Male / Male Advice

[RonClark]

Hi,

Just after some general advice, for whatever reason every time I try add a forum to bonding, I have to log back in….
I have two young male rabbits who have been together since approx. 10 weeks of age, they remained together until I brought them home and almost immediately (within 24 hours) one took a sizeable chunk out of the other one’s lip, so badly so, it is split. Three vet visits, a load of antibiotic’s and painkillers later we have booked them both in to be neutered. I know, typically a male/male pair can be difficult to bond but being a new rabbit dad and the feedback from the centre was they were perfectly fine together, no issues I opted to get them as a pair, conscious of breaking whatever bond I thought they had.
I appreciate a new environment and entering season, could have been factors in the fall out as it escalated quite quickly from humping/little nips to a full blown scrap (?) – they have since been separated but able to see each other and often stand on their back legs looking at one another, we have also swapped them over a couple times as well as swapping toys.

I really hope I can bond them after the operation, but I would like to understand as to how/what/why this happened, could it be as I suggested? Given the injury, can I hope for a brighter bonded future? Any tips would be greatly appreciated outside of cages being in close proximity to one another, swapping them over and short meetings (once both are healed fully), please. I really want to make this work and give them a great chance together.

[DanaNM]

Hi RonClark, I see this is a duplicate of the thread you posted in Behavior. I’m going to lock this thread and move your Behavior thread over to the Bonding section. I’m not sure why you are getting logged out but I’ve alerted the other moderators so we can look into it!

. . . 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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