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?
Under 6 months
6-8 months (6 months or more, but less than 9 months)
9-11 months (9 months or more, but less than 12 months)
12-17 months (12 months or more, but less than 18 months)
18-23 months (18 months or more, but less than 24 months)
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
7 years or over
Don’t know
2.5.
Approximately how old was this rabbit when you acquired it?
Under 2 months
2-5 months (2 months or more, but less than 6 months)
6-8 months (6 months or more, but less than 9 months)
9-11 months (9 months or more, but less than 12 months)
12-17 months (12 months or more, but less than 18 months)
18-23 months (18 months or more, but less than 24 months)
2 years or more
Don't know
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?
Under 3 months
3-6 months (3 months or more, but less than 7 months)
7-12 months (7 months or more, but less than 13 months)
13-23 months (13 months or more, but less than 24 months)
2 years or more
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)?
Never
Less than 1 hour
1-2 hours (1 hour or more, but less than 3 hours)
3-6 hours (3 hours or more, but less than 7 hours)
7-14 hours (7 hours or more, but less than 15 hours)
15-23 hours (15 hours or more, but less than 24 hours)
24 hours a day
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?
1
2
3
4
5 or more
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?
Aggressive towards people EVER SINCE ACQUIRED
Under 3 months
3-5 months (3 months or more, but less than 6 month
6-8 months (6 months or more, but less than 9 months)
9-11 months (9 months or more, but less than 12 months)
12-17 months (12 months or more, but less than 18 months)
18-23 months (18 months or more, but less than 24 months)
2 years or more
Can't remember
Not applicable, it has never shown aggression to people
4.3.
AGE OF WORST AGGRESSION: At approximately what age did your rabbit's aggression towards people reach its worst level?
Aggression already at worst level when acquired
ONLY aggressive during 1st MONTH after acquired
Under 3 months
3-5 months (3 months or more, but less than 6 month
6-8 months (6 months or more, but less than 9 months)
9-11 months (9 months or more, but less than 12 months)
12-17 months (12 months or more, but less than 18 months)
18-23 months (18 months or more, but less than 24 months)
2 years or more
Can't remember
Not applicable, it has never shown aggression to people
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.
Less than once a month
Less than once a week
1-2 times per week
3-6 times per week
7-14 times per week
More than 14 times per week
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?
Never
Less than once a month
Less than once a week
1-2 times per week
3-6 times per week
7-14 times per week
More than 14 times per week
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.
Less than once a month
Less than once a week
1-2 times per week
3-6 times per week
7-14 times per week
More than 14 times per week
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
4.16.
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.
Never
Less than once a month
Less than once a week
1-2 times per week
3-6 times per week
7-14 times per week
More than 14 times per week
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
4.17.
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?
Agressive towards other rabbits EVER SINCE ACQUIRED
Under 3 months
3-5 months (3 months or more, but less than 6 month
6-8 months (6 months or more, but less than 9 months)
9-11 months (9 months or more, but less than 12 months)
12-17 months (12 months or more, but less than 18 months)
18-23 months (18 months or more, but less than 24 months)
2 years or more
Can't remember
Not applicable, it has never shown aggression to people
5.5.
AGE OF WORST AGGRESSION: At approximately what age did your rabbit's aggression towards other rabbits reach its worst level?
Aggression already at worst level when acquired
ONLY aggressive during 1st MONTH after acquired
Under 3 months
3-5 months (3 months or more, but less than 6 month
6-8 months (6 months or more, but less than 9 months)
9-11 months (9 months or more, but less than 12 months)
12-17 months (12 months or more, but less than 18 months)
18-23 months (18 months or more, but less than 24 months)
2 years or more
Can't remember
Not applicable, it has never shown aggression to people
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.
Less than once a month
Less than once a week
1-2 times per week
3-6 times per week
7-14 times per week
More than 14 times per week
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?
Never
Less than once a month
Less than once a week
1-2 times per week
3-6 times per week
7-14 times per week
More than 14 times per week
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