Male/Male Bonded Pair + Chasing

[RnB]

Hey everyone!

I have 2 neutered boys who have had a sudden change in their bond, any insight/advice?

I have two neutered male lionhead rabbits (R) and (B), both 6-7 years old, have been living together for years now. Recently, one of them(B) showed signs of a hurt toe but they are okay (vet was consulted), but my other rabbit(R) has started chasing them a lot, and now they eat/litter mostly separate times when it used to be very communal. Chasing was typical every now and then, but in short spurts and usually when food/treats was involved or when the subordinate rabbit(B) would try to mount the top rabbit(R) and not groom them when they requested (flattening head in front of them).

Quick Bonding Background:
I took in (R) from a friend-of-a-friend who turned out to be allergic when they got him and couldn’t find him another home until me. I raised him alone, we bonded close, and I got him neutered as well. I also took in (B) a little later when their owner was moving and could not take him with them and could not find anyone else who would, this was after (B) got neutered, so they were both fixed during bonding.

During their bonding process, (B) never got mounted by (R) because (R) never tried/wanted to. However, (B) did try often and was rejected, but does still occasionally try to mount (R), resulting in a short chase.

They have a type of “civil bond”, since (R) rejects being mounted and will not mount (B), but he shows dominant behavior otherwise. They have lived together in the same enclosure for years now, they snuggle and groom each other, eat together, litter together…. though top rabbit (R) requests grooming a lot in the dominant way of laying head flat or pushing his head under (B)’s chin. Sometimes (B) wont comply and will result in a short chase, though he often does comply. (B) also shoves his head under (R) when they’re snuggling, (R) will lick his ears and eyes, but otherwise (B) will not lay their head flat on the floor to request grooming at all. (R) also gets jealous if I groom (B) before him or more than him, resulting in (R) pushing his way between us or chasing (B) off. (B) does not do this.

So, my question is, if their hierarchy/relationship is being tested/rearranged right now… what do I do about the chasing? I try to interrupt by clapping or distracting them so that no bun gets injured. Can I help facilitate them figure things out? How do I do that in a way that isn’t anti-productive for their relationship?

Any advice is very appreciated! Thank you!

[DanaNM]

Hmmmm, did this start after the vet visit? Both medical issues and vet visits can upset bonds a bit. Weird smells after coming home from the vet can trigger things. Also, at their ages, it might be good to have full check ups to make sure there isn’t an underlying medical issue.

Do they still snuggle and groom, and has anything escalated to a scuffle?

If you rule out medical issues, it might help to work on their bond a bit. You could take them to a neutral territory and see if that helps them sort things out again.

. . . 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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