Sudden switch in dominance from buck to doe?! What?!

[bonilla&BUB]

Hello! 

Buck = Chuck

Doe = Bonilla

So my buns (buck and doe) have been bonded for almost 2 months, and things have been going great. They are allowed to free roam a 500 sq ft area, and they have their dog cage/crate (open door 24 hours) that contains their blankets, hay, water, pellets, fresh greens, etc. Their cage has two levels. 

When they initially bonded, Chuck was humping Bonilla. They don’t seem to be “lovers” per say… because they don’t hump for fun. Both are neutered and spayed. They follow each other around, and when Bonilla can’t see Chuck, she freaks out a bit, wandering the room with her ears out and pointing in different directions. They eat (hay, greens, and pellets) together peacefully, and snuggle. They share their litter box together, where they also usually eat hay together. Everything seems good in my opinion! 

BUT: Recently (2 weeks ago)… I spotted Bonilla humping Chuck! I thought this was so weird. I figured they had sorted out their dominance issues. He took it for awhile, but then got annoyed and nipped at her, and they started to circle. I stopped it immediately and separated them for 30 minutes, until they cooled down. Then I stressed them and took them for a car ride in their carrier cage, and things seemed to get back to normal. 

Tonight, I spotted her doing this again!  He then nipped at her and chased her out of the cage and litter box. Bonilla ran back into the cage and then he ran up to the second floor. She then went after him up to the second floor and he ran away, I assume to get some space.  Now, about 30 minutes later they’re sitting tight together (not snuggling but touching) in the living room. 

Silly bunnies! What does this mean!?! Has anyone else had this happen? Chuck is a bit of a scaredy-cat bun..he gets stressed and worked up easily. I think Bonilla’s behaviour is freaking him out.  At least they aren’t “fighting” but their arguing is a bit worrisome.

[Mikey]

Yep, sounds like a shift in dominance. Bonilla is taking power and Chuck is ok with it, to an extent. Stress bond every time you see them have issues working it out, and stop all circling like you did before. Since they do get along, it should go by fairly quickly

[bonilla&BUB]

Thanks for your comments Mikey! I appreciate it

[Serenity]

Yes, I have had this happen. Ginny has always been the more dominant bunny between her and George and when George tries to turn things around Ginny gets upset and nips him until he learns his rightful place. I have nicknamed Ginny “Queen” because she keeps everyone under her thumb (or paw, whatevs) and no one messes with her. She always gets her way.

[Author]

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