Rabbits unbonding

[Bun-chan]

We have 2 2year old rabbits, a spayed girl and neutered boy. They were bonded successfully more than a year ago. The day before we went to a bunny gathering with many other rabbits. They did interact with the other rabbits but mostly hung out together. When we went home they were fine as well, but this morning they started showing unbonding behaviours, which worsened and increased in frequency throughout the day, including: nipping, chasing and humping.

We’re fairly certain it has to do with the bunny gathering. My hypothesis is that our daughter rabbit stepped in urine at one point, which could have been that of an unspayed doe, and the scent may be throwing our son off. We cleaned both of them using baby wipes and dried them off, including the perianal area of our daughter which we noted to have a musky scent.

It seemed to have a minor effect as they’ve been an hour without fighting, but my son did nudge my daughter twice. We’ve also considered underlying medical illness that may have caused this behavioural disturbance, but both have good appetite, good urine and bowel output and no temperature.

Would you have any advice for us? Specifically for this situation where unbonding may have been due to interaction with other rabbits? Thank you!

[DanaNM]

I think you’re right and that this was due to the bunny-play date. It sounds pretty minor though so I suspect it will resolve on it’s own. I don’t think this counts as a full un-bonding as they didn’t get into an all-out fight.

How are they doing now after you wiped them down? I would supervise them for a couple days and see how it goes. You can also move them to a neutral location for a couple days and that will help them repair their relationship.

 

. . . 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.  

[Bun-chan]

They are really on and off. I found them flopped next to each other earlier today. They were also grooming each other. But between these moments they would still be bickering. I’m really confused!

[DanaNM]

Can you set them up in a neutral area of your home temporarily? Such as a bathroom or another room they don’t spend much time in? Sometimes just a short stay in a neutral space will help them resolve these little disputes.

. . . 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