Bunny Behaviour - laying on sister.

[Kayleighrix]

My two French Lops are sisters that have lived together 5 years but lately one of the sisters is excessively laying on the other. The one at the bottom has been I’ll with e cuniculi and has partial paralysis. Both rabbits are currently being treated. My question was, is the one on top laying on her to assert dominance because the other is sick or is it a protecting behaviour. I don’t want to separate them but don’t want to ignore the behaviour if it’s becoming harmful. I’ve tried to remove her but she consistently goes back to lay over her.

 

[Mariam+Theo]

I think it is dominance, but separating them won't be necessary. This is probably spring hormones and she is just taking it out on her sister. It should go away in the next couple of weeks.

 

[JBun]

It can sometimes be a sign of dominance but not always. Ive had older rabbits do it because I think they find it a more comfortable position for them. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you see it's causing problems for your other bun.