Fresno going after Nora when Quincy is around

[kanin]

I guess this is less advice seeking and more just… expressing my sadness. This behavior has never happened before and just started a couple days ago. Nora and Fresno are housed literally right by Quincy, and all has always been well as long as there are grids separating them. All 3 of them occasionally lay by each other peacefully. But lately, whenever Quincy gets close to their setup, Fresno starts going after Nora and chasing her while she’s running around trying to get away from him. There may be nipping involved but I haven’t seen any fur pulling. The chasing lasts as long as she’s near, and as soon as she hops away Fresno stops, and then starts back up when she gets close again. I don’t understand what caused this behavior and now I’ve resorted to putting a blanket up so they can’t see her which is less than ideal. I wonder if it’s just spring fever and he’s feeling a bit more ornery at this time? Anyone ever experience something similar?

[DanaNM]

Sounds like referred aggression, and my money is on spring fever!

Putting up a towel or a blanket to block their view is the right move. That’s what I’ve had to do at times when housing a single bun next to a bonded pair.

Im guessing in a few weeks things will settle again and you can slowly remove the barrier. Or if it persists you might consider changing their set up so they aren’t side by side.

 

. . . 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.  

[kanin]

It’s actually when I let Quincy out and she goes up to them that it happens, if she’s next to them in her setup while they’re in theirs it’s completely fine lol. The logic isn’t there but Fresno doesn’t know that. 😂 I’m sure Nora hopes his grumpiness will subside soon!! Poor girl.

[DanaNM]

Rabbits can be so quirky sometimes! I think they can get very used to a bun being in one place, but when they are in another place they can be like “who the heck is invading!?”

It could also be triggered by Quincy’s behavior. Quincy just minding his business in his pen is no big deal, but maybe when Fresno sees him moving around more around the borders it triggers him a bit?

 

. . . 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.  

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