Fighting Bunnys

Question
QUESTION: My house Rabbits which i rescued about 9months ago (who are believed to be sisters) Clover and Nutmeg, began fighting for the first time today. When i came down to see them this morning there was fur everywhere- i picked up about two handfuls, didn't know what had happened until a bit later when i saw them fighting - this has happened a few time today i keep breaking it up but i don't understand why they are doing it or what i should do. Between fights i have noticed Clover pushing her head low to the ground and nudging Nutmeg- mostly under her tail. I have also noticed it sems to be Clover starting the fights. They don't seem to be injured and they are both spayed. please help me i am very worried, and too scarred to leave them alone.

ANSWER: Hello,

Rabbits are territorial by nature. Even altered rabbits have that tendency. The only way to prevent fighting is to give them separate cages. If they are fighting, they risk injuring each other. At that point the bonding becomes pointless.

Some might recommend methods of trying to prevent the fighting. I would not as essentially you are working against instincts. How fair it it to try to make rabbits something they are not? By nature they are territorial and that is something as owners we have to love them for.

Try giving them their own individual cages. You should find that they still remain happy and are no longer a threat to each other. Good luck! :)

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

QUESTION: But they have lived together happily for 9 Months and probably there whole life before as well, without so much as a dig at each other. Should i seperate them right away?i feel sad for them as they are normally seen snuggled up together.

Answer
Hello,

I understand the feeling. I had a similar issue with my first pair of bonded rabbits over 14 years ago.

My feeling is as people we sometimes do things for our animals to make us feel better, not to help them. Rabbits are territorial, they do better their own space. Although it may seem sad for you, they will not mind. The safety and health of your rabbits is too important.

Trying to bond rabbits is going against their nature. Sometimes I will admit, it is successful. However, when it does not work out, I think as owners we have to step back and understand why.  

Good luck...It sounds as if your animals have a great, caring owner!