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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 3sd replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 10 months ago by tanlover14.

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- 04/29/2013 at 2:49 PM
  JoeBert
  Participant
  3 posts
  On my first sign up, I posted some pictures of my bunny couple, Dixie and Elanor (Ellie). Everything for the past few months has looked great – reciprocated grooming, and an all-round sense (especially from Ellie) of keeness for each other’s company.
  
  A recently-taken picture, of the kind of atmosphere that’s up till now been the norm..
  
  I say up till now, because she’s in the last couple of days, gone a bit ‘unhinged’.
  
  A quick back story: Dixie (on the right) is the longest-serving of the two. He’s just turned two years old, and he was neutered when he turned 1. After we lost Gwladys our first rabbit to a digestive system problem, we got him a new companion (Ellie, right). She’s a couple of months away from her first birthday, and she was spayed at the start of the year. Always scheduled, that was rushed forward after she had a visit from the rabbit hormone fairy and started becoming aggresively demanding toward him.
  
  After being apart for a month after her operation, they were carefully reintroduced without incident, and the above picture shows what I had hoped was the norm for them. But in the last couple of evenings, she has been openly hostile to him, and hauling them apart with fluff everywhere (and then recaging them – she has her own) have been upsetting measures to take.
  
  So if you’ll let me ask, good people of Binky Bunny: What potential causes, and advised remedial steps, may I ask for advice on please? All the tips you’re willing to offer are gratefully appreciated. Joe.
- 04/29/2013 at 3:39 PM
  NewBunnyOwner123
  Participant
  1930 posts
  I’ve heard you shouldn’t separate when this happens. To just immediately do a stress bond session. I think this was the advice given to me from Tanlover, but I could be mistaken.
- 04/29/2013 at 11:57 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  she has been openly hostile to him, and hauling them apart with fluff everywhere (and then recaging them – she has her own) have been upsetting measures to take.
  
  Do you mean she has her own always? So they spend time together but are put to separate habitats nightly?
  
  Are there any particular times when you are noticing the aggression?
  During food time? During play? Or when the family is spending time with them?
  
  I do agree with NBO that a bit of “stress-bonding” work may help. It can be as simple as popping them both in a washing basket and walking around the house. Giving it a slight shake to break up tussles. Car rides are another option.
  
  Keep in mind rabbits act out when unwell also. So I’d be keeping a close eye on all her behaviours at the moment just in case.
- 04/30/2013 at 12:29 PM
  tanlover14
  Participant
  3617 posts
  Haha! Someone does listen to all my bonding advice! That was me, NBO! =P
  
  I must say though – I’m a little confused with Jersey. Is she housed separately and they have play times together? I’m also a little confused as to when this behavior started? Did it start as soon as you put them back together after the spay? Or were they fine for awhile before she began exhibiting this behavior?
  
  I ask because bunnies who have been spayed/neutered can come back with a new scent which can create some animosity in the group. In which case they will need to be rebonded – if they are only having a few scuffles I would try stress bonding them and putting them back together to see if they begin co-existing better. If they are having constant fights – they will need to be rebonded and separated until fully bonded again.
  
  Another important thing – NEVER EVER let them fight and get put back in cages separately. This will encourage them to fight to get what they want – the other bunny out of their way. Instead stress bond until both bunnies are not being aggressive. Then separate them if you must. But only when they are coexisting peacefully together.
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