Help me! My bunnies are fighting!

[Lulu0010]

Help! I bought two dwarf lop female bunnies and they have been fantastic with each other until this weekend me and my partner found them fighting each other really viciously. We split them up and then tried to put them back together later on in the night and they did the same thing. So we've got them separated at the moment. They would probably be about 6 months now, and they have been fantastic with each other literally up until this weekend. Any suggestions? Neither have been desexed...I'm just scared that I may pay for them to be desexed and see no change. I will if it comes down to it, but has anyone gone through something similar and have any advice? :?


Thanks heaps guys!

 

[Dustiechick]

Hey lulu!
did a little research and my guess is that they are starting to hit rabbit puberty and are maybe getting a little teritorial. From the websites i've checked out, some people say the exact thing as you and that these changes have seemed to happen overnight. I think you should get them spayed, and then after that I have heard that short bonding sessions have helped their fighting.
Put the 2 rabbits in a small area and if they look like they are about to fight, then spray them both with the water bottle. These sessions should be short and always seperated after.
Good luck to all
Rachel and Dustie

 

[Lulu0010]

Hi Rachel!

Thanks heaps, yeah i just booked them both in to be desexed next week. I hope it makes a big change, it was so stressful to see them fight like that! The vet said to keep them separate for now. So sad because they were fine before! Grooming each other and snuggling.

Thanks again!

Lulu, Ponyo and Lola

 

[Dustiechick]

Hey!
Glad to hear! I have a 2 month old Dutch and I am worried for when the time comes for him to be desexed. Spaying them will bring down the hormones and help diminish those territorial threats. You sound like a great bunny owner!

 

[Lulu0010]

Hello!

Aw cute Dutch rabbits are adorable! Yeah its pricey to get em desexed, but if it means I can maybe rebond them and they wont fight It's definately worth trying! I love them both so much!! Hehe fingers crossed it will work out.

Thanks again

Lulu, Ponyo and Lola

 

[Amy27]

I am not sure of the time period with female rabbits, but I know after the spay it takes sometime for them to get the hormones out of their system. So, even after they are spayed, it might take a few weeks before you will want to start bonding again. I will keep my fingers crossed for you guys. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Lulu0010]

Thanks Amy! Mm Im going to keep them separated for a bit anyways, would really not like to see them fight like that again! Ill let you all know how they go

 

[NorthernAutumn]

The other thing that can make a major difference in a bunny relationship is giving both buns more cage space. Each doe is likely staking out her territory to some degree... kind of like sharing a room with a kid sister

I agree with Amy's comment... wait about 4 -6 weeks after desexing for hormones to diminish, and spay incisions to completely heal before attempting bonding again.

BTW, Welcome to RO Lulu and Dusty! Lulu, I hope you'll make a post in the introduction section where we can all greet you properly

 

[Lulu0010]

Yeah I guess they are a lot bigger now!! Definately will keep them apart for a bit! Thanks Autumn I'll make a post in the introduction section now

 

[lionheadbunny21]

Awww I'm worried about my girls fighting. One is 7 months and the other 3 1/2 months. And I'm getting the older one spayed in a few weeks. I'm wondering if I should seperate them now before they eventually fight. I don't want them to fight while I am not home They are excellent together. I added Happy's cage to the top of Fluffy's and opened up a space so they can visit. I think I may need to seperate them until they are spayed and able to be together without being territorial. Tough situation ....
I hope it all works out after the spay. Keep us posted. Good luck.

 

[SnootyPuffs]

Oh no! I'm in a similar situation since I've got three girls together. Same thing, they seem to adore each other and are always together. But, they're just 3 mo's old. I am getting them spayed. I'm learning as I go, so I'm giving mine a 50/50 shot they'll get along or won't as they hit adolescence. I'm just setting myself up for the worst and if I have to separate them, so be it.

I have one question. Does breed of bun make a difference regarding territoriality? I've heard that smaller breed bun's are typically more aggressive. Is this true?

I just have your ordinary Rex variety.

I've had lops and I've seen more lops that are territorial than other varieties.

I also had a New Zealand which had a mellow temperament, so mellow that you could have him in the same area with other male bun's without fighting.

Is aggression more prevalent in specific breed types? Just wondering?

 

[lionheadbunny21]

I don't know but someone said to me that Lionhead bunnies do better one thier own and I have 2 girl lionhead buns. One is getting spayed in a few weeks and the baby one is not quite ready till mid July or even August (She's 3 1/2 months)

I am doing some research now for if/when is does happen. Sad that there's a possiblity they may fight.

I hope Lulu, that once they have more space or even get spayed, it all works out for your girls. Must be hard to see them seperated. How are they handling that?

 

[elrohwen]

Smaller bunnies tend to be more hyper and skittish, but I'm not sure how that would affect their relationships with other bunnies - only humans. I know some super laid back and friendly buns who just do not get along with other bunnies, despite their wonderful personalities around people.

In my experience, gender seems to have the most impact on territoriality. Females are generally far more territorial and dominant in bunny relationships, and you run into issues when both girls want to be in charge/defend their territory. I know an experienced bonder who says "nothing is ever easy when girl buns are involved." Lol.