question about nipping and bunny hierarchy

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This topic has 5sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 13 years ago by Cheddar33.

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- 04/12/2011 at 9:22 AM
  Cheddar33
  Participant
  359 posts
  I have three hollands, Cheddar, Poopy, and Meatball. Cheddar and Poopy are definitely bonded with Poopy being the dominant one. I brought in Meatball after they bonded and all three have gotten along to the point that they live in one cage. However, Poopy and Cheddar still nip Meatball occassionally and he runs away. Then they will all cuddle after. It’s weird. Is that common for the more dominant ones to nip the bun lowest in the hierarchy?
- 04/12/2011 at 10:18 AM
  Elrohwen
  Participant
  7318 posts
  Hannah is my dominant bun and she nips Otto in the bum and chases him all the time. It’s normal. If they’re cuddling afterward, it doesn’t sound like Meatball is too upset over it.
- 04/14/2011 at 11:59 AM
  MarkBun
  Participant
  2842 posts
  Sometimes they just have to feel secure reminding someone of their station. Maryann has changed her tactics from nipping to grooming instead. When Dono moves without her permission, she immediately begins grooming his face.
- 04/14/2011 at 12:52 PM
  Elrohwen
  Participant
  7318 posts
  Mark, it’s funny you mention that – Otto has learned to deal with Hannah’s nipping by turning around to face her and asking for grooms when she starts nosing him in the bum before a nip. He used to run which just made her chase him, but now when he asks for grooms she forgets what she was doing and grooms him instead (or looks confused and walks away).
- 04/15/2011 at 1:28 PM
  Cheddar33
  Participant
  359 posts
  I think I have to accept that they will always nip Meatball. Meatball needs to be comfortable in his own skin. He’s still young and I hope that he learns that. Makes me so sad though.
- 04/15/2011 at 1:28 PM
  Cheddar33
  Participant
  359 posts
  I think I have to accept that they will always nip Meatball. Meatball needs to be comfortable in his own skin. He’s still young and I hope that he learns that. Makes me so sad though.
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