Should I let my rabbits fight it out?

Rabbits hold grudges. For this reason, it is best to avoid allowing them to get in an all-out fight. You need to determine, however, whether their behavior is actually fighting or playing as some of the behaviors overlap. Rabbits will nip at each other to get the other's attention.


What to do when your rabbits are fighting?

If fighting is serious, the bunnies should be separated when unsupervised. Once they seem to be getting along, they can be re-introduced into familiar territory. Often they start to fight again in their own space, so be ready with the water, and don't give up.

Should I separate my rabbits if they are fighting?

Aggressive rabbits are also a risk to their owners as well – never put your hand in between two fighting rabbits, as you can easily become injured. Separate them with something solid, like a board, and keep them apart.


Can rabbits still bond after fighting?

If negative behaviour occurs, separate the rabbits and begin the introduction process again. Rabbits who repeatedly fight are unlikely to be able to bond and different companions should be sought for them. The whole process can take from a couple of hours to a couple of months.

Is it normal for bunnies to fight?

A rabbit may fight to show dominance. Biting and nipping are also mating behaviour. Paradoxically, rabbits may even fight as part of their bonding process. Bonded rabbits can fight, too.


Rabbit 101: Stopping Rabbits from Fighting



Do rabbits forgive each other?

Rabbits apologize by touching heads. Bonded rabbits rarely fight, but it can sometimes happen. If the rabbits groom each other after touching heads, then the apology has been officially accepted. Rabbits are usually keen to make amends, but can be stubborn about doing so.

How do you discipline bunnies?

Here are some tips for what you can do to discipline your rabbit:
  1. Voice Training. When your bun does something he shouldn't be, use his name and say 'NO', firmly and sternly. ...
  2. Nose down. Take your index finger and firmly but gently push his nose down toward the floor while saying 'Oliver, NO'. ...
  3. Time out. ...
  4. Water. ...
  5. Squeal.


How do you bond two aggressive rabbits?

If the bunnies show any signs of aggression, try: A laundry basket on top of a dryer that is on. The backseat of a moving car. The noise is slightly frightening to the bunnies and they may snuggle up and draw comfort from each other creating positive memories of each other.


What to do when one rabbit dies from a bonded pair?

Here are a few ways you can help your rabbit deal with the loss of his mate.
  1. Let Him Say Goodbye. Allow your rabbit the opportunity, if possible, to say goodbye to his mate by giving him time alone with the deceased rabbit's body. ...
  2. Keep A Close Eye On Him. ...
  3. Give Him A Stuffed Animal. ...
  4. Consider Adopting A New Mate.


Can two rabbits hurt each other?

Rabbits can bite, claw or swat at each other potentially inflicting great harm. For this reason, all bonding must be supervised. A good way to have your rabbits become acquainted is to place their pens/cages next to each other. By keeping a bit of space between them, you can avoid fighting.

How do you know which rabbit is dominant?

An easy way to tell which of your rabbits it dominant over the other is to watch them grooming one another. Typically, the dominant animal will groom far less frequently, and for far shorter periods of time than the other. You will often see the dominant rabbit thrusting their head towards the other one.


Why have my bonded rabbits started fighting?

Bonded rabbits usually get on well over long periods of time. It's not uncommon for rabbits to occasionally scuffle, even in bonded pairs, but if they are having proper fights and pulling fur out that's usually a sign that their bond has broken. Usually, something has happened to break the bond two rabbits have.

What does rabbit aggression look like?

Sit up and raise their front paws like a boxer. Bare their teeth. Use their back legs to thump the ground loudly, or. Move away while flicking their back feet at the source of the threat.

How do you punish a rabbit for biting?

It will be clear if your rabbit is biting out of anger. If you're keen to make them stop, a loud enough squeal – but not loud enough to cause alarm – should do the trick. A rabbit that is biting out of affection will respond to the idea that they may be causing harm and decide not to do so again.


How do you calm a dominant rabbit?

To make sure you're not getting in the way of your rabbit's coexisting relationship:
  1. Pay attention to the pecking order. Give the dominant rabbit their treats first and give them their first choice of toys. ...
  2. Give the dominant rabbit enough attention. ...
  3. Don't prevent dominance rituals.


Can you force bunnies to bond?

If your rabbits are having trouble getting along, pet them together for 10-15 minutes at a time. It's also a good idea to end each bonding session with 5-10 minutes of head scratches and petting side-by-side to make sure you end on a positive note.

How do I fix my aggressive rabbit?

Castrating male rabbits and spaying females is vital for many reasons, one of which is that it will help reduce aggressive behaviour, particularly towards each other.


Will my bunnies ever get along?

As every rabbit is different and has its own personality, you cannot guarantee that two rabbits will bond. However, rabbits are gregarious and therefore predisposed to living together so the chances are good that the rabbits will get along.

How long does it take to Bond 2 rabbits?

It can take a few weeks to a few months to combine two rabbits into a "bonded" pair.

How long does a rabbit hold a grudge?

Depending on the severity of the offence, a rabbit can hold a grudge from hours to several days. Sometimes, a simple stroke on the forehead or an apologetic treat can remedy a miffed bunny, but if your rabbit is truly offended, they can sulk for quite some time!


Do bunnies know when your mad at them?

Some rabbits will get angry when they hold a grudge. Instead of simply hopping away when you try to come near, they will swipe at you or try to bite. They may even come up to you and give you a hard nip to tell you how upset they are with your actions.

What happens if you hit a rabbit?

It is considered especially dangerous because it can damage the cervical vertebrae and subsequently the spinal cord, which may lead to serious and irreparable spinal cord injury.

What do rabbits do when mad?

A rabbit who is angry will quickly twitch their tail up and down. Beware the rabbit holding their tail up, it is frequently followed by spraying. Rabbits who are not spayed and neutered will spread their scent by spraying everything in sight. They may also do this when they are upset or simply dislike a person.