Henry and Annalise-mounting issues

[OldBunter]

My rabbits have been living together “fully bonded” for about a month and a half. They’ve had no problem sharing space, water, food, or affection. Annalise (1 y/o spayed since may) has a dominant role often being groomed by Henryk(1 y/o neutered since February), and very rarely grooming him. Henryk is real sweet on her, going out of his way to groom her or stand guard when she eats and sleeps. In the dates at the shelter and when I first brought Annalise home there was mounting on his end, but I separated them to let Annalise get use to her surroundings. After that period of time the mounting stopped.

The past two days I noticed they both had tuffs of fur displaced I wasn’t sure if it was from rougher grooming or nipping. Then I found a bit of Annalise’s fur on the floor. This morning I woke up to Henryk attempting to mount her. She didn’t bite or thump but she was fleeing from him.

They’ve otherwise been unchanged, still eating, sleeping, cuddling, and grooming together. Should I be worried? I don’t want him to get his bits bitten off or her to feel uncomfortable.

[Dee]

Other people who are better at bonding issues will probably chime in, but I just wanted to point out that the fur could be from Henryk “latching on” by kind of grabbing her fur in his mouth as he tries to hump her. That is a normal thing to do- so there might not be any nipping going on either end. However, I would watch them carefully as it’s a new bond and if Henryk decides he wants to be more assertive, Annalise might get annoyed. I’m sure there are people who have dealt with this and can guide you further ☺. I hope that Henryk stops humping and they stay happily married!

[Mikey]

It could also be that they are pulling fur from a bunny tornado. When one bun is running towards the back end of a bun to mount or nip while the chased bun is also chasing the first bun to mount or nip. Theyll do this while pulling fur trying to get the other to stop running. Even if this wasnt it, fur pulling is a sign that they are not fully bonded yet. I would try some stress sessions and more long bonding sessions in a small space.

[OldBunter]

Thank you both for the feed back, I’ll work with them more. I’ve observed a behaviour similar to a tornado once but it was only one circle around.
There hasn’t been any mounting or fur pulling in the last 24 hours. They’re still cuddly as ever, but I’m not sure all is good.

[OldBunter]

No recent incidents. Here are some cute pictures of them getting along.

[Mikey]

They are adorable!

[Author]

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