bunnies fighting

Question
QUESTION: I recently bonded two of my mini rexes with another younger mini rex.  They have been together about two weeks, but have "known" each other for about a month or so.  Now they are in one big, homemade cage.

We have the occasional chase around, but this morning the two older ones were pinning the younger one and biting her.  They're all female, btw.  I heard her cry out and I came out to find her crouching in the corner.

I took her out because she was all in a panic (justifiably!), and then I noticed that she had a red area on her side behind one of her front legs.  It is where they (the other two) had torn out some fur.

There is no bleeding, and she is walking fine, but I'm very upset!!!

Do I go ahead and put her back in there with the other two?  Will they leave her alone?  Is there anything I should do about the open area?  The fur covers it when it (the fur) is laying down.  I just happened to see it when she was up on her back legs, investigating.  Otherwise, I might never have seen it. :(

Also, do their wounds give off an odor?  I have a really sensitive nose and I am now smelling something odd on her and their cage.

I would be grateful for any advice.

Thank you in advance.

ANSWER: Hi Stephanie

Absolutely don't put her back with the others.  I am not sure if they are all spayed or not but females generally don't get along unless they are all spayed.  They may appear to be getting along but then they get all hormonal and territorial and such.  WOMAN!! just kidding I am obviously a woman but we are all pretty much the same no matter what species.

That foul odor you smell is probably an infection.  A 3 week course of pen G should clear it up.  When I have a rabbit with an open wound I spray it with a product called Furall.  I get it at the Tractor Supply Store.  It is made for horses but works wonders on rabbits.  When sprayed it makes sort of like a sticky bandage type substance.

Honestly I think your little one needs a vet.  He will need to debried the wound and probably instruct you on how to treat for infection.  Even though you can technically buy penicillin over the counter I really don't feel comfortable instructing you how to do it without a vet actually seeing it.  

If you need any more help please send me a private message and I will see what I can do for you.

Thank you and good luck with the youngin!

Pam

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your reply, Pam.  I appreciate it!!

What is with us women?  Always tearing each other down!!  LOL!!

Okay.  With regard to the odor.  Would she only begin to smell because of the injury?  Or is this something I would have smelled a long time ago?  Trust me when I say I have a super-sniffer.  My family hates it, lol.

Thank you for the advice.  I will start making phone calls tomorrow.  We are rather remote so I hope that I can find someone in the area.

Thank you again,
Stephanie

Answer
lol


Hi it would only start to smell rancid if it was horribly infected.  Blood actually has a very distinct and icky smell to it also.  Especially when it is dry.  That could be what you are smelling.

Thank you for getting the little one treated.  It will sure be worth it in the long run.  If down the road you want to get her a bonded pair of her own let me know.  The best pairs are obviously always fixed but I have had great success with neutered bucks and unfixed does.  Other's may not agree but I think they have other agenda's on their minds.  

Just let me know and I can help you out.

Sincerely

Pam