Sisters Fighting

[Sagicory]

Hi everyone! I have two rabbits, Sage and Chicory, who are sisters from the same litter. Neither are spayed yet, although we are working with the vet to begin that process. They are four months old next week. They used to be the best of friends, until lately. A lot of humping has been happening between them, but the first full on fight was this morning. I don’t know what they’re fighting about. I separated them for an hour, and let them mingle again. They were happy together for about twenty minutes, until fur was flying again. I separated them and set up different living quarters temporarily. I let them back together just a few minutes ago, because both stopped eating and drinking and just sat on the ground not moving. They are together and happy again, although they started a mini chasing fight until I stopped them. Does anyone have any advice on what to do? Sage even groomed Chicory, and they are pooping and eating together now. I’m just worried this will happen when I am not around to stop them. Any ideas? Thanks!

[DanaNM]

It’s because they’ve reached puberty. Unfortunately you’ll need to separate them till after they are spayed and their hormones settled down, then you can work on re-bonding them. Sometimes buns can stay together if they get spayed/neutered before the hormones kick in, but it’s very common for this to happen.

. . . 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.  

[Wick & Fable]

I agree with what Dana has mentioned, exactly. This is a common, natural progression for young rabbits, whether they are siblings or not. Prior to puberty, it can be easier for them to get along, but as hormones emerge and express themselves, this may cause dangerous fights and strains on a previously OK relationship. It is not a permanent change, but spaying is the first step to bonding them formally.

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.

[Sagicory]

Thanks for all the replies! Now that I think of it, it is about the right time. They’re also shedding a lot, which I assume is the real coat coming in? There seems to be so much fur lately that I might’ve mistaken having a third rabbit made entirely of it. I have them separated in identical areas right now. They can see and smell each other through cracks and the transparent panels, but they can’t touch each other. I’m switching them twice a day so they don’t think they own either side. Does that sound right? Thanks!

[DanaNM]

That’s sounds like a great set-up. 🙂 You don’t necessarily need to do side swaps till after they are spayed (since their smells will change), but it won’t hurt anything.

. . . 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.  

[Sagicory]

Thanks! Sorry about having so many questions, but I have a few more concerns. I found some scratches on Chicory today and I believe Sage is the culprit. The wounds look clean and dry, but I’ll have the vet look anyway. Sage is fine, but I feel like Chicory is really becoming depressed. She was really reliant on Sage and since Sage attacked and probably hurt her she  is scared of everything. Chicory isn’t as friendly and a lot more skittish, she doesn’t really want pets and she doesn’t play. Until they can be bonded again? Maybe just to gain her trust again. I’ve been trying to spend more time with her, but she just hides. Thanks!

[DanaNM]

Yes, the scratches probably are from the fight. I’m sure she is a bit depressed about the whole situation. Making their set up so they can see and be near each other should help (which you have), but there will prob be an adjustment period. Is she eating and pooping OK? She might appreciate a “stuffy” to snuggle, just be sure she doesn’t eat it.

Spending time the same room as her but not directly interacting is a good first step. I like to play “hard to get” with shy bunnies. As prey animals, if you intensely focus on them before they trust you it can put them on edge. Hand feeding and spending time on the floor are also great ways to bond with a shy bunny.

Perhaps this will actually be a good thing, as you can take the time to bond with both bunnies individually, then when you re-bond them they will both be friendlier to you!

. . . 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.  

[DanaNM]

I also just noticed in your other post they are molting pretty heavily? My girls can get very grumpy during molts, and can end up with tummy trouble too. So if she isn’t letting you groom her, don’t be afraid to plop her on a table to give her a thorough grooming. With shy bunnies I think a deep grooming less frequently is less stressful than constantly pestering them to groom.

. . . 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.  

[Sagicory]

Thanks for all the help! Sorry I haven’t been checking in here. I’ve scheduled their spay and hopefully they will be all ready to bond again after their recovery.

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