Hi guys. Long time no see. Seems like every time I come to post, it’s because something has happened, and this time it’s the worst it’s ever been.
For the past three years I have had an adorable, loving, snugly trio of buns. My two Netherland dwarf brothers Groucho and Zeppo, and my Holland lop girl Izzy. The boys are 5, Izzy is 4. It’s been peaceful. And that’s not an exaggeration. Those that remember me may remember the brief bonding period it took to get everyone living harmoniously. It was the easiest thing ever and they’ve been free roam in my apartment since.
However, the past few days, Izzy began growing territorial. Guarding the veggie plate to the extent of laying on it. Laying next to the food dish and partly on top of it. She’s been targeting Groucho and only him. Groucho has been my little trooper and my baby. He’s suffered from upper respiratory infections his whole life, has a couple bouts of GI stasis and a case of head tilt. Through all of that Izzy has been sweet and loving towards him, cuddling and cleaning him, pampering him like a baby. He’s actually at a pretty healthy point in his life. Hasn’t been sick in months. I only say all this because I know sometimes bigger rabbits will pick on the weak and sick. She never has. And I mean, never. Even during bonding her aggression was non existent even when Zeppo pulled fur.
I started doing some re-bonding things while keeping them mostly separated. Bath tub time for short periods a few times a day. Positive reinforcement with treats and head pets.One on one time with Izzy and Groucho, and all three together. Yesterday things seemed to be going well. There was no territorial behavior, no lunging, everything was peaceful for a while.
Last night, when Groucho hopped past Izzy to go use the litter box, she lunged out of nowhere and latched onto his neck and would not let go. I had to pry her jaws open to get her to release. He was wheezing super bad and frantic. She immediately went into hiding. I know without even asking that she tried to kill him.
This morning both went to the vet in separate carriers and both received a clean bill of health. Even Groucho shows no lasting symptoms of the incident. But, I’m at a loss. I don’t know what caused this. I don’t know what happened to my three happy babies that brought this on. Groucho is eating drinking, using the litterbox. He’s prairie dogging up on his back legs and is super cuddly. Izzy looks depressed like she knows that she did something wrong and knows she messed up.
I’m blaming myself for not fully separating them but I never imagined in a thousand years that it would come to this. I’ve rebuilt Izzy’s nic cube condo, and she’s currently confined to that in the bedroom and I have a barrier separating her and the boys. I don’t want to get rid of her but at this point can I even consider repairing that bond?
Anything anyone can help me with on this I will be forever grateful. If I can provide any information to help out just ask and I’ll answer everything I can. I just need help.