Bonded bunny being dominating

[Ponyl3gs]

Hello
I’m a new bunny owner, i have a male and female mini lop coming up to two years old – both have not been spayed (i will be getting them done very soon!). I’ve had them for 3 days now.

They are inside bunnies, i have them in a large pen, have a litter box, toys, hay, pallets, greens etc etc. They have been together for a long time, have had litters together etc etc.

I’ve been bonding with them both & within the past 3 hours he has been chasing her, biting her and trying to mount her. She has been running from him & i only know he has bitten her cause there is some hair on the floor after they have been running around.

I’m not sure what i should do? If i should separate them for a while? perhaps she wants a break from him?

They are usually very affectionate and loving towards one another 

[Wick & Fable]

Hi Pony.

To begin, I’d like to be clear that the topic of intentional breeding is strictly prohibited on this forum site. Since you have plans to fix them soon, I felt okay approving this post, but both members and you should be aware that we shall not discuss breeding.

Generally, BB views “bonded” rabbits as rabbits who have been fixed and have gone through the bonding process, which can take months of prebonding, dates, supervised time, etc..

My recommendation would be complete separation until they are both fixed and have time to recover. From then, you would conduct the formal bonding process which you can find out more here: https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/tabid/53/CategoryID/9/PID/940/Default.aspx

Having fights now are both dangerous and also may impair the ability to bond them in the future, so I believe separation until the procedures is best.

I am not personally experienced with bonding. The above recommendations are based on what I’ve read and heard about here. I’m sure other members may echo the same advice, but give more detailed answers if you have specific questions.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Hazel]

Wick gave great advice already. Also, there’s a big chance that the female is pregnant at this point. I would get her to the vet asap, if she’s not too far along they can perform an emergency spay.

[sarahthegemini]

You can’t bond rabbits that aren’t spayed and neutered. And by putting a male and female together that are not spayed/neutered, you’re just going to end up with a doe that is almost constantly pregnant and nursing.

[LBJ10]

Being pregnant would actually explain her behavior. She would have no need for him anymore and would no longer tolerate his advances. I agree with the others. You should separate them immediately. Otherwise, you will have babies coming out of your ears! Get them spayed/neutered, let their hormones settle, and then start the process of reintroducing them. They will be able to form a true bond that way.

[Author]

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