [Section 9] [Thank You] [Submit]
   
If you own multiple rabbits, only answer this survey for the ONE rabbit that you have owned for at least 3 months and whose name begins with the letter(s) closest to the beginning of the alphabet.

 
   

2.1.  
What is your rabbit's name?
 
   
 

 
   

2.2.  
What is your rabbit's sex?
 
   
    Female
   
    Male
   
    Don't know- Please STOP taking this survey; we will not be able to use your answers.

 
   

2.3.  
Has this rabbit been spayed or neutered?
 
   
    No
   
    Yes- STOP taking this survey. If your rabbit was intact when acquired, but has since been spayed/neutered, GO TO: http://intercom.virginia.edu/SurveySuite/Surveys/RabbitBehaviorPart1 ; if your rabbit was already spayed/neutered when acquired, GO TO: http://intercom.virginia.edu/SurveySuite/Surveys/RascallyRabbitsII
   
    Don't know- Please STOP taking this survey; we will not be able to use your answers.

 
   

2.4.  
Approximately how old is your rabbit?     

 
   

2.5.  
Approximately how old was this rabbit when you acquired it?     

 
   

2.6.  
From where did you acquire this rabbit?
 
   
    Pet store
   
    Breeder
   
    Litter of private individual
   
    Own rabbit had litter
   
    Shelter or rescue organization
   
    Veterinarian
   
    Previous owner
   
    Found
   
   
Other, Please Specify:  

 
   

2.7.  
How long have you owned this rabbit?     

 
   

2.8.  
What breed is this rabbit?
 
   
    Don't know or mixed breed
   
    Angora
   
    Californian
   
    Checkered Giant
   
    Chinchilla
   
    Dutch
   
    Dwarf Hotot
   
    English Lop
   
    Flemish Giant
   
    French Lop
   
    Giant Chinchilla
   
    Himalayan
   
    Holland Lop
   
    Jersey Wooly
   
    Mini Lop
   
    Mini Rex
   
    Netherland Dwarf
   
    New Zealand
   
    Rex
   
   
Other, Please Specify:  

 
   

2.9.  
What size is your rabbit? If your rabbit is not fully grown, please base your answer on the expected size as an adult.
 
   
    Dwarf - under 3 lbs (1.4 kgs)
   
    Small - 3 to 5.9 lbs (1.4 - 2.6 kgs)
   
    Medium - 6 to 8.9 lbs (2.7-4.0 kgs)
   
    Large - 9 to 11 lbs (4.1- 5.0 kgs)
   
    Giant - over 11 lbs (5.0 kgs)
   
    Don't know

 
   

2.10.  
Are you the primary caregiver for this rabbit?
 
   
  Yes   No
   

 
   

2.11.  
Where is this rabbit housed?
 
   
    Completely inside your home
   
    Completely outside or away from your home (outdoor enclosure, shed, barn, garage, etc.)
   
    Both inside and outside your home

 
   

2.12.  
If this rabbit is housed at least partly INSIDE your home, on AVERAGE how many hours a day is it allowed out of its cage with access to any part of the house (even a rabbit-proof room)?     
   
 
  Not applicable, my rabbit is housed completely OUTSIDE or away from my home


 
   

2.13.  
DIET: Please complete the following table by estimating the percent of your rabbit's diet (current and at 5 months of age) composed of each of the following ingredients. If you did not own your rabbit at 5 months, please enter "na" (not applicable) in that column.
 
   
      % of current diet % of diet at 5 months
  a. Pellets
  b. Alfalfa Hay
  c. Other Hay (timothy, oat, grass, etc.)
  d. Fresh Vegetables
  e. Fresh Fruit
  f. Other

 
   

2.14.  
In what situations have you taken or do you plan to take your rabbit to a veterinarian? Please choose all that apply.
 
   
    Never
   
    Health check when first acquired
   
    Spay/neuter surgery
   
    Illness or injury
   
    Routine health checks less than once a year
   
    Yearly routine health checks

 
   

2.15.  
Has your rabbit had any medical problems during the past 2 months?
 
   
  Yes   No
   

 
   

2.16.  
Including the rabbit for which you are answering this survey, how many rabbits currently live in your household?     



3. 		 

Spay/Neuter Related Information
   
[Top] [Instructions] [Section 2] [Section 3] [Section 4] [Section 5] [Section 6] [Section 7] [Section 8] [Section 9] [Thank You] [Submit]
   

 
   

3.1.  
Why did you decide not to spay/neuter this rabbit? Choose all that apply.
 
   
    Rabbit too young
   
    Rabbit already too old when acquired
   
    Planned to breed rabbit/wanted to have babies
   
    Did not know rabbits could be spayed/neutered
   
    Never recommended by veterinarian
   
    Surgery too risky or painful
   
    Surgery too expensive
   
    Feel neutering/spaying would lower my rabbit's quality of life and/or prevent it from feeling fulfilled
   
    No reason to spay/neuter
   
   
Other, Please Specify:  

 
   

3.2.  
If you were to acquire another rabbit, how likely would you be to spay/neuter it?
 
   
  Definitely Yes   Neutral   Definitely No
 



4. 		 

Aggression Towards Humans
   
[Top] [Instructions] [Section 2] [Section 3] [Section 4] [Section 5] [Section 6] [Section 7] [Section 8] [Section 9] [Thank You] [Submit]
   

 
   

4.1.  
HISTORY OF AGGRESSION: Since you've owned this rabbit, has it EVER been aggressive towards people? (Note: "aggression" includes growling, thumping with hind feet, striking/boxing with front feet, kicking with hind feet, lunging, charging, chasing, circling, mounting, nipping, biting, etc.)
 
   
    Yes
   
    No- SKIP TO SECTION 5; the rest of this section does not apply to your rabbit.

 
   

4.2.  
AGE OF FIRST AGGRESSION: At approximately what age did your rabbit FIRST show aggression towards people?     

 
   

4.3.  
AGE OF WORST AGGRESSION: At approximately what age did your rabbit's aggression towards people reach its worst level?     

 
   

4.4.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: Has your rabbit shown aggression towards people during the past 2 months?
 
   
    Yes
   
    No- SKIP TO QUESTION 4.11

 
   

4.5.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: Towards whom has your rabbit shown aggression during the past 2 months? Choose all that apply.
 
   
    Household members
   
    Familiar non-household members
   
    Strangers
   
    Not applicable, my rabbit has not shown aggression towards people during the past 2 months

 
   

4.6.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: What does your rabbit currently do when it is aggressive towards people? Choose all that apply. ONLY include behaviors that your rabbit has shown during the past 2 months.
 
   
    Growls
   
    Thumps hind feet
   
    Boxes/strikes with front feet or kicks with hind feet
   
    Lunges/charges/chases people
   
    Nips or bites without breaking skin
   
    Bites hard enough to break skin
   
    Circles feet and nips and/or mounts legs
   
   
Other, Please Specify:  
   
    Not applicable, my rabbit does not currently show aggression towards people


 
   

4.7.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: In what situations has your rabbit shown aggression towards people during the past 2 months? Choose all that apply.
 
   
    Reaching into cage
   
    Picking up
   
    Holding on lap or petting
   
    Hand feeding
   
    Holding hand in front of nose/face for rabbit to sniff
   
    Giving medications, cleaning ears, clipping nails, brushing, etc.
   
    Moving around room
   
    Entering home or entering rabbit's room
   
    During play
   
   
Other, Please Specify:  
   
    Not applicable, my rabbit has not shown aggression towards people during the past 2 months


 
   

4.8.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: During the past 2 months, how frequently has your rabbit shown ANY form of aggression towards a person? Please consider all forms of aggression listed in question 4.6 in your answer.     
   
 
  Not applicable, my rabbit has not shown aggression towards people during the past 2 months


 
   

4.9.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: During the past 2 months, how frequently has your rabbit shown more SERIOUS forms of aggression (nipping without breaking skin, biting, lunging, charging, or chasing) towards a person?     
   
 
  Not applicable, my rabbit has not shown aggression towards people during the past 2 months


 
   

4.10.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: In your opinion, your rabbit's current level of aggression towards people is a:
 
   
    Serious problem
   
    Moderate problem
   
    Minor problem
   
    Not a problem

 
   

4.11.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: Thinking back, did your rabbit show aggression towards people when it was approximately 5-6 months old?
 
   
    Yes
   
    No- SKIP TO QUESTION 4.18
   
    Can't Remember- SKIP TO QUESTION 4.20
   
    Not applicable- I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months- SKIP TO QUESTION 4.20


 
   

4.12.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: Towards whom was your rabbit aggressive when it was approximately 5-6 months old? Choose all that apply.
 
   
    Household members
   
    Familiar non-household members
   
    Strangers
   
    Can't remember
   
    Not applicable- rabbit not aggressive at 5-6 months OR didn't own rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

4.13.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: What did your rabbit do when it showed aggression towards people at 5-6 months of age? Choose all that apply.
 
   
    Growl
   
    Thump hind feet
   
    Box/strike with front feet or kick with hind feet
   
    Lunge/charge/chase people
   
    Nip or bite without breaking skin
   
    Bite hard enough to break skin
   
    Circle feet and nip and/or mount legs
   
    Can't remember
   
   
Other, Please Specify:  
   
    Not applicable - rabbit not aggressive at 5-6 months OR didn't own rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

4.14.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: In what situations did your rabbit show aggression towards people when it was 5-6 months old? Choose all that apply.
 
   
    Reaching into cage
   
    Picking up
   
    Holding on lap or petting
   
    Hand feeding
   
    Holding hand in front of nose/face for rabbit to sniff
   
    Giving medications, cleaning ears, clipping nails, brushing, etc.
   
    Moving around room
   
    Entering home or entering rabbit's room
   
    During play
   
    Can't remember
   
   
Other, Please Specify:  
   
    Not applicable - rabbit not aggressive at 5-6 months OR didn't own rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

4.15.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: How frequently did your rabbit show ANY form of aggression towards people at 5-6 months of age? Please consider all forms of aggression listed in question 4.13 in your answer.     
   
 
  Not applicable - rabbit not aggressive at 5-6 months OR didn't own rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

4.16.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: How frequently did your rabbit show more SERIOUS forms of aggression (nipping without breaking skin, biting, lunging, charging, or chasing) towards people when it was 5-6 months old.
    
   
 
  Not applicable - rabbit not aggressive at 5-6 months OR didn't own rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

4.17.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: In your opinion, your rabbit's aggression towards people when it was 5-6 months old was a:
 
   
    Serious problem
   
    Moderate problem
   
    Minor problem
   
    Not a problem
   
    Not applicable - I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

4.18.  
CHANGE IN AGGRESSION: Compared to when your rabbit was approximately 5-6 months old, your rabbit's aggression towards people now is:
 
   
    Better
   
    Unchanged
   
    Worse
   
    Not applicable - I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

4.19.  
CHANGE IN AGGRESSION: If there has been a change in your rabbit's aggression towards people since it was 5-6 months old, please estimate the PERCENT IMPROVEMENT or WORSENING.
 
   
    0% - no change
   
    Less than 25%
   
    25% or more, but less than 50%
   
    50% or more, but less than 75%
   
    75% or more, but less than 90%
   
    90% or more, but less than 100%
   
    100%
   
    Not applicable - I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

4.20.  
TREATMENT OF AGGRESSION: Have you done anything to try to decrease your rabbit's aggression towards people (training, punishment, limiting interactions with people, changing the environment, etc.)?
 
   
  Yes   No
   

 
   

4.21.  
TREATMENT OF AGGRESSION: If yes, please describe what have you done.
 
   
 
   
 
  Not applicable, I have not done anything




5. 		 

Aggression Towards Other Rabbits
   
[Top] [Instructions] [Section 2] [Section 3] [Section 4] [Section 5] [Section 6] [Section 7] [Section 8] [Section 9] [Thank You] [Submit]
   

 
   

5.1.  
CONTACT WITH OTHER RABBITS: Since you've owned this rabbit, has it ever had direct contact with another rabbit in your household?
 
   
    Yes
   
    No

 
   

5.2.  
HISTORY OF AGGRESSION: Since you've owned this rabbit, has it EVER been aggressive towards another rabbit in your household? (Note: "aggression" includes growling, thumping with hind feet, striking/boxing with front feet, kicking with hind feet, lunging, charging, chasing, circling, mounting, nipping, biting, etc.)
 
   
    Yes
   
    No- SKIP TO SECTION 6; the remainder of this section does not apply to your rabbit.

 
   

5.3.  
TARGETS OF AGGRESSION: What was the sex of the rabbit(s) towards whom your rabbit has shown aggression? Choose all that apply.
 
   
    Intact female
   
    Spayed female
   
    Intact male
   
    Neutered male
   
    Not sure
   
    Not applicable, my rabbit has never been aggressive to another rabbit


 
   

5.4.  
AGE OF FIRST AGGRESSION: At approximately what age did your rabbit FIRST show aggression towards another household rabbit?
    

 
   

5.5.  
AGE OF WORST AGGRESSION: At approximately what age did your rabbit's aggression towards other rabbits reach its worst level?

     

 
   

5.6.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: Has your rabbbit had contact with another household rabbit during the past 2 months?
 
   
  Yes   No
   

 
   

5.7.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: Has your rabbit been aggressive towards another household rabbit during the past 2 months?
 
   
    Yes
   
    No - SKIP TO QUESTION 5.12

 
   

5.8.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: What does your rabbit currently do when it is aggressive towards other rabbits? Choose all that apply. ONLY include behaviors that your rabbit has shown during the past 2 months.
 
   
    Growls
   
    Thumps hind feet
   
    Circles
   
    Boxes/strikes with front feet or kicks with hind feet
   
    Lunges/charges/chases other rabbits
   
    Nips or bites without breaking skin
   
    Bites hard enough to break skin
   
    Mounts
   
   
Other, Please Specify:  
   
    Not applicable, my rabbit does not currently show aggression towards other rabbits


 
   

5.9.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: During the past 2 months, how frequently has your rabbit shown ANY form of aggression towards another household rabbit? Please consider all forms of aggression listed in question 5.8 in your answer.     
   
 
  Not applicable, my rabbit has not shown aggression towards other rabbits during the past 2 months


 
   

5.10.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: During the past 2 months, how frequently has your rabbit shown more SERIOUS forms of aggression (nipping without breaking skin, biting, lunging, charging, or chasing) towards another household rabbit?     
   
 
  Not applicable, my rabbit has not shown aggression towards other rabbits during the past 2 months


 
   

5.11.  
CURRENT AGGRESSION: In your opinion, your rabbit's current level of aggression towards other rabbits is a:
 
   
    Serious problem
   
    Moderate problem
   
    Minor problem
   
    Not a problem

 
   

5.12.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: Thinking back, did your rabbit have contact with other household rabbits when it was approximately 5-6 months old?
 
   
    Yes
   
    No
   
    Can't remember

 
   

5.13.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: Did your rabbit show aggression towards other household rabbits when it was approximately 5-6 months old?
 
   
    Yes
   
    No-SKIP TO QUESTION 5.18
   
    Can't remember- SKIP TO QUESTION 5.20
   
    Not applicable - I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months- SKIP TO QUESTION 5.20


 
   

5.14.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: What did your rabbit do when it was aggressive towards other rabbits at 5-6 months of age? Choose all that apply.
 
   
    Growl
   
    Thump hind feet
   
    Circles
   
    Box/strike with front feet or kick with hind feet
   
    Lunge/charge/chase other rabbits
   
    Nip or bite without breaking skin
   
    Bite hard enough to break skin
   
    Mount
   
    Can't remember
   
   
Other, Please Specify:  
   
    Not applicable - rabbit not aggressive at 5-6 months OR didn't own rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

5.15.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: How frequently did your rabbit show ANY form of aggression towards other household rabbits when it was 5-6 months old? Please consider all forms of aggression listed in question 5.14 in your answer.     
   
 
  Not applicable - rabbit not aggressive at 5-6 months OR didn't own rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

5.16.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: How frequently did your rabbit show more SERIOUS forms of aggression (nipping without breaking skin, biting, lunging, charging, or chasing) towards other household rabbits when it was 5-6 months old?     
   
 
  Not applicable - rabbit not aggressive at 5-6 months OR didn't own rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

5.17.  
AGGRESSION AT 5-6 MONTHS: In your opinion, your rabbit's aggression towards other rabbits when it was 5-6 months old, was a:
 
   
    Serious problem
   
    Moderate problem
   
    Minor problem
   
    Not a problem
   
    Not applicable, rabbit not aggressive at 5-6 months OR didn't own rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

5.18.  
CHANGE IN AGGRESSION: Compared to when your rabbit was 5-6 months old, your rabit's aggression towards other rabbits now is:
 
   
    Better
   
    Unchanged
   
    Worse
   
    Not applicable- rabbit not aggressive at 5-6 months OR didn't own rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

5.19.  
CHANGE IN AGGRESSION: If there has been a change in your rabbit's aggression towards other rabbits since it was 5-6 months old, please estimate the PERCENT IMPROVEMENT or WORSENING.
 
   
    0% - no change
   
    Less than 25%
   
    25% or more, but less than 50%
   
    50% or more, but less than 75%
   
    75% or more, but less than 90%
   
    90% or more, but less than 100%
   
    100%
   
    Not applicable, I didn't own rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

5.20.  
TREATMENT OF AGGRESSION: Has your rabbit's history of aggression influenced the amount of interaction it is allowed to have with other rabbits in your household? If yes, how? Choose all that apply.
 
   
    No- its aggression has not influenced its level of interaction with other rabbits
   
    Yes- it is no longer allowed to have direct contact with ANY other rabbits
   
    Yes- it is now only allowed to have direct contact with SOME other rabbits
   
    Yes- it is now only allowed together with other rabbits under DIRECT SUPERVISION
   
    Yes- it now spends less time together with other rabbits

 
   

5.21.  
TREATMENT OF AGGRESSION: Have you done anything else to try to decrease your rabbit's aggression towards other rabbits (training, punishment, environmental changes, etc.)
 
   
  Yes   No
   

 
   

5.22.  
TREATMENT OF AGGRESSION: If yes, please describe what you have done.
 
   
 
   
 
  Not applicable, I have not done anything else




6. 		 

Urine Spraying
   
[Top] [Instructions] [Section 2] [Section 3] [Section 4] [Section 5] [Section 6] [Section 7] [Section 8] [Section 9] [Thank You] [Submit]
   
****** PLEASE READ!! ***** This section deals with rabbits that SPRAY urine, NOT with rabbits that urinate in a normal position to empty their bladder (i.e. to "go to the bathroom"); the latter is addressed separately in section 7. Urine spraying refers to the production of a stream of urine that hits vertical surfaces (such as walls, the side of furniture, plants, their cages, etc.), other rabbits, or even people. Typically, rabbits will lift their hindquarters when they spray.

 
   

6.1.  
HISTORY OF URINE SPRAYING: Since you've owned this rabbit, has it EVER SPRAYED urine outside of its litterbox or cage? PLEASE READ THE DEFINITION OF SPRAYING ABOVE, before answering the questions in this section.
 
   
    Yes
   
    No- SKIP TO SECTION 7; the remainder of this section does not apply to your rabbit.
   
    Not sure- SKIP TO SECTION 7; the remainder of this section does not apply to your rabbit.

 
   

6.2.  
AGE WHEN FIRST SPRAYED: At approximately what age did your rabbit FIRST spray urine?     

 
   

6.3.  
AGE OF WORST SPRAYING: At approximately what age did your rabbit's urine spraying reach its worst level?     

 
   

6.4.  
CURRENT SPRAYING: Has your rabbit sprayed urine outside of its litterbox or cage during the past 2 months?
 
   
    Yes
   
    No- SKIP TO QUESTION 6.7

 
   

6.5.  
CURRENT SPRAYING: During the past 2 months, how frequently has your rabbit sprayed urine outside of its litterbox or cage?     
   
 
  Not applicable, my rabbit has not sprayed urine outside of its litterbox or cage during the past 2 months


 
   

6.6.  
CURRENT SPRAYING: In your opinion, your rabbit's current level of spraying is a:
 
   
    Serious problem
   
    Moderate problem
   
    Minor problem
   
    Not a problem

 
   

6.7.  
SPRAYING AT 5-6 MONTHS: Thinking back, did your rabbit spray urine outside of its litterbox or cage when it was approximately 5-6 months old?
 
   
    Yes
   
    No- SKIP TO QUESTION 6.10
   
    Can't remember- SKIP TO QUESTION 6.12
   
    Not applicable - I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

6.8.  
SPRAYING AT 5-6 MONTHS: Approximately how frequently did your rabbit spray urine outside of its litterbox or cage when it was 5-6 months old?     
   
 
  Not applicable- rabbit didn’t spray when 5-6 months OR didn't own rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

6.9.  
SPRAYING AT 5-6 MONTHS: In your opinion, your rabbit's urine spraying when it was 5-6 months of age was a:
 
   
    Serious problem
   
    Moderate problem
   
    Minor problem
   
    Not a problem
   
    Not applicable- I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

6.10.  
CHANGE IN SPRAYING: Compared to when your rabbit was 5-6 months old, its spraying now is:
 
   
    Better
   
    Unchanged
   
    Worse
   
    Not applicable- I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

6.11.  
CHANGE IN SPRAYING: If there has been a change in your rabbit's urine spraying since it was 5-6 months old, please estimate the PERCENT IMPROVEMENT or WORSENING.
 
   
    0%- no change
   
    Less than 25%
   
    25% of more, but less than 50%
   
    50% or more, but less than 75%
   
    75% or more, but less than 90%
   
    90% or more, but less than 100%
   
    100%
   
    Not applicable- I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

6.12.  
TREATMENT OF SPRAYING: Have you done anything to try to decrease your rabbit's urine spraying (training, punishment, limiting access to house, environmental changes, etc.)?
 
   
  Yes   No
   

 
   

6.13.  
TREATMENT OF SPRAYING: If yes, please describe what you have done.
 
   
 
   
 
  Not applicable, I have not done anything




7. 		 

Litterbox Training
   
[Top] [Instructions] [Section 2] [Section 3] [Section 4] [Section 5] [Section 6] [Section 7] [Section 8] [Section 9] [Thank You] [Submit]
   

 
   

7.1.  
HISTORY OF LITTERBOX TRAINING: Is your rabbit litterbox trained?
 
   
    Yes
   
    No- SKIP TO SECTION 8; the remainder of this section does not apply to your rabbit

 
   

7.2.  
"LITTER" TYPE: What type of litter substrate do you currently use in your rabbit's litterbox(es)? If you currently use more than one type of litter, choose the one that this rabbit uses the most.
 
   
    Food pellets
   
    Pelleted paper litter
   
    Wood pellets
   
    Other pelleted litter
   
    Non-pelleted paper based litter
   
    Cedar or pine shavings
   
    Other wood shavings
   
    Hay or straw
   
    Non-pelleted oat hull or corn cob litter
   
    Clay litter
   
    Peat moss
   
    Sand
   
   
Other, Please Specify:  
   
    Not applicable, my rabbit does not have a litterbox


 
   

7.3.  
LITTERBOX CLEANING: On average, how frequently do you empty your rabbit's litterbox(es) and completely replace the "litter" ?     
   
 
  Not applicable, my rabbit does not have a litterbox


 
   

7.4.  
CURRENT LITTERBOX HABITS: If your rabbit is litterbox trained, on AVERAGE, how frequently does it URINATE outside of the litterbox or cage? Do NOT include incidents where you know your rabbit sprayed urine.     
   
 
  Not applicable, my rabbit is not litterbox trained


 
   

7.5.  
CURRENT LITTERBOX HABITS: On AVERAGE, how frequently does your rabbit DEFECATE (have a bowel movement) outside of the litterbox or cage?     
   
 
  Not applicable, my rabbit is not litterbox trained


 
   

7.6.  
CURRENT LITTERBOX HABIT: How serious a problem do you consider your rabbit's current level of urination and/or defecation outside of its litterbox/cage to be?
 
   
    Serious problem
   
    Moderate problem
   
    Minor problem
   
    Not a problem

 
   

7.7.  
CHANGE IN LITTERBOX HABITS: Compared to when your rabbit was 5-6 months old, do you feel that its litterbox habits now are:
 
   
    Better
   
    Unchanged
   
    Worse
   
    Not applicable- I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

7.8.  
CHANGE IN LITTERBOX HABITS: If there has been a change in your rabbit's URINATION outside of the litterbox since it was 5-6 months old, please estimate the PERCENT IMPROVEMENT or WORSENING.
 
   
    0%- no change
   
    Less than 25%
   
    25% or more, but less than 50%
   
    50% or more, but less than 75%
   
    75% or more, but less than 90%
   
    90% or more, but less than 100%
   
    100%
   
    Not applicable- I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

7.9.  
CHANGE IN LITTERBOX HABITS: If there has been a change in your rabbit's DEFECATION outside the litterbox since it was 5-6 months old, please estimate the PERCENT IMPROVMENT or WORSENING.
 
   
    0%- no change
   
    Less than 25%
   
    25% or more, but less than 50%
   
    50% or more, but less than 75%
   
    75% or more, but less than 90%
   
    90% or more, but less than 100%
   
    100%
   
    Not applicable- I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

7.10.  
TREATMENT OF HOUSESOILING: Have your rabbit's litterbox habits caused you to decrease the amount of time it is allowed to spend outside of its cage?
 
   
  Yes   No
   

 
   

7.11.  
TREATMENT OF HOUSESOILING: Have you tried anything (training, punishment, environmental changes, etc.) to improve your rabbit's litterbox habits?
 
   
  Yes   No
   

 
   

7.12.  
TREATMENT OF HOUSESOILING: If yes, describe what you have done.
 
   
 
   
 
  Not applicable, I have not done anything




8. 		 

Destructive Behavior
   
[Top] [Instructions] [Section 2] [Section 3] [Section 4] [Section 5] [Section 6] [Section 7] [Section 8] [Section 9] [Thank You] [Submit]
   

 
   

8.1.  
CHEWABLE ITEMS: Do you provide your rabbit with any items to chew? Examples include cardboard rolls, wood branches or blocks, compressed alfalfa cubes, commercial chew toys, wicker baskets, etc.
 
   
  Yes   No
   

 
   

8.2.  
CHEWABLE ITEMS: How frequently do you provide your rabbit with a NEW item to chew?     
   
 
  Not applicable, my rabbit does not get any items to chew


 
   

8.3.  
DESIGNATED DIGGING LOCATION: Does your rabbit have a location where it is allowed/encouraged to dig (such as a digging tunnel or box)?
 
   
  Yes   No
   

 
   

8.4.  
HISTORY OF DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR: Since you've owned this rabbit, has it EVER shown destructive behavior such as chewing inappropriate items or digging in inappropriate locations?
 
   
    Yes- chewing only
   
    Yes- digging only
   
    Yes- chewing and digging
   
    No- SKIP TO SECTION 9; the remainder of this section does not apply to your rabbit

 
   

8.5.  
AGE OF FIRST DESTRUCTION: At approximately what age did your rabbit FIRST engage in destructive chewing and/or digging?     

 
   

8.6.  
AGE OF WORST DESTRUCTION: At approximately what age did your rabbit's destructive chewing and/or digging reach its worst level?     

 
   

8.7.  
CURRENT DESTRUCTION: Has your rabbit engaged in destructive chewing and/or digging during the past 2 months?
 
   
    Yes- chewing only
   
    Yes- digging only
   
    Yes- chewing and digging
   
    No- SKIP TO QUESTION 8.10

 
   

8.8.  
CURRENT DESTRUCTION: How frequently has your rabbit engaged in destructive chewing and/or digging during the past 2 months?     
   
 
  Not applicable, my rabbit has not engaged in destructive behaviors during the past 2 months


 
   

8.9.  
CURRENT DESTRUCTION: In your opinion, your rabbit's current level of destructive chewing and/or digging is a:
 
   
    Serious problem
   
    Moderate problem
   
    Minor problem
   
    Not a problem

 
   

8.10.  
DESTRUCTION AT 5-6 MONTHS: Thinking back, did your rabbit show destructive chewing and/or digging when it was approximately 5-6 months old?
 
   
    Yes- chewing only
   
    Yes- digging only
   
    Yes- chewing and digging
   
    No - SKIP TO QUESTION 8.13
   
    Can't remember- SKIP TO QUESTION 8.15
   
    Not applicable - I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

8.11.  
DESTRUCTION AT 5-6 MONTHS: How frequently did your rabbit engage in destructive chewing and/or digging at 5-6 months of age?     
   
 
  Not applicable- rabbit didn’t engage in destructive behavior at 5-6 months


 
   

8.12.  
DESTRUCTION AT 5-6 MONTHS: In your opinion, your rabbit's destructive chewing and/or digging at 5-6 months of age was a:
 
   
    Serious problem
   
    Moderate problem
   
    Minor problem
   
    Not a problem
   
    Not applicable- I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

8.13.  
CHANGE IN DESTRUCTION: Compared to when your rabbit was 5-6 months old, its destructive chewing and/or digging now is:
 
   
    Better
   
    Unchanged
   
    Worse
   
    Not applicable- I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

8.14.  
CHANGE IN DESTRUCTION: If there has been a change in your rabbit's destructive chewing and/or digging since it was 5-6 months of old, please estimate the PERCENT IMPROVEMENT or WORSENING.
 
   
    0% - no change
   
    Less than 25%
   
    25% or more, but less than 50%
   
    50% or more, but less than 75%
   
    75% or more, but less than 90%
   
    90% or more, but less than 100%
   
    100%
   
    Not applicable- I didn't own this rabbit at 5-6 months OR rabbit currently under 6 months


 
   

8.15.  
Have you tried anything (training, punishment, environmental changes, etc.) to address your rabbit's destructive chewing and/or digging?
 
   
  Yes   No
   

 
   

8.16.  
TREATMENT OF DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIORS: If yes, describe what you have done.
 
   
 
   
 
  Not applicable, I have not done anything




9. 		 

Demographic Information
   
[Top] [Instructions] [Section 2] [Section 3] [Section 4] [Section 5] [Section 6] [Section 7] [Section 8] [Section 9] [Thank You] [Submit]
   
The questions in this section are designed to help us characterize the respondents to this survey in general terms. Your answers are CONFIDENTIAL and will NOT be used for any other purposes.

 
   

9.1.  
PLACE OF RESIDENCE: If you live in the United States with your rabbit, what is your zip code? If you live outside of the United States, what country do you live in?
 
   
 

 
   

9.2.  
GENDER: What is your sex?
 
   
    Female
   
    Male

 
   

9.3.  
AGE: What is your age?
 
   
    Under 18
   
    18-30 years
   
    31-45 years
   
    46-60 years
   
    Over 60 years

 
   

9.4.  
EDUCATION: What is the highest level of education you have completed?     

 
   

9.5.  
For purposes of confidential coding, what are the first 3 letters of your street address?
 
   
 



10. 		 

Thank You
   
[Top] [Instructions] [Section 2] [Section 3] [Section 4] [Section 5] [Section 6] [Section 7] [Section 8] [Section 9] [Thank You] [Submit]
   
THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS SURVEY! Your input will help improve our understanding of pet rabbit behavior. Before hitting the "Submit" button at the end of the survey, please take another minute to answer a few final questions. Thanks again for your help!

 
   

10.1.  
How did you find out about this survey?
 
   
    Website- UC Davis
   
    Website- other
   
    Listserve/chat group
   
    E-mail
   
    Flyer
   
    Veterinarian
   
    Friend/word of mouth
   
   
Other, Please Specify:  

 
   

10.2.  
Name or address of website or listserve, if used:
 
   
 

 
   

10.3.  
FOLLOW UP CONTACT: As we go through the data collected, if further information is required, may we contact you? If so, please leave an e-mail address. Your e-mail will NOT be given out to other outside sources.
 
   
 
   
 
  I do not wish to leave an e-mail address


 
   

10.4.  
Please leave any additional comments about your rabbit that you think it is important for us to know.
 
   
 





This survey was created using the
SurveySuite Survey Generation Tool
by
InterCom