Bonded Rabbits Fighting?

[Kristin B]

I adopted 2 dwarf male rabbits about 6 weeks ago, they are brothers, bonded, and both the same age and neutered. Normally they get along great, but a couple weeks ago they had a fight (I think) where they were chasing and jumping over one another. There was no blood, just a lot of fur pulled out. It lasted only a few minutes and then they went back to normal. It happened again today but they have not stopped, one keeps chasing the other and pulling out his fur. I was scared that they were going to hurt each other so I separated them. Is this the best thing to do? Are they really fighting or just playing? They have recently gotten more space to roam in the house and I have heard that this can cause squabbles. Would love some input and advice from experienced bunny owners! Thank you!

[mia]

How old are they and how long have they been bonded? Can you ask the place where you adopted them if this is normal for them?

[Stickerbunny]

When my fought it was over a hidey hole they both liked and I had to separate them for about a month with a baby gate and then they went right back to being best friends. Rabbits can be odd and fight over the dumbest stuff.

[Kristin B]

They are a little over a year old. I will try to get in contact with their foster parents to see if this is typical behavior!

[Roberta]

Mine do this sometimes but it is definitely playing.. No nipping or boxing. Pepper usually starts it by getting Pipi running round and round doing laps, then Blossom joins in with Pepper hot on their heals. I am sure they think she is going to eat them judging by the looks on their faces. Sometimes Piglet joins in too other times he sits on the top floor of the bungalow and watches the race. Once Pepper has everyone sufficiently worked up and running in circles she sits back and watches them until they run out of steam or realise she is no longer in pursuit. Pepper can be such a ratbag at times. Once everyone is exhausted they all flop together in a pile and snuggle.

Must admit the first time Pepper did it I thought she was going to eat Pipi too, then I realised there was no growling or aggression and Pepper was doing it for personal entertainment.

It’s actually hillarious to watch once you know it’s not going to end up with someone being bitten or scratched. But very annoying when they choose to do it at 4 in the morning.

[Elrohwen]

With pulled fur, it sounds much more like a scuffle than play. Mine have done this a few times, and it never led to a full on fight, but I definitely put a stop to it. You could try removing everything from their pen, like hidey areas, and see if that helps. Sometimes rabbits get territorial over things and if you remove the objects for a bit they get over it.

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