Need Help – Elder Buns Keep Breaking Bond

[Kayla_Billy.Clover.Cleopatra]

Hi,

I have 3 bunnies all from the same litter, they are 7 years old; Billy (M), Clover (F), and Cleopatra (F). They are normally housed outdoors (brought inside if it is too hot or cold, we are in Australia) in a great enclosure (toys, insulation, heated mats, etc.) and get daily supervised access to run around the garden. The two girls broke their bond earlier in the year and after 6 weeks of bonding we were able to house them together again. Unfortunately they got into a scuffle two days ago whilst running around the yard. Clover started grooming Cleopatra after, but then they were both instigating fights again.

They have been indoors the past few days and supervised 24/7, and in the fold up pen they are getting along well with no fights (eating, sleeping, grooming and cuddling together). We thought they were good again but as soon as they had access to run around the yard they started fighting again, but when running around outside of the pen inside they were fine. The fights are pretty viscious and unfortunately Billy got caught in the middle of it today as he looks almost identical to Clover (white) whilst Cleopatra is black. They were supervised for about 5 hours in their outdoor house yesterday and had no issues, so struggling with what to do as its clear Cleopatra is the dominant one, but Clover was a bit grumpy the days leading up to the fight and we arent sure if that is what has triggered Cleopatra to get fed up with her. It tends to start with one nipping the others bum and then it escalates.

Just pretty stuck as I dont want one of them to get harmed as they both did when they faught earlier in the year, but its hard to know when they are bonded properly as they are constantly cuddling, but if the environment slightly changes they fight until they settle in. Even moving the fold out pen onto the grass caused a fight today, but now they are cuddling. Would appreicate any advice as it feels like I’ve tried everything, thank you!!

[DanaNM]

Hmmm this is tough. Without a clear trigger it’s hard to know whether they will have a stable bond again. If the fighting was bad enough that a bun was injured, it will be difficult to repair.

How long were you keeping them in the fold-up pen before moving them back out to their main area? Maybe they just need more time in the neutral space and a more gradual transition?

. . . 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.  

[Author]

Messages