Bunny Aggravation

[Eisei]

Hello everyone, first post here. I have two bunnies that are penned off.

They have a few areas to relax, a rug, a big pillow, a shelf, under a platform pet, on top of the platform.

One male, one female, both are neutered/spayed. The male was sleeping in the litter box (idk, he does that) and the other was sleeping on the rug.

He got up, seemed (angry?) and then ran at her. He didn't bite her or hurt her as far as I know, tried to separate them as soon as possible. But he does "ram" her. She wasn't doing anything, just laying there half asleep.

 

[ZRabbits]

Welcome to RO!

I experienced what you are experiencing with your bunnies also. After neutering both my males, who had been living well together since 7 weeks old, started to show, as you put it, bunny aggravation. The last several times they were out Kreacher would do that to Dobby. I would herd them back to their crate, and they would kind of settle down. Then it started in their crate, I had to separate Kreacher, putting him a carrier, until they both settled down. Then put Kreacher back. I, myself had no clue why this was starting, especially with bonded brothers.

The last straw was when I woke up one morning to find Dobby, with partial fur missing from his face. At the time, Dobby was molting, but after I check that hair was to the skin, and the pigment hadn't even started to change for new growth. I found out this was a bunny aggression called "barbering". I had to split them. I had no other choice. I read, was advised, heard experiences that bunny don't fight nice. Nasty injuries and even death can occur.

I truly got lucky. Dobby and Kreacher are now 1 year old, (split them at 5 months) and have enjoyed living separately. They do know each other are still hear, being allowed separate time out, but I would like to introduce them again. For exercise and play.

Hopefully someone who decided to keep their bunnies together and work it out can give you some insight. I've read many successes, but heard many failures. Hoping whatever you decide, this bunny aggravation goes away. And happy bunnies and owners again.

K

Edited to add: I did find out something I read. That bunnies do hold a grudge. Something small may happen and set off hard feelings. Some forgive and forget. Some forgive but tolerate. But some never forgive again. Hoping Dobby and Kreacher can forgive and forget to enjoy a romp together again.

Just thought I share.

 

[agnesthelion]

I don't have advice for the question at hand but just wanted to post that Karen, you always have such great advice and you always take the time to help people out and I've have learned so much from your posts. Thanks

To the original post...good luck with your buns. I hope you can work it out!

 

[Samara]

Molly and Gubbs are going through this. After Gubby was neutered they were living together and things were great. Then he started harassing her and spraying her, so they live separately now.

My goal is to eventually have all 6 bunnies bonded or at least tolerant of each other.

Some rabbits just get antsy with each other. Separating and trying things slowly again seems to be the right medicine.

And :hearts: Karen!! :hearts: She's the best!

 

[Eisei]

Thank you all for your responses, they're much appreciated.

The thing is, they're mostly okay, they cuddle and groom each other. They spend time together and are just fine. The male getting up and going at the female is really random.

 

[ZRabbits]

Glad to hear it was a one time spat. Looks like forgive and forget.

Hoping this bond continues. Just observe. Bunny fights can get nasty.

K

 

[Eisei]

Well no, maybe I worded it wrong, it's not a one time thing, but its a very random thing that happens, but it happens every so often.

 

[ZRabbits]

Eisei wrote:

Well no, maybe I worded it wrong, it's not a one time thing, but its a very random thing that happens, but it happens every so often.

Is it still just a charge? Nothing escalated to biting or pulling hair before you step in?

Kreacher would charge Dobby outside their crate, but then Kreacher did it to Dobby inside the crate and Dobby spun back and charged Kreacher. Then Kreacher actually pulled the hair off Dobby's face. I'm surprised Dobby didn't retaliated. All that happened in period of 2 weeks. I had to split them.

If it's only been a couple times and hasn't escalated, I'd just watch them. Hopefully this random aggression fades away as they get older.

K

 

[Eisei]

I believe he bit her once, didn't break skin but she freaked out :/

And he chases her around and they knock stuff over. Like she's blatantly NOT bothering him but he decides to chase her.

On another note, while I have your attention and help inone thread:
The guy uses the litterbox without a problem. (2 years old)
The girl uses the litterbox but also likes to just poop EVERYWHERE anyway. (1 year old)

 

[ZRabbits]

Eisei wrote:

I believe he bit her once, didn't break skin but she freaked out :/

And he chases her around and they knock stuff over. Like she's blatantly NOT bothering him but he decides to chase her.

On another note, while I have your attention and help inone thread:
The guy uses the litterbox without a problem. (2 years old)
The girl uses the litterbox but also likes to just poop EVERYWHERE anyway. (1 year old)

That could be his way of courting. If you watch wild bunnies, they do the same thing. They rush and jump over each other. And the nips are a males way of stimulating a female. This is true in the animal world. And her freaking out is her way of saying, No, I'm not ready and I don't want to do that.

The girl pooping everywhere is a girl marking her territory. Girls do the same thing as males. They need to find and mark their space.

K

Edit to add: The guy is 2 years old and set in his ways. That's why he uses the litter box.