Fighting?

[HipHopBunny]

Lately I’ve seen some of Smokey and OB’s fur around, and have sometimes caught Silver nipping them. 🙁 When I was feeling them both to see if there were any wounds, I found a few scabs on OB, and some patches where new fur is growing on Smokey. I don’t think either Smokey or OB would fight back, but I’m worried about the way Silver is treating them. It’s not like she’s always this mean, most of the time they are good together, it’s just those few occasions where I worry about Smokey and OB. Smokey mainly, since she’s at the bottom of their pecking order. 🙁

Should I separate them again? Is there anything I should do to stop this?

Thank you in advance.

[Wick & Fable]

If there are scabs, I would definitely separate. No fighting back can be an indication of resignation to bullying, which can’t be good for a rabbit’s well-being.

I don’t recall the history between these buns, but it sounds like going through a bonding process period again is needed.

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.

[DanaNM]

I hate to say it because I know you have been through so much with them, but I would separate. Scabs and fur clumps are no good. 🙁

Give how much you’ve worked with them, and since they have now had 2 falling outs, it might be that they just aren’t a good combo for a trio.

. . . 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]

Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that. You worked so hard on bonding them.  🙁

[HipHopBunny]

Well, as much as I hate to say it, I don’t know if they are going to work. 😥 OB’s scab has gotten bigger, and she has subjected herself to Silver’s bullying. What kills me, is that I don’t think Silver even realizes what she’s doing. 🙁 I really don’t want to separate them, but I don’t want OB to get hurt because of that decision. And the saddest part is, when OB does get scared, she always runs towards Silver for protection, so I’d hate to break that up. 😥 I don’t know. Should I separate Silver from them, and just have Smokey and OB as a duo and Silver by herself? I don’t know if getting a second bun for Silver would be good or not, for it’s she’d probably get the treatment she’s currently giving, or she’d continue to treat the new one like she does Smokey and OB. 🙁

Should I try going for a car ride with them? More stress bonding? Maybe this could be because I didn’t really get the chance to properly bond them? Should I try them for a few more days? I don’t really have other places to put them if I do have to separate them. 🙁  And if I separate them for just a day, then all of that work will be gone. 🙁

[DanaNM]

Remind me which pair were the original duo? I would keep that pair together.

The situation you’re describing is one of the reasons I didn’t push forward with my trio, I was afraid Bonnie would be the odd one out and the others wouldn’t fully accept her.

With the injuries you have described I don’t think more bonding sessions at this time would help, and might make matters worse. I think you would need to separate and do a full reset. Since this is the second time you’ve been through this, and you have worked so long already, I’m thinking this may just be one of those combos that isn’t going to work.

Bunnies don’t forget each other after being separated for just a day. So if you aren’t ready to fully separate, separating at least when you can’t supervise is the best thing to do.

I have soooo much emphathy, as I have had a bond break on me and it is so sad, but I do think you need to separate. One of my past pairs got in a scuffle and one bun ended up with some scabs. I thought they had moved past it, but a week later there was a super serious fight and one bun needed sutures on her face. Thank goodness we were there, or I don’t know what would have happened.

I do think most combos can eventually work, but trios are trickier, and if the combo of buns isn’t right it just may not ever work. I know you worked really hard on them, but it might be time to call it off with these three. Sorry I can’t be more positive about things.  🙁

. . . 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.  

[HipHopBunny]

Thank you so much for the advice, everyone!

It has been a difficult bonding process with them (I think some of it is partly due to my lack of being there to bond 😳 ) But I think that we’re better now. 🙂 OB’s scabs have all healed, and I’m not really finding any of Smokey’s fur. 🙂

I’m definitely keeping a close eye on them, for I understand that they may have another falling out, but as I said above, right now they seem pretty well bonded. 🙂 Keeping my fingers crossed that it stays this way!!

Thank you all again!!

 

[Author]

Messages