Grooming but also humping/fur pulling

[Nishi]

I’m trying to bond two of my three bunnies who seem to click the best through the cage bars. They have always found a way to groom each other and lay next to each other through the bars. They are neutered and they seem to get along ok, no fights so far. They groom each other about equally. However, my youngest bun (Plue) continues to hump and simultaneously nip resulting in fur coming loose. So far the older one (Kyuubey) is docile and seems to tolerate it before we get to separate them. I feel bad, but he doesn’t seem stressed– he is eating his hay and drinking water normally. So far I have taken them for a car ride and am letting them stay in a neutral area while closely watching and breaking up the humping.

I feel like Kyuu is getting tired of it though. Is it just a matter of time before Plue stops or do I need to try something else?

[BinkyBunny]

It is normal for the the nipping to happen at the same time of humping. Is your youngest one neutered/spayed? Sounds like you are doing a good job. It’s okay to allow the humping (not face first though),but after 10 seconds, stop and distract for a bit. How long has it been going on?

[Nishi]

Today is my second day at this. I realize some pairs take a long time, I just thought they were familiar enough due to months of being housed side by side. Youngest was neutered 2 weeks ago. I will try to allow the humping for a bit except I feel that their relationship somehow got worse, now my older one is not being as passive. He is nipping back. The younger one seems to be assuming a more defensive stance huddled up in one of the litter boxes.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m dealing with the same issue with my two boys. I feel your frustration.

[BinkyBunny]

OHHH! The youngest was neutered 2 weeks ago — this may explain it. It can take a 4-6 weeks for the hormones to die down, so in this case, you may need to stop it sooner to your other bunny from tiring of it (sound like he is) and a fight breaking out. You may want to take a break or slow down bonding until the youngest one’s hormones are out of his system.

LPT — sorry to hear you are going through this too.  

[Nishi]

BB, I’m taking your advice and taking a break– this is pretty stressful on all of us. I think I’ll try again next week and see if it goes any better. I’ve been waiting for months now as my vet doesn’t do spay/neuter before 6 months and I got Plue at 2 months, I guess I’ll have to be m ore patient.

LPT, Hope your buns work it out soon, too!

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