Rabbits hold grudges. For this reason, it is best to avoid allowing them to get in an all-out fight. You need to determine, however, whether their behavior is actually fighting or playing as some of the behaviors overlap. Rabbits will nip at each other to get the other's attention.
They will eventually stop fighting and either ignore each other or become friends. This process depends on your active and vigilant participation. If fighting is serious, the bunnies should be separated when unsupervised. Once they seem to be getting along, they can be re-introduced into familiar territory.
Despite their docile appearance, rabbits can be quite fierce when they want to. Fighting rabbits use their sharp teeth and claws to attack each other, which can easily draw blood, and kick quite hard as well. Rabbits know how to cause damage so often attack each other's faces, bellies and genitals.
Watch for aggressive behaviors: tail up, ears back, growling, boxing, circling, chasing and biting. If one of these behavior occurs several times in a row; if neither rabbit backs down; if it leads to further aggressive behaviors, it should be interrupted.
Rabbits are more than capable of tearing large clumps of fur from each other's bodies. Rabbits take the protection of their home and territory seriously. If they feel that another rabbit is attempting to steal their territory, they'll fiercely defend it. Another common cause of aggression is establishing dominance.
Rabbit aggression towards humans usually means they're scared. These fears can result in biting. A rabbit could also bite because they're poorly, or because their hormones are raging. Happy rabbits aren't generally aggressive but even the happiest bunnies may lunge, bite or give a sharp nip if they feel threatened.
Bonded rabbits can also break their bond. This can happen if they've been separated, for example if one bunny needs to spend a few days at the vet. It can also happen if you move house, move or change your rabbit enclosure, or upset the hierarchy by introducing new rabbits.
If The Bonded Pair Actually Fight
One rabbit chasing the other endlessly, biting to draw blood or ripping out fur, and otherwise being aggressive can break their bond. You need to separate the rabbits immediately and try to figure out what has caused this sudden change in behavior.
Nipping will most likely happen at some point during the bonding process. It is normal and isn't always a negative action. Sometimes a rabbit will nip the other because they want him/her to groom them.
They are very social animals and where possible should be kept in bonded pairs or groups. However, they can also be very territorial and introductions must be done slowly and with care to avoid fighting.
Rabbits remember fights, particularly the bad ones. Fights that last just a few seconds can break up a close friendship because of a rabbit's ability to remember its fights. Never force rabbits to stay in the same space after a fight. It's unlikely that they will bond again and may even have another big fight.
In general, you should stop rabbits from chasing each other when it's gone on for longer than 30 seconds. If the chase is allowed to continue for longer periods of time, the rabbit being chased may get frustrated and turn to fight back. You should also stop a chase if there is any serious aggressive behavior involved.
Keeping rabbits together
Rabbits can live happily together as: a neutered male and a neutered female – often the most successful combination. two litter brothers or two litter sisters – although there is no risk of pregnancy, it's important to still neuter as hormones will cause them to fight as they get older.
Biting and nipping are part of normal rabbit behaviour. A rabbit may give another rabbit a nip to establish boundaries, or to tell the other rabbit that it has overstepped. Also, rabbit may bite another rabbit to establish dominance.
Rabbits just LOVE company!
Most owners house a pair of rabbits, but keeping three or four are also popular options. Be sure that you have enough space to comfortably house all your rabbits, or else you'll have to purchase multiple runs to create enough space.
As a general rule, rabbits are bonded once they can spend 48 hours together without any chasing or aggressive behaviors. You also want to see positive signs such as grooming, sharing food, and sleeping next to each other to confirm that your rabbits feel safe around each other.
A bunny tornado is a tight chasing circle. It looks like the bunnies are chasing each other's tails. This should be broken up immediately by putting a broom between the two rabbits.
Sometimes happily bonded rabbits appear to fall out and the bond breaks down. There is almost always a reason for this: Maturation and the onset of spring, males fighting over territory and females fighting over nesting material.
Petting a rabbit may be a great method to soothe them and help them relax. If your rabbit is defensive, scratch him behind the ears and forehead. Keep an eye on your rabbit's body language to see if he's still on the lookout for danger.
Why does my rabbit put her head down when I pet her? When your rabbit lays their head down flat on the ground, they are enjoying being pet and are laying still so that you continue. They might even close their eyes or nudge your hand if you stop petting them.
Bonded rabbits usually get on well over long periods of time. It's not uncommon for rabbits to occasionally scuffle, even in bonded pairs, but if they are having proper fights and pulling fur out that's usually a sign that their bond has broken. Usually, something has happened to break the bond two rabbits have.
Pay attention to the pecking order.
Give the dominant rabbit their treats first and give them their first choice of toys. You can provide equal treatment to the second rabbit, but you do want to pay attention to who gets stuff first.