I recently adopted 2 female rabbits from a rescue centre but im worried that they’re not actually bonded. I do occasionally see them laying together and i’ve seen grooming once, but the dominant one is really bullying the other one. Any time she comes near, the other will scarper and she steals her food too. I think she also tries to nip her. There’s never any fighting or fur pulled out or anything, just this constant chasing. I’m so stressed
please help!!
- Thread starter ally1302
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How long have you had them? Are you still in contact with the rescue centre? I would discuss the situation with them, as they will know how the two bunnies were with each other when they were with them.
A bond between two female rabbits is the most challenging, although sometimes it's OK if they were from the same litter. But do speak to the rescue and see what they advise for these two.
I hope you can resolve the situation
A bond between two female rabbits is the most challenging, although sometimes it's OK if they were from the same litter. But do speak to the rescue and see what they advise for these two.
I hope you can resolve the situation
I would also talk to the rescue for advice, as they know the 2 rabbits best.
Are they definitely neutered? Was it a recent neutering? Hormonal rabbits will fight, and it takes at least 6 weeks after neutering for things to settle down. They may also just be settling in to a new environment and need more time. Meanwhile, make sure they have access to plenty of hay in several locations. Same with water. That prevents one being starved out from a single source of food / water. If you feed pellets, you could hand feed them or scatter them on the floor instead of in a bowl. Things like tunnels and small hideaways (eg boxes, if they don't eat card) that just fit one rabbit will give a bolt hole to the one being bullied. At this time of year, you could also provide other distractions such as willow or apple branches with leaves on, if you have any growing locally.
Are they definitely neutered? Was it a recent neutering? Hormonal rabbits will fight, and it takes at least 6 weeks after neutering for things to settle down. They may also just be settling in to a new environment and need more time. Meanwhile, make sure they have access to plenty of hay in several locations. Same with water. That prevents one being starved out from a single source of food / water. If you feed pellets, you could hand feed them or scatter them on the floor instead of in a bowl. Things like tunnels and small hideaways (eg boxes, if they don't eat card) that just fit one rabbit will give a bolt hole to the one being bullied. At this time of year, you could also provide other distractions such as willow or apple branches with leaves on, if you have any growing locally.
