re chasing

[parsley]

hi all



I have two 7 month old lionhead rabbits both female, the smaller one has taken to chasing the larger one when i first put food in the hutch. has anyone got any ideas why this might happen? i've never kept rabbits before.

 

[tamsin]

Are your rabbit's neutered? When rabbits grow up their hormones kick in and that can make they become quite territorial. You could scatter the food so there is no bowl to fight over. Spaying usually helps reduce the aggressive behaviour. This behaviour can sometimes escalate into more general aggression so keep a close eye for fighting or signs of injury.

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

How long have they been living together? Most rabbits do not appreciate having another rabbit come into their home. It would be like someone you have never met moving into your room with your knowledge or permission. If you do want them to be able to live together without issues, you need to take the time to introduce them before you put them in the same cage.

The smaller one is dominant over the larger one. She is claiming the food as hers and not letting the other one eat. Having 2 bowls in separate areas of the cage can help. Feeding them at the same time in separate areas allows for both of them to eat in peace.

Both of them should be spayed. Females can be very territorial. Getting both spayed can help with aggression. If can take a few weeks for the hormones to leave the body for you to notice a difference.

You might need to get a larger hutch. The vast majority of cages and hutches on the market are too small for a single small rabbit, let along a larger one or a pair. Building a larger one or adding a secure run can help.

 

[aurora369]

The behaviour sounds like hormonal and dominant behaviour.

My mini rex pair (neutered male and spayed female) does the same thing. My female chases the male and tries to hump him. She is just a very dominant personality. She never hurts him, and calms down as soon as the food is put down.

With two unspayed girls, I would be wanting to get them spayed as soon as possible. Reducing hormones will help reduce aggression.

You could perhaps try two dishes or spreading the food around.

-Dawn

 

[elrohwen]

Sounds like typical hormonal teenage rabbit behavior. Females especially can get pretty territorial. I would separate them, have them both spayed, then reintroduce them.