Help Rebonding 2 Neutered Males

[Citemina]

I’ve got two male rabbits, Phobos and Ikaros.  They’ve been neutered for a year now, and bonded since January-ish.  They were a very quick bond. They got neutered on the same day, Ikaros at 8 months and Phobos well over a year old (exact unknown).

 

All was well until the beginning of September. They suddenly got into a fight that Ikaros picked.  Phobos received minor cuts and bites while Ikaros was left with a larger wound.  Both were taken to the vet, got a clean bill of health and their wounds healed completely over the rest of the month.  Rebonding process started in October.

They’ve been kept in seperate cages side by side and have done well when in a very small, neutral space.  Grooming eachother, cuddling etc.  Occasionally, Ikaros nips at Phobos’ legs, butt and face and I have to calm them down otherwise Phobos will retaliate in fear.  They go right back to grooming and cuddling once both are calm.

I have not been able to increase the size of the area they hang out in because Ikaros causes a fight.  I’ve noticed he throws these sort of territorial tantrums after I seperate them if he decides the floor blanket they are both on is his right off the bat. All of this despite the bonding area, the floor blanket, the litterbox and hay box being completely new and neutral to both.

I know Ikaros is attempting to overthrow their dynamic since he had always been the submissive one prior to their first fight.  The only exception being with food, as he’s a glutton and a quick eater vs Phobos being a slow, picky eater. He pushes phobos away for food and snacks but has never been actually aggressive for it. He still isn’t aggressive, both of them can eat together regardless if it’s hay or a tasty treat like a banana.

Is there any advice to help quell Ikaros’ sudden territorial behaviour?

I’ve been at this for almost 2 months now and there has been improvements, but their relationship is shaky at best.

[DanaNM]

I’ve found that litter boxes can create disputes in bonding sessions, so first I would try removing the litter box completely (I just put pee pads down if it’s a longer session). You could also remove the floor blanket, slippery floors can actually help them stop chasing or fighting.

I think continuing to experiment with the space could also help. I actually have the best luck with very large spaces. I would try a size at least an x-pen or two x-pens linked up. They may chase a little, but the idea is that they can actually get away from each other so it’s less likely to escalate to a fight.

How long are the sessions currently?

. . . 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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