Posted By Dface on 8/24/2017 4:30 PM

So I’ve been leaving my rabbits at home with my family for half the week while Im in college. This is only a temporary arrangement.
Im currently not there but my brother messaged me to say that he and his girlfriend were sitting with them, he was petting Peep, she was petting Yumi They decided after a while to switch rabbit, and Yumi lunged at and nipped my brothers girlfriend and then proceeded to run Peep off (Like a “No, these are mine, you get no pets.” )

Since they have bonded he has always shown himself as the slightly more dominant one -and she tolerates his occasional humping very well- she never tries to stop him she simply moves away.

She loves attention and will always rush over at the first sign of pets -but even when Im petting Peep her normal tactic is to snuggle in and wait for affection so Im worried about what  happened.

I’ve asked and they said that everything is currently fine between them. and they are totally back to normal

I am a bit upset about the fact that Yumi bit a person and then nipped Peep as well  
It makes me feel like something is not the way it should be with her

Peep and Yumi are a pretty new bond, right? It could be that they are feeling a bit off due to the change in surroundings and people. There could have been a weird smell (or even the smell of the new people) that set them off. Were either of them around dogs or other rabbits? 

Since they are currently back to normal I wouldn’t stress too much about it, but you could have your brother try what I call “couples therapy”. Either do some stressing (vacuum around them in a pen), or smoosh banana on each other their heads and have them lick it off. 

New bonds can be a bit shaky, especially when the location changes or weird smells are brought in. I’m guessing Yumi just got frightened. Maybe the scary smell got transferred to Peep, which is why she lunged at him? 

It could be moreso your rabbit was not as comfortable with your brother’s girlfriend? Someone who you’re not 100% comfortable with tried to pet you on their terms– this may have triggered the defensive reaction.

I think you know your rabbit best, and I know you mentioned your rabbit is initially bonded with your brother (not sure if I’m recalling incorrectly), but maybe ask your brother to evaluate if this is a possibility.

Interesting… I’m still inclined to think of it as Yumi getting spooked by something (a smell, distant sound, sudden movement) over jealousy…. jealousy is a human emotion, after all.  

But maybe they can be sure to pet them both at the same time, or alternating one to one, just to make sure? 

A lot of new variables in their routine, Dface. I’m afraid that’s what’s making them act out. Can’t think of any brilliant advice to give you, but you do have two lionheads (VERY strong personality breed), who are recently bonded, and in suddenly changed circumstances re: environment and their primary hoomin. Dare I say, their reactions are normal? In an unfortunate, stressful way for you, of course. *hug*

If unusual behaviour is indeed occurring only when the brother/gf combo is around, I’d lean toward a scent issue the hoomins are not aware of. Hmm… *goes to get deerhunter hat and pipe*

I wouldn’t separate them over some humping and lunging! Has there been anything that needed intervention (chasing or scuffling)? 
It really just sounds like they felt they needed a bit of dominance displays in the new area. I would have try “couples therapy” (some stressing, followed by banana on the head), as I mentioned before. 

When the issues come about, is it always triggered by the brother/gf?  

Maybe make sure the brother/gf take off their shoes before coming in, and wash their hands before petting the buns. Honestly you might just want to limit their interactions with them altogether. 

I can imagine…

The rabbit psyche is a mysterious thing!

Glad they are doing well again!