Aggressive female bunny

Question
I recently bought two dwarf rabbits, one female one male. The female recently had a liter of kittens and since has been very aggressive to the male rabbit, bitting, lunging, and chasing him. How can i get her to stop being so aggressive to the male and if they will be able to mate again? (NOTE:they were very close at the beginning, sleeping next to each other and playing around). Thank You


Maria

Answer
Dear Maria,

First, please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/breeding.html

Next, separate the male and female until both can be spayed/neutered, as this will reduce aggression and allow you to re-bond them with patience and care.  The articles here will help:

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

Her maternal hormones are possibly making her aggressive, and the male needs to be kept safe from her until the babies are weaned (at eight weeks--no sooner!).  Please also read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/surpriselitter.html

and

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html

to learn why you must not wean the babies too young.

I hope this helps.

Dana