Hi everyone,
I am a new bunny owner as of last month. I found a bunny on my way to work at the side of the road who looked very malnourished and cold ( I live in Canada so winters get pretty bad around here). I am not sure if he escaped or was dumped there. I put up a few signs and an ad but no one claimed him so he is now part of my family and doing very well!
Anyways I bunny sit my friend’s rabbit (Paul) every year when she goes away on vacation. He is 10 years old. I do not know the exact age of my rabbit (named Balthazar) but he appears young. He looks as though he’s still growing and is very hyper and energetic.
The two rabbits are often separated but have met a few times under strict supervision. They tend to ignore one another and focus on eating or just lounging with me. Balthazar has tried to mount Paul a few times and Paul let’s it happen for a few sec and then hops away.There have been no fights between the two and none appear to be stressed. Paul even eats or cleans himself while Balthazar tries mounting him. He doesn’t seem too concerned and knows Balthazar is stronger.
This evening however, Paul got a burst of energy (after eating a yummy banana slice) and decided to mount Balthazar. He came on a bit strong and Balthazar appeared very startled. The two then struggled to mount one another. They appeared to be getting a bit too frisky and i separated them. Paul went back to doing whatever it is he does everyday and appeared very relaxed. However Balthazar was not.
When i went to spend time with Balthazar in the other room, he looked very…anxious. He was running around the area on high alert and didn’t want to leave my side. He would follow me everywhere including the bathroom and had to be touching me at all times.
This surprised me as he is not usually a cuddler and is often busy exploring. I held him for a good hour, petting him and he was “purring” on my lap. He seemed to calm down. Yet anytime I would attempt to leave, he would anxiously run after me, and made sure he always had one part of his body touching me.
I’m wondering if anyone knows what Balthazar might be going through and how I can handle the situation. I am afraid perhaps he is upset that the senior bunny dominated him tonight as he is always the dominant one. Perhaps he is also upset he was separated from my main area of the house while I stayed with the visiting bunny? Paul is here for one more week and I want to make sure that everyone is feeling happy and calm.
Any advice?