Why is my bonded rabbit suddenly scared of humping and not eating?

I am so sorry that this change is happening - it is never easy when one pet starts to be aggressive to the other. I don't know when the last time that you had a wellness exam performed on your rabbits, but I think that would be a good place to start with these two. Sometimes a more dominant animal will "pick on" the other if it isn't feeling well - this is often picked up by the animals in the house long before it is noticed by the humans in the household. Your veterinarian would perform a physical exam, and then could also perform some blood work to evaluate systemic health. Since it looks like your rabbits spend some time outside, they may also evaluate the feces for any evidence of parasites as well that they may pick up. I would also recommend weighing both of the rabbits - it sounds like a lot of the negative interactions occur when food is present, and this may make it hard for your lop to get adequate amounts of food, and weight loss can occur. Additionally, there may be a process going on in the dominant rabbit that is making it need more nutrition and, therefore, is becoming more aggressive about food items. One thing that you may try while waiting to get into the vet is separating the rabbits with a physical barrier that they can still see through - then if they still want to lie next to one another against the barrier they can, but the lop can get away easier if getting picked on. You can feed them near the barrier as well, in case they are social eaters. This may make them feel more comfortable than being completely separated from one another.

There may be several causes: 1) she is upset about the other rabbit being there 2) when she was bitten she suffered a hematoma under the skin (rather than an open wound) and it hurts and therefore she may not eat much 3) she is getting ill. I would observe her, feed her her favourite food and veggies/greens and try introducing her to the other rabbit by putting both cages next to each other for a few weeks, then let them sniff each other without a cage in a large area (so one can run away, if attacked) under supervision. Do this for very short times , maybe offer food in several places so they get distracted a bit. It can take quite some time for rabbits to tolerate each other, and some never do. Be patient and keep trying, The other rabbit should also be spayed or neutered if possible.

Thanks for reaching out about your rabbit. A veterinary visit is recommended anytime a rabbit stops eating. Ingested foreign bodies, GI stasis, metabolic disorders (liver, kidney), infections are all possible. Yogurt and crackers are not a good food item for rabbits as they do not digest dairy or carbohydrates well, and can lead to additional GI upset. Even if obstructed, they can continue to pass feces for 1-2 days. Try syringe offering water. Good luck.

Hello. Your bunnies are adorable! It’s good that they are spayed and neutered, as this should help your efforts to bond them. I’d recommend to give them ample space to retreat and feel safe when they’re together and always supervise them during the transition until the relationship is more secure. One way to start the process would be to feed each rabbit on either side of a baby gate or other divider that allows them to sniff and see each other. Provide ample hay, greens and pellets on each side of the gate so they’re spending a good amount of time near each other as they eat. After several days to a week of peaceful eating, remove the gate but keep the food the same. Monitor them closely during this time for signs of fear or aggression and separate them quickly if you see this. If there is a favorite treat, only give that out when they’re together so there is a positive association of being with the other rabbit. However, just like people, rabbits are individuals and may not get along no matter what we do. Be prepared for this possibility and don’t force it. While rabbits tend to be peaceful animals, they certainly can fight and when they do it can be serious.

Thanks for reaching out. Not all individuals get along, especially in confined areas. As young rabbits mature and hormone levels rise, territoriality and dominance are fought over to establish. Spaying the rabbits is necessary anyways, so now might be a good time. Keep separated for now. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Snickers and including photos. It is probably recommended that a veterinary visit happen, as to ascertain health, especially as a new acquisition. It could be possible he is just getting used to his new home and slightly stressed. Monitor appetite, water intake, urination and defecation. If you continue to be concerned, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Hi and thank you for your question, Whenever a rabbit stops eating this causes a cascade of physiological effects that acts like a vicious cycle. I would therefore recommend that you take Buttons to the vet ASAP and not wait till he really deteriorates. Many of these cases can be solved by simple things like fluid therapy and pain control, but a diagnosis for the initial cause is important. Regards