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Rabbits go through some major hormonal changes after spaying, so this is probably what’s triggering things. Because you bonded them before they were all spayed, their bond was also probably a bit unstable. Have you noticed an fur pulling? Do you still see snuggling and grooming between them?

If you haven’t seen any serious fighting, I would keep…[Read more]

Thanks for all the info!

What you witnessed is called “referred aggression”, and it happens pretty commonly in bonded pairs when a new rabbit is around. It’s also very common for existing pairs to split up in the process of bonding a trio or quad (I also volunteered at a shelter, and we had to watch out for this in our pairs, since there were new…[Read more]

Smudge is 7 months, neutered since 10/8/21. Scout is 10 months, spayed since 10/8/21. They both came home on 10/13/21 and they had already been housed near each other at the shelter, so we kept them close during their quarantine process for 2 weeks. Then we started face to face dates and within a month of them coming home, they were moved in…[Read more]

Thank you! I wasn’t sure if I should put it in behavior or bonding. I know he isn’t being mean to be mean either. He is by far the sweetest most gentle bunny I’ve ever met, which is why it seems so out of character for him to randomly have a fit. I appreciate you rerouting this and I fully trust that Dana will have great advice. 🙂

If I’m understanding the set-up and pairs/bonding correctly, Smudge’s aggression was most likely due to your husband introducing the scent of the minis into Smudge’s space. Rabbits have great hearing and smell, though their vision is not great, in addition to their judgement relative to how quickly they react to things. Act first, think after…[Read more]

I moved this post to the bonding section, because this really sounds like it is about changes in group dynamics. I dont think Smudge was envious of the minis getting playtime while he was penned – I rather think he saw the minis as invaders of his territory.

Smudge isnt being mean because he likes to be mean.

@DanaNM is our bonding expert and…[Read more]

I would check Petfinder and adoupt a pet for bunnies lots of shelters put them on that site.

Hormonal behaviors in an older neutered male can also be a sign of adrenal issues.

If he has stopped growing then you can try a pellet-free diet. Some bunnies do fine, some do not. From what I have seen on the forum, most (not all) people who go with a pellet-free diet do it because their bunny had an issue with eating pellets. This can happen, but it isn’t common. Otherwise, most people feed their bunny at least some pellets…[Read more]

Most vets don’t ask a lot of questions. At least not in my experience. They will just ask if you have noticed any problems or if there is something you are concerned about. Then they will do an exam more or less as Bam described. You can certainly ask questions, like what they recommend diet-wise, etc. This will give you a better idea of their…[Read more]

Bam, thank you SOOO much for taking the time to respond with such detail! This is MY first pet so, I don’t have much experience with vet appointments (much less those dealing with buns).  The information & tips  you provided are extremely helpful! I’m really grateful!