Bonded duo re-bonding since introducing new rabbit

[triplebuns]

I’ve had two rabbits, Peanut and Kumo, for 2 years and they’ve been bonded the whole time. About 6 months ago, we got a new rabbit, Charlie. Charlie was neutered about a month ago and we’ve been thinking about starting the introduction process.

However, now Peanut and Kumo seem to be reassessing their pecking order. They have both been excessively mounting each other 24/7 trying to establish dominance. It’s gotten to the point when Peanut has a clump of fur missing from the back of his neck where Kumo has been trying to hold on. And now, Kumo has accidentally broken the skin by going for that same spot, but hitting skin since the fur is gone. 

They’ve been like this for about a week now and we want to introduce Charlie to them, but feel like they should probably work things out first since they’ve already started. My main concern is the breaking of the skin. I would let them just work things out, but I don’t want peanut to get hurt anymore. They still sleep next to each other and groom each other, but is it wrong to separate them so they don’t keep mounting?

Any advice would be helpful. 

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Sounds like displaced aggression http://www.psychwiki.com/wiki/Displaced_Aggression they want to act aggressively towards charlie but they can’t reach him so they are aggressing on each other.

Are you housing Charlie in the same room?

I would definitely let them settle first before starting bonding. Can you start with a towel swap-so they can get used to his scent and vice versa?

[Paradigm]

I had this problem with my pair (though too a lesser degree) when bonding into a trio.

It resolved itself once the third bunny was bonded into them.

[Author]

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