Help - bonded bunnies suddenly fighting

[Lulu&Felix]

Hi, Im having trouble with my previously devoted rabbits. Felix had an overnight stay at vet to get teeth filed - this is not unusual. Lulu was a bit out of sorts with him away-this is not unusual. They have been bonded for 6 years. Lulu is the submissive rabbit but she is smart, cunning, trainable and adventurous. Felix is a slouch. When Felix came home this time she went at him and now goes him (its been a couple of days) whenever he is in the vicinity. I have separated them but as they both generally have run of the house - ongoing separation is not easy. At first I thought he might smell funny but I now think its a dominance thing. Its as if Lulu has decided that she no longer wants to groom him but he wont have it any other way. I put them in a room together that was neutral territory. Each one approached the other - there was a stand off - an aggressive bump of noses and both retreated. This behaviour repeated for about 1/2hr. They are sleeping in the same space overnight but its divided with a fence where they aggressively bump noses from time to time. I read that they might bond if both put in a stressful situation like a car ride. Does anyone have any tricks or ideas? This is a very sad situation.

 

[tonibun]

Yes it is very upsetting when this happens. I have had to split a pair up whih have been together and happy for a few years for no apparent reason, except one of them is 9 now so whether this has something to do with it I don't know. The only thing I can think of which might help your 2 is to put them in a small space such as a puppy pen and see if this helps. Are they both neutered? It sounds like she thinks he is a different Rabbit hence her behaviour. I hope they settle down together again.

 

[Lulu&Felix]

Many thanks. They are 6 and 7 - been together since 6 and 12 months old. Ive now noticed that Lulu is dropping poo all over the house (normally very tidy) so perhaps your right and its about territory - perhaps he was housed in an unclean cage at the vets. The scent should be starting to fade now though or maybe I need to wipe his fur down - with her urine perhaps!!!!??? Im actually a bit serious about trying that........