We have three rabbits, Precious, who is a rescued mini otter rex and around 6 years old. Misty who is, well, about five, and Shadow, the big girl, who is now approaching one year old. All of them are spayed. They have been happily bonded since not too long after we introduced Shadow.
Usually there will be two bunnies laying together, with the third a foot or so away (they roam upstairs during the day and have a 2 story pen for night time). Sometimes all three will cuddle up together. There didn't seem to be any preference over who they lay with, all of them would happily spend time with one another.
Until recently. Precious is old. She has permanent hip dysplasia and is on painkillers for it. We're keeping a close eye on her, but for now she is still very much a happy bun. As long as she gets her painkillers, she's excited for pets and treats, she cuddles with her girls, and she makes valiant attempts at cleaning herself (we help her a bit, since she can't move as well as she used to).
Just now, the other two started chasing her. Shooing the old girl away from them and looking rather unhappy with her. The last few days there have been some tensions between Misty and Shadow too, with Misty nipping in Shadow's direction, though she they don't fight.
Their bond seems fine, until suddenly it isn't. Then, after we break up the disagreement (because it didn't look like they were going to stop chasing her on her own, and Precious really can't move that well, so I'm a little protective of her) everything goes back to normal. But the last two nights, Shadow and Misty slept upstairs in their condo, while Precious can't go there.
I'm worried that we're missing signs, that maybe the buns have decided Precious is too old, or too decrepit to remain together. Or that the meds make her too different from them (she's on tramadol, so a little woozy for a bit after medication). Or maybe, I'm too worried and all this is fine. Can anyone provide some insight into the insanity inside a bunny's mind?
Usually there will be two bunnies laying together, with the third a foot or so away (they roam upstairs during the day and have a 2 story pen for night time). Sometimes all three will cuddle up together. There didn't seem to be any preference over who they lay with, all of them would happily spend time with one another.
Until recently. Precious is old. She has permanent hip dysplasia and is on painkillers for it. We're keeping a close eye on her, but for now she is still very much a happy bun. As long as she gets her painkillers, she's excited for pets and treats, she cuddles with her girls, and she makes valiant attempts at cleaning herself (we help her a bit, since she can't move as well as she used to).
Just now, the other two started chasing her. Shooing the old girl away from them and looking rather unhappy with her. The last few days there have been some tensions between Misty and Shadow too, with Misty nipping in Shadow's direction, though she they don't fight.
Their bond seems fine, until suddenly it isn't. Then, after we break up the disagreement (because it didn't look like they were going to stop chasing her on her own, and Precious really can't move that well, so I'm a little protective of her) everything goes back to normal. But the last two nights, Shadow and Misty slept upstairs in their condo, while Precious can't go there.
I'm worried that we're missing signs, that maybe the buns have decided Precious is too old, or too decrepit to remain together. Or that the meds make her too different from them (she's on tramadol, so a little woozy for a bit after medication). Or maybe, I'm too worried and all this is fine. Can anyone provide some insight into the insanity inside a bunny's mind?
