What’s “normal” bonded rabbit behavior?

[Littlemouse93]

This is probably a loaded question, but what’s considered normal bonded rabbit behavior? Are they snuggling/grooming each other all the time and inseparable? Or is it also normal for bonded rabbits to be independent form each other, but coexist peacefully?

I have 2 6-month old female rabbits who I got as litter mates. They were spayed 5+ weeks ago. They went through a period of working out their pecking order, but I did not end up separating them and formally bonding them. I decided not to separate them because they were never aggressive towards each other and there was just never any tension. Really it was just mounting – they didn’t even really chase or pull fur or anything like that. I regularly check them for any wounds or signs of a scuffle and never found any.

It’s been about 4 weeks since that settled out. Mounting still occurs occasionally, but it’s one-sided. It seems like they’re at the point where they’re cementing their hierarchy with each other, but they don’t seem to be as snuggly as other people describe their bonded rabbits. I read about other people’s bonded rabbits that snuggle and groom each other a lot, but mine don’t seem to do it very much. They lie next to each other sometimes, but not always. And I rarely see them grooming each other. The do love to play with toys and explore together and they spend time in the litter box together. They will also nip each other to make them move out of the way.

Is this normal behavior for bonded rabbits? Is it bad? Does that mean they’re not bonded? What can I do to help them bond closer?

This is my first time bonding rabbits, so I’m just really not sure what normal bonded rabbit behavior is like and how to know if they’re bonded.

[DanaNM]

Hi there 🙂

So not all pairs are glued at the hip, but you should see at least some cuddling, mutual grooming, litter box sharing, and food sharing. Light nips (no fur pulled) to get the other to move are totally normal and how they communicate.

My pairs over the years have varied in closeness. Some were inseparable, others more independent. My current pair spends about half their sleeping time together, the other half on their own. They usually have a few snuggle sessions where they groom each other (usually after dinner).

Looks like you have most likely made it past the hormonal changes that would occur with spaying without incident, I would just continue to keep an eye on things for at least another few weeks. If you notice an uptick in mounting, chasing, or fur pulling, you might need to do some more formal bonding with them.

. . . 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.  

[Littlemouse93]

Ok. Yes, hormones are definitely calming down – I can really see a difference!

i don’t mean to make it sound like they don’t cuddle or interact at all. They do cuddle and groom each sometimes, it just seems like a lot less than what other people their rabbits doing.

Thank you for the info! I’ll definitely keep a close watch on them and monitor their progress.

 

[DanaNM]

You’re welcome. 🙂 You may see their bond strengthen as they settle into their adult hormones as well.

. . . 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.  

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