Bunnies won't groom each other?

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 2sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 7 months ago by Bianca.

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- 09/21/2017 at 9:48 PM
  Bunny-Mom-Haley
  Participant
  13 posts
  I’ve been bonding my 2 fixed males for 1 month and they are currently having sessions in a semi-neutral x-pen in my living room. They flop next to each other, eat together, and groom themselves in front of each other. There is a little bight of nipping/chasing from 1 rabbit but it has never lead into a serious fight (I assume he’s just being territorial.) The only problem is that they haven’t groomed each other yet! It’s too the point where they both bow their heads wanting to be groomed, but they’re too stubborn to do it to the other bun. My territorial one is at the point where he will nip the other bunny because there is no grooming occuring and he gets angry. I’ve tried banana a few times but that makes the bunnies waaaayyy to excited and they start fighting. Should I just let this play out? They’re sessions are usually a couple of hours long now since they’re doing so well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
- 09/21/2017 at 10:43 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  8935 posts
  I hear you, it can get crazy!
  
  Whenever I’ve used banana, I’ll smear some on the ground first for them to both lick up, then a bit on both of their heads while that’s happening. Then I have to keep Bertha’s head down by petting it myself, so Moose would have a chance to lick it up! Once they start licking it off each other, everything is fine and they end up all blissed out.
  
  They definitely sound like they still haven’t sorted out dominance. Have you tried stressing them at all?
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 09/23/2017 at 4:45 AM
  Bianca
  Participant
  375 posts
  Perhaps you could try extending the sessions even further if you have time? Sounds like they are still trying to sort out dominance. While it is different for every rabbit, I have found giving my rabbits more time together has really helped.
  
  Interestingly enough, I found stress bonding made things worse – turns out Terry is a huge grump when stressed. But I do believe it works well in most cases.
  
  And as mentioned, you could try the banana trick.
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