Rabbit aggression

Re: Rabbit aggression

Marie Kubiak — Wed, 13 May 2015 20:35:22 GMT

There may be subtle changes in dominance if there are psychological or medical factors affecting the previously dominant one. Primary pathological conditions causing aggression are rare in rabbits (adrenal neoplasia being the one that comes to mind but is generally a disease of older rabbits) but secondary aggression in a debilitated/unwell rabbit trying to fend off its now stronger rival is possible. Has there been any separation of the pair at any stage? Any change in housing/management/feeding patterns? Worth increasing hide areas (plastic tunnels work well), enlarging sleeping areas and providing extra exit routes and seeing if things settle with sympathetic management alone. if not then consider rebonding at a neutral site or more extensive investigation to rule out contributing health factors.

Marie

Re: Rabbit aggression

Linda Filshie — Wed, 13 May 2015 17:26:26 GMT

Yep, totally with you on the pellets and have already advised on this.

I did consider that they were just two boys who don't get on, but I was swayed away from this by the fact that they've been getting on well for >2 years. I don't have any brothers myself so can't comment on brotherly love wearing thin!

Re: Rabbit aggression

Martin Atkinson — Wed, 13 May 2015 16:46:32 GMT

You can think of all possible environmental or pathological issues going on but in the end brotherly love wears thin and they are just two rival rabbits.

Re the weight issues I would suggest that too many of the pellets is probably more responsible and to cut them to a minimum making sure there is plenty of fresh greens instead and this time of year grass.