boxing, lunging, nipping- when to step in and when to let it happen

[mossling]

Pond and Pitch aren’t bonded yet. They mostly ignore each other. Pond has rather forcefully groomed Pitch once or twice and often looks for grooming from Pitch. Pitch still seems nervous. Pond sometimes gets nippy so you can see Pitch tense if Pond moves too fast towards him. Sometimes he gets really defensive and will lunge and grunt or box at Pond, which leads to nipping from Pond. I’ve stepped in ever time and immediately put a stop to it, but I’m wondering if I should let them hash it out. There hasn’t been any (what I would consider) actual aggression, Pitch has lost a bit of fur a couple times, but that’s it.

Gratuitous bunny pic!

[LittlePuffyTail]

I would let them be as long as they are not actually hurting each other. They need to work out the dominance issues before they can bond.

They’re cute!

[RabbitCare101]

I found This Page which may be helpful!
http://www.wheekwheekthump.com/2013/11/19/7-ways-hurting-rabbits-chances-bonding/

[vtsats]

I found that when I consistently stepped in, it actually hindered the process. Let them hash it out and rather than physically step in, try making a loud noise to break up anything that looks too serious.

[LBJ10]

I agree. You have to let them work it out. Only intervene if these interactions escalate. You don’t want them to hurt each other, but a little nipping is okay.

[Author]

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