horny rabbits

Question
QUESTION: Within the year, we bought 2 boy jersey woollies. recently I noticed that they have started to hump each other... but now one is literally biting the fur off of the other (no blood). what does this mean? what should we do? is this normal? please advise.

ANSWER: Dear Ken,

First, provide them with a large space where they can get away from each other.  If they are not fighting, avoid completely separating them, but they both must be neutered ASAP, or this will escalate into bloodshed and a permanent unbonding.  Please read:

www.rabbit.org/health/spay.html

and find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

If you don't do this *very* soon, the fighting will get worse, and very serious injury could result.  Have both rabbits neutered at the same time, to avoid further social problems, and allow them to recover for a few days before you allow them to be together unsupervised.  Until then, let them have daily playtime, strictly supervised so they don't hurt each other.

In a few weeks, they should calm down and be able to be together again without problems.  If they do fight, there are ways to re-bond them, but I won't go into that unless you need it in the future.

I hope this helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response to my Question.
I have another question How can I find a vet that will neuter the Rabbits without charging me so much?

My vet Gregory A. Rich, DVM
Wants 500 bucks to do the blood work and fix the bunnies.

I don't have that much cash.
I just paid 700 in vet bills from
Our last rabbit who passed away due to liver failure.

Any tips.

Thanks

Ken Roques

Answer
Dear Ken,

Wellll...you kind of get what you pay for with rabbit vets.  And Dr. Rich is really the best rabbit vet in your area.  When you consider that a dog/cat spay costs about $200-300, then his fee of $250 per rabbit isn't really unreasonable.

You could ask him if he's able to work out a payment plan.  Or you could contact your local rabbit rescue group:

www.rabbit.org/chapters

and find out if they have a low cost spay/neuter program for qualified bunny caregivers.  It's worth a try!

I hope this helps.

Dana