they grunt at me and go to bite me
2007-01-16 07:42:10 · 18 answers · asked by DEAN R 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
we had our 2 female buns spayed on the advise of the vet as one bit the other. they are now very Happy and the best of friends.But not all females will get along together even if they are spayed.
2007-01-16 07:46:27 · answer #1 · answered by ecb 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It might be best to seperate them for a while so that you can first work on why they are aggresive towards you.( I once had a female rabbit that growled at me like a dog whenever i put food into her cage.) Once you have managed to control their behaviour then slowly reintroduce them together but not into each others recent living space. A metal pen would be ideal for this. If you try an reintroduce them in either ones recent living space it could make the problem worse. Hope this helps.
2007-01-17 17:20:40 · answer #2 · answered by kelly g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't say how old the bunnies are or how long you've had them. My guess is that they are young and you haven't had them too long.
First thing is to take them to a rabbit savvy vet for a check and to schedule an appt for a spay. Unspayed females run a very high risk of uterine cancer or diseases of the reproductive organs. It is also very difficult if not impossible to bond two unspayed females. And if you bunnies are young, there is no guarantee they are both girls - pet stores do make mistakes (we found that out) and you don't want an unwanted litter.
Please read here for info on spaying/neutering:
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html#spay
It can take some time for your rabbits to learn to trust you. Rabbits are prey animals and many are afraid and have to learn that you won't hurt them. They don't like being picked up and it is best if they can come and go from their house on their own terms. When we were bonding with our bunny, we found this article very helpful:
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html
And when both are spayed, here is a good link to info on bonding your two bunnies:
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabcare.html#bond
2007-01-16 15:55:41 · answer #3 · answered by Martha G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had that same problem with my two Mini Lops. I kept the mother in with her daughter and then the mother started to become aggresive and always wanted to "hump" her. That is a sign of dominance with females.
Since the daughter of my mother doe was stressed from always being picked on, I gave her time by her self and she seemed to calm down.
I think the less time spent together is better for them. As for getting a male rabbit, only get one if you want to BREED! Or get him neutered right away if you do not want the babies.
Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, you can email me anytime!
-Chelsea
Chelsea_thornton@yahoo.com
2007-01-18 11:54:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHAT CAN I DO IF MY RABBIT IS ALREADY AGGRESSIVE?
The first thing is to try to find out why your rabbit is being aggressive. If your rabbit is showing aggression towards you when you try to pick him up, and you think this is due to fear or nervousness, you will need to introduce a gentle programme designed to teach your rabbit that you are not a threat:
Stop trying to stroke or pick up your rabbit for a period of two weeks. In that time start to hand feed your rabbit treats and speak calmly to him.
If your rabbit is now more relaxed, start to stoke him whilst he is eating the treat.
If your rabbit will take a treat but won't let you stroke him, you may have to spend longer on the first stage. If your rabbit tries to bite you when you stroke him then replace your hand with a long handled brush so that the rabbit bites that instead. When the rabbit bites the brush, stop touching the rabbit until it goes back to the treat and then repeat.
Once your rabbit will accept stroking (by hand or brush) increase the time and the areas that are being touched. If you are using a brush, try to introduce your hand (this may take several days)
You are now ready to start picking your rabbit up. This should also be introduced in daily stages using treats at each level i.e. initially your rabbit can be scooped onto your lap to eat his treat.
Never use punishment as a training method. In most cases of aggression, the problem worsens as soon as the owner tries to reprimand the rabbit, as the owner appears ene more threatening.
Most forms of aggression can be improved by giving a rabbit more space, daily exercise and access to a stimulating environment with lots of toys and areas to climb on or hide under. More information is available in the RWF leaflet "Rabbits need SECS".
If this information sheet hasn't helped, contact the RWA National Helpline on 0870 046 5249, or visit our website www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk. Your veterinary surgeon can refer you to a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors who will be able to offer advice once they have seen your rabbit(s).
2007-01-16 15:48:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
how old are the rabbits? a female rabbit tends to want to be bred starting at around 6 months old. when this happens 2 does will fight since they are trying to show who is boss, it's kind of like a pecking order. i would suggest if you are not planning on breeding them, then separate and spay them.
ps. male rabbits are better pets than females
2007-01-16 17:15:08 · answer #6 · answered by Olivia W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't really keep them together particularly if they aren't sisters. You would be better off keeping them in separate cages but so they can see each other and then maybe in future put them together very gradually . If they haven't been done already, their behaviour may improve if you get them spayed.
They probably go for you too if you are encroaching on their territory. you need to let them come to you first.
2007-01-19 09:47:44 · answer #7 · answered by vickiesox 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to get them spayed. Unspayed females have an 80% cancer rate. Also think about your behavior around them. Do you always try to pick them up? I suggest that you spend time sitting near them reading so they can get used to your scent and sight. Try giving them treats more often. My rabbits love love papaya tablets. http://www.rabbit.org
2007-01-16 15:49:22 · answer #8 · answered by sugarcarat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont think you are suppose to keep two females together. and as for being aggressive towards you i would try exchanging one for a guinea pig and if that doesnt work then get rid of them. or maybe you are mistreating them.
2007-01-16 15:50:02 · answer #9 · answered by viki S 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
get some fresh carrots, swede, and other fresh veg makes a lovely stew
2007-01-19 16:00:40 · answer #10 · answered by raymond.r.bennett@btinternet.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋