How to Tell Normal Dominance vs Fighting?

[Muse]

Hello,

I’m a brand new bunny owner hoping for some advice here. Sorry if this is a bit long, but I would rather give too much detail than not enough! But the TLDR is this: how do I know what’s normal for establishing dominance, versus fights I should break up?

Recently my rabbits, who I have had for a little over a month, have begun doing this odd routine that worries me. The two rabbits are siblings, both female, and too young to be spayed quite yet (only about 3 & 1/2 months old). I got them both because I read so much on how good it is to bond rabbits, and I didn’t realize it’s much easier to bond a male and a female rabbit. 

They used to groom one another on occasion, and still eat together, cuddle when calm, and display what I assume is normal rabbit behavior for rabbits getting along.

But about two or three weeks ago they began trying to establish dominance. At first it seemed that this was normal but now I am worried it’s getting too aggressive, because if it can get quite hectic and loud looking with all their scampering!

The smaller rabbit will try to mount the larger one, who will object. Then a very aggressive looking chase will ensue, with the larger rabbit pursuing the smaller one. I have not discovered any wounds or damage to the rabbits, but the chasing always looks so chaotic, I worry it will lead to actual fighting. They haven’t boxed, squealed, screamed, or anything like that either. But today I found a few wisps of fur in the larger rabbit’s mouth, so I think the larger one is nipping at the smaller one during these chases.

Any help would be appreciated! Thank you so much!

[Muchelle]

Hello, welcome

It seems like time has come to completely separate them until they are old enough to be spayed, otherwise they will fight for dominance over the territory and can get badly injured.

[sarahthegemini]

Rabbits don’t chase and fight for dominance. There are certain behaviours that are for establishing dominance, such as mounting and demanding to be groomed. Some mild chasing and nipping is fairly normal too but what you’re describing sounds far too aggressive. You need to separate them til after they’ve been spayed and then you can start bonding. Btw, it’s not necessarily easier to bond a male and female. It all comes down to personality

[Muse]

Thank you for the welcome and the quick replies! I really appreciate it. Looks like I’ll be separating them then.

[Author]

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