Humping

[Cinnimon&Ollie]

I saw Ollie humping cinnimon even though they are bonded. I am confused why. He never humped her when we were bonded them.

[Wick & Fable]

Humping is a dominance behavior, and some people even interpret it as “Hey, this is a reminder that I’m dominant and am going to look after you.”… obviously we cannot actually confirm if that’s the case.

This can be normal– a lot of bonded pairs actually have occasional humping. As long as it’s well-tolerated by the other bun and is not leading to aggressive escalations, that is fine.

If there is an unusually high up-tick of it, it may signify that a dynamic in the relationship has changed, such as the receiving-end bun is ill, smells different, etc..

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.

[Cinnimon&Ollie]

I thought cinnimon was the dominant bun but I might have been wrong than. Cinnimon tolerates it for a few secs and kicks him off. They are getting along fine though. Is there maybe a way to stop him from it though because my dad wouldn’t be okay with it.

[Cinnimon&Ollie]

I have seen Ollie now three times go at cinnimon really quick, why are they fighting? Cinnimon gets over it pretty quick but still.

[Wick & Fable]

If this humping is new, the fighting is likely a sign that this new behavior is challenging the relationship dynamic they settled on earlier. If it gets more frequent with nips/lunges/aggression, I recommend going back to some bonding in neutral so they can work out the dynamic again in a more safe controlled environment.

The humping is not at all sexual. Unsure why your father would be extremely against it, but ultimately if it’s a behavior either rabbit wants to do, it cannot really be trained out.

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.

[Cinnimon&Ollie]

Okay if the fights become worse/often I will do that. As for my dad not wanting them doing that, I don’t know he doesn’t say.

[DanaNM]

Mounting can occur in bonded pairs (it does in mine), it’s just part of the dynamic sometimes and has nothing to do with mating. I’ve seen both the “submissive” and “dominant” bun mount. I try not to get too caught up in which bun is dominant, because I’m half convinced the buns think they are both dominant LOL.

If it is leading to any sort of fighting that requires you to intervene or fur pulling then I agree that they probably need some bonding sessions in neutral territory. Since they are a pretty new bond they may still be sorting things out 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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