Daughter bunny dominating mother?

[Jshutterbugf]

I have 4 bunnies total, 2 boys in one cage and 2 girls in another. The mother bunny is in the same cage as her daughter, which is somehow now bigger. We recently got a new cage to match our boy cage for them and I just came home to a half bald momma with bite marks all over her. I’ve never seen them fight before (everyone seems to hump cage mates anyways). None of them are fixed. Any suggestions on how to stop the daughter without sending her packing? I really can’t get another cage and its not really big enough to give them adequate space splitting it. I guess I would say they were bonded (although I know relatively little about the subject as its never been an issue). They lived together in peace for about a year now. Anyone who can make any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.

Btw, I’m not just an irresponsible pet owner who gets these pets I know nothing about. All of these pets came to be because or a reckless neighbor who tried breeding them and they escape all the time and get attacked by other animals, etc and I find them, nurse them back to health, and they somehow never leave. So, between cages, supplies, vet bills, etc I’m reluctant to spend more money getting them fixed.

[Beka27]

Welcome to BB!

First off, thank you for taking them in from a potentially dangerous situation! Who knows what would have become of them if you hadn’t stepped in!

Just from what you’ve said, it does sound as if lack of space may be an issue. If the cage isn’t large enough for them to “get away” from each other, this can trigger territorial fights. Each rabbit requires a minimum of 2×4 feet of floor space (not counting vertical levels). So if the cage or pen for each pair is smaller than 4×4 feet, it is too small.

The other issue is that they are not fixed. Hormonal behavior can make it very difficult (impossible?) for two rabbits to safely live together. You’ll hear the occasional account of two same sex, intact rabbits living together long-term, but this is very rare.

What is your goal with these rabbits? Do you want to keep them all permanently, or are you selling new homes for a couple of them? Can you spay/neuter them one or two at a time over the next few months?

[Sarita]

I think that the momma does need to see a vet if she has bites – those could get infected and abscess and she will get very ill.

I think if you cannot get them altered it would be a good idea to find homes for some of them so you can split them up. Otherwise if you aren’t willing to get them altered even with more space there is the potential for fights.

[Jshutterbugf]

Thanks for the replies. My intention 4 years ago when we rescued the male was to keep him. When I found mom last year in my driveway, I had no idea she was pregnant. Then I got 5 surprises 2 weeks later! Our intention was to keep momma plus 1 baby we fell in love with and fix our male. Originally we got a new bigger cage and intended to put them all in it. Fast forward a year and I still got stuck with 1 I had no intention of keeping (other male), my male seemed to be getting up there in age and having some health issues so at that point, I thought it cruel to fix him. Our big beautiful cage was completely and utterly eaten by the females!!! We were forced to buy yet another cage so we matched the boys one and now, yes, the girls have less space. It was never an issue with the boys. The cages are probably of adequate but minimal size.

Ugh, I was originally just trying to do the right thing. My vet quoted just under $300 to spay/neuter so that’s out for multiples (one vet quoted me $600!)

I was just hoping anyone had any tricks they could share. I can’t believe the child is terrorizing her own mother! She may just have to go but I’m nervous giving any away to strangers. One friend of mine managed to kill one of the babies in less than 2 weeks. After all I did for them, I’d never want them to meet a quick end like that.

[Sarita]

These types of situations are so difficult and it’s hard to be put in these positions.

I don’t think the daughter is really terrorizing the mother – it’s just instinct and being 2 rabbits in one cage that may or may not be adequate may just not be enough stimulation for the daughter. I don’t think she is intentionally being mean.

Have you contacted any rescues in your area to see if they can provide any help with spay/neuters or recommendations?

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