My bunnies suddenly got into a huge fight!

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 1sd reply, 2 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 6 months ago by Azerane.

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- 09/24/2016 at 6:54 PM
  RabihCPU
  Participant
  1 posts
  As you guys cans probably tell by the title, I need some help.Thy fight started last night, with each rabbit taking turns chasing each other, then some thumping, fur pulling, and scratching, and finally trying to kill each other. They are both unfixed males, who are 6 and 7 months of age.
  
  The pet store from which I adopted them (yes I know it is better to get them from an adoption center) said that they were likely to fight when they are older. I know I should get them neutered, and I will soon My dad has been putting it off).
  
  Anyways, I stopped them from fighting with a dustpan, and oddly enough, they cuddled and fell asleep together. I figured they were fine, and decided to leave them alone for the night.
  
  After I woke up today, I checked up on them. The outcome was a thin trail of blood likely from Java, who ended up with a swollen lip, and a bleeding butt. My other rabbit, Ace was left with only a little bald spot.
  
  After I saw their injuries, I decided to separate the two. I currently can’t go to my vet because it is the weekend, but I do plan to get them both neutered this week.
  
  Do you think this fighting has something to do with their hormones, do you think I should take Java to get checked out or possibly to emergency vet care, and do you think the two will ultimately become buddies and cuddle again after their neuterings.
  
  Thanks,
  
  RabihCPU.
- 09/24/2016 at 8:12 PM
  Azerane
  Moderator
  4691 posts
  Now that their hormones have kicked in and fighting has begun, more fights are inevitable. It is good that you have them separated now. You will need to keep them that way until at least 1 month after they have both been neutered, preferably 6 weeks. Yes it is a long process, but hormones can causes problems for up to 6 weeks after spay/neuter. Given their age, it is definitely hormonal and both bunns coming into maturity. 6 weeks after neuter, you will need to start bonding from the very beginning, this means very short “dates” in neutral territory (a room where neither rabbit has ever been). Keep it short, keep the area small and use a dustpan to prevent fights if needed. Try to make sure you end the date on a positive note. In between dates, you can house them side by side (providing they can’t bite each other through the bars) and do scent swapping which is switching toys and items out between their cages, and you can even switch which cage they are in, just to get them used to each others scents being in their space.
  
  If Java just has a small cut, you may not need to see an emergency vet, but it may be worth getting him checked out as rabbit bites can be quite deep. You could try to wash the wound with a bit of saline solution, just to make sure it’s clean for now.
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