aggressive rabbit

Question
we have had 2 rabbits for about a year one male one female they are both neutered they live in the same cage the female rabbit is not very freindly and grunts and wines a lot so we dont really handle them they have the run of the garden. so are out quite a lot. my husband has just rescued 2 more rabbits one male one female we have tried to introduce them but the female is so aggresive and attacks both the new rabbits she is that bad that at one stage we couldnt get her off the male she had latched on so hard to the male she runs at them grunting and showing a lot of aggresion when they are in the garden so mush so that we have to keep her locked in the cage when they are being exercised it is such a shame as the 2 new ones are so gental and we dont like to see them so frightened we would like them all to be out together but we fear that she would kill the new ones we cannot understand what is going on as the other 3 get on fine by the way the aggressive female is a dutch the new male rabbit has also been spade

Answer
Dear Janet,

The aggression you see is completely normal and to be expected:  rabbits are extremely territorial, and will ferociously attack any newcomers.  I guess I don't have to tell you that now.  :(

But it's not impossible to bond them, if you are patient.  Here are several articles that should help:

http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-a=00062824-sp00000000&sp-q=bonding&user=enter...

Until then, you'll have to let them take turns in the garden, since fighting will escalate without careful bonding.  I hope you are successful.

Good luck,
Dana