Bonded rabbits humping and nipping!!

[Gingerxmistyxo]

Hi, I posted a couple of days ago about my rabbits face humping one another and occasionally humping from behind. We concluded that as they didn’t react it was less of a concern but to keep an eye out. However, They woke me up very early this morning, to running round the hutch and quickly turning to face each other, with a few nips. I’m guessing this is because one was trying to hump the other and I’m sure my girl misty was grunting a bit too. As soon as I sat up and approached them, they both immediately stopped and pretended it didn’t happen. They have both eaten their breakfast together and then flopped next to each other to sleep. I don’t know what to do. Can anyone help? Both are spayed and neutered. They have been together roughly since october/ November last year and although a few wobbles, have had a good relationship up to now.

Thanks in advance

[jerseygirl]

I had a quick look at your other thread about this. Its good its not turning into a fight and they settle down. Have they reacted like this at dusk also? Dawn and dusk can be quite active periods for them. Although one of my rabbits prefers pre-dawn. :rolleyes:

I do agree it could be the time of year that has set this off some. Has there been any other changes at home?  A new pet? Or even moving their hutch or other furniture can put a nose out of joint!

Regarding their hutch, is it big enough that there is a space one can go if they want to escape the other?

[Gingerxmistyxo]

Hi, they have a hutch and then free roam of my room, it’s only when the hutch is closed that they do it. I just caught a bit of chasing which worried me a lot but as soon as I stopped it, again it was like nothing ever happened and they’re back to being flopped next to each other. It tends to be at this time of the day, which in England is midday, and sometimes at dawn. Never seen it at dusk though. I’m really confused as they just go back to pretending it never happened and being best friends!

thanks for your reply

[jerseygirl]

Is there something in the hutch they are becoming territorial about perhaps?

It does sound like things dont escalate and they resolve things quickly. It might be just part of how they roll now. Some pairs are like that.

I do remember a forum leader on here some years ago who had a pair that would have a falling-out every year. She would have to separate them for a while then they’d go back together later on. The seasons can still cause some rising hormone levels in desexed rabbits. I dont recall if she ever determine the cause with her pair but the good news was it was only ever temporary.

[DanaNM]

I totally get this anxiety, I’m dealing with this with my current pair (but they are more newly bonded so I’m still on high alert all the time). Bun Jovi is being a frisky grandpa (he’s 11!) and starts honking and chasing Myra a few times a day. I wonder if it’s spring craze?

Since this is a new-ish thing for your two, I wonder whether there might be an underlying health problem with one bun? I had another pair where one bun had dental pain, so he would groom the other bun less when his teeth hurt, which would lead to some squabbling.

If there isn’t a health problem, I think it’s best to let things play out. But you could try some bonding sessions with them in a neutral space or some stressing to see it that helps. I also can see how the hutch environment might make one bun feel cornered cause some squabbles. Can you attach an x-pen to their hutch to give them a bit more space at night to sort things out with room to move? Even adding some tunnels or other obstacles can help break up chasing.

. . . 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.  

[Gingerxmistyxo]

Hi,

I’ve only just seen this reply. I should have pointed out that they don’t just have a hutch, they have free roam of my bedroom 24/7 as well as the hutch as a safe place. Sorry that’s my mistake. As for health issues, they recently went to the vets for their yearly vaccines and the vet gave them a health check. Both have a clean bill of health so I’ve ruled that out also. I’ve recently just posted about ginger and his new humping trick 🙄 The humping has settled down considerably so fingers crossed it stay that way haha. It’s just the odd hump/ chase now and then so I am guessing that it might just be a part of their relationship. Maybe as time goes on it will stop completely. Thanks so much for your reply it’s really appreciated

[DanaNM]

You could also do a few bonding sessions just to see if that re-solidifies things. Sometimes a car ride together can help settle things down.

Have there been any other changes in your household? New pets, roommates, cleaning products, etc? New smells can trigger things like this too.

. . . 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.  

[Lops4Life!]

Hey!

i get this sometimes with my two, they do love each other but when foods involved my older chases my younger (excitement?!) but it all stops after the food is given to them. Luckily my younger is a fast runner 😂. How bad is it/frequent? Is there any home changes/old toys? The best way for bonding is to help them settle down by getting them frightened. If there’s a new toy/food then try putting it in the hutch/cage when you drive them in the car/carry them/vacuum. Hope this helps! Alicia

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