My elder baby is aggressive

Question
My 4 month old grey rabbit has been with us since 8 weeks old, his sister died with bad diahorrea about two weeks ago, it was an awful time for everyone. The grey was always the dominant one but never attacked his sister. I wanted to replace her fairly quickly for companionship but my grey has attacked our new 7 week old black bunny very violently - so much so that we cannot hutch them together - initially he even took a bite at me after I cradled the new rabbit. I dare'nt leave them alone or take my eyes off the bigger one if we let them run around the living room.  It has really upset my kids to see this.  Is it something to do with the elder rabbit approaching sexual maturity?  Is this younger (unsure of sex as yet) rabbit threatening 'his space'?  Please advise. Would neutering solve the problem?

Answer
Dear Kristin,

I am sorry about the loss of your little one to the fatal diarhea, which is unfortunately very common in baby rabbits.  I wish I had been able to help you, but if you ever see signs of this again, please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/squirts.pdf

for information on how to save the baby's life.  A seven-week old baby rabbit is still too young to be weaned, and the added stress of being attacked by the resident rabbit could contribute to his becoming ill.

As you have discovered the hard way, rabbits are *very* territorial and can be ferociously vicious to a newcomer unless introductions are made very carefully.  Preferably, both should be spayed/neutered beforehand, and if the young male has descended testicles, he can be neutered now.  A female should not be spayed until at least 5 months of age, to allow her estrogen to do its work in developing her skeleton.

For tips on bonding, please go to:

http://www.rabbit.org/chapters/san-diego/behavior/bonding-tips.html

and since you've already had fighting, please also see:

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/4-4/tough-bonding.html

For now, keep the two physically separated, and don't allow any fighting at all to get started.  Rabbits have a very looooong memory, and they don't forgive easily.  :(

For all the best, most recent information on proper diet, care, housing, and health, visit

www.rabbit.org/

Hope this helps get you started!  Please write back if you have more questions.

Dana