What are my rabbits doing?? Kissing? Headlock?

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This topic has 3sd replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 6 months ago by GlennTheLionhead.

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- 05/02/2018 at 3:39 PM
  GlennTheLionhead
  Participant
  377 posts
  So my bunnies have be living in two adjacent pens for about 4 weeks, after the first two days of confusion they’ve settled in really well and flop, binky and eat around and in front of each other (seperated by their pens) so it seems somewhat positive for now. I started their dates, with a lot of control, I basically tried to force cuddle them by stroking them very close together to stop them from trying to lunge and nip, it seemed to go okay except they were doing something and I have no idea what it was! It was like a kiss lock or head lock sort of thing, they were pressing their heads against eachother and for a a few minutes without moving, I made sure there was no biting or gripping going on, it started with my girl buns nose resting intently my my boy buns chin/nose and then they swapped round for a bit. they were just froze doing this, it didn’t look aggressive but it also did not seem like grooming at all, maybe a dominance thing? Or perhaps just random behaviour? I’m not sure what to make of it, any ideas what this was?
- 05/02/2018 at 4:02 PM
  Wick & Fable
  Moderator
  5813 posts
  A lot of rabbit relationship building deals with whether a request for grooming is met. When rabbits put their head to the ground, they’re asking to be pet. Most likely, and it is a common phenomenon, both of them were trying to get each other to groom themselves, but neither were really giving in?
  
  No experience with bonding, but that’s my understanding.
  
  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.
- 05/02/2018 at 4:02 PM
  Wick & Fable
  Moderator
  5813 posts
  A lot of rabbit relationship building deals with whether a request for grooming is met. When rabbits put their head to the ground, they’re asking to be pet. Most likely, and it is a common phenomenon, both of them were trying to get each other to groom themselves, but neither were really giving in?
  
  No experience with bonding, but that’s my understanding.
  
  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.
- 05/02/2018 at 5:09 PM
  GlennTheLionhead
  Participant
  377 posts
  Ahh okay, thanks that’s helps! Definitely seems like a possible explanation as they are both still figuring out who’s the boss and both seem very stubborn about it at the moment. Its very early days in the bonding process so hopefully these stand off gromming requests turn into actual grooming!
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