Humping

[allenstacy74]

Hi! It’s been a while since I posted on here! Hope everyone and their bunnies are doing well!
I’m having an issue with my male rabbit, before I explain, I have 2 bunnies my Male (Eugene) I have had for 3years and has been neutered for roughly the same amount of time, and Cora my doe, who I have had for 2years and also spayed for 2ys.
I posted a while ago about Cora -humping- Eugene when I’m getting them food which you guys helped me sort as it was a sort for dominance. After 2years of them being together despite never doing it before, Eugene has now started humping her, pretty consistently, she doesn’t seem too bothered by it and doesn’t fight him, but he pulls her fur and nips her and I’m worried she may one day bite him as he keeps mounting her head…. I can’t seem to find any reasoning to why he’s doing it, I’ve had no changes in environment nor diet (I’d also like to add they are NOT related) etc.. and considering he hasn’t done this before, I’m at a loss. he just won’t leave her alone, and this has been going on for a few days now, I’m unsure of what to do, any help would be great! Thank you.

 

[JBun]

Is it only happening when you feed them? Or when is it happening, any specific circumstances, or just random?

 

[allenstacy74]

Is it only happening when you feed them? Or when is it happening, any specific circumstances, or just random?

No, no specific times, he just won’t seem to leave her alone

 

[allenstacy74]

Is it only happening when you feed them? Or when is it happening, any specific circumstances, or just random?

I’ve had to separate them, as of currently, (still in the same room but divided) because he keeps chasing her around and mounting her, she seems to have had enough and is actively running away from him and thumping at him, and has even lunged at him. I really do not understand what has brought this on as he has never acted like this before.

 

[JBun]

If there's nothing new that could have set off this behavior and it continues if you try and reintroduce them after a few days break, it could be 'spring fever'. This uptick of hormones can happen with the coming of spring, even in fixed rabbits, though to a lesser extent. It usually settles down after several weeks.

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/hormonal-behaviour-in-neutered-rabbits/
But if it persists, you may need to get his hormone levels checked. When a fixed rabbit starts showing signs of ongoing unusual and excessive hormonal behavior, it can be linked to adrenal issues.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Adrenal_disease
https://www.vetlexicon.com/lapis/behavior/articles/adrenocortical-disease/
https://www.rabbitsonline.net/threads/adrenal-disease-in-female-rabbits.50879/
Adrenal problems would usually be more likely in a much older rabbit. Because he's still relatively young, I'd be more inclined to think this is 'spring fever '.

 

[allenstacy74]

If there's nothing new that could have set off this behavior and it continues if you try and reintroduce them after a few days break, it could be 'spring fever'. This uptick of hormones can happen with the coming of spring, even in fixed rabbits, though to a lesser extent. It usually settles down after several weeks.

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/hormonal-behaviour-in-neutered-rabbits/
But if it persists, you may need to get his hormone levels checked. When a fixed rabbit starts showing signs of ongoing unusual and excessive hormonal behavior, it can be linked to adrenal issues.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Adrenal_disease
https://www.vetlexicon.com/lapis/behavior/articles/adrenocortical-disease/
https://www.rabbitsonline.net/threads/adrenal-disease-in-female-rabbits.50879/
Adrenal problems would usually be more likely in a much older rabbit. Because he's still relatively young, I'd be more inclined to think this is 'spring fever '.

Okay, thank you for the help