Why Do Rabbits Attack Each Other? - Rabbit Care for Your Bunnies

Biting, scratching, and full-on brawls – what’s behind this apparent bunny belligerence? Rabbits have a reputation as gentle, docile pets, so aggressive behavior between rabbits comes as a surprise to many owners. Yet nipping, chasing, and fighting are quite common in the mysterious world of rabbit relationships. Born from an instinct to establish social hierarchies and defend limited resources, rabbit-on-rabbit aggression serves an important purpose in the wild. But in our homes, this vestigial violence causes stress and harm. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the complex factors that spark attacks between bunnies, and reveal how you can restore tranquility to your warren. Read on to demystify the forces fueling your furry fighters!

Are Rabbits Aggressive Towards Each Other?

Rabbits are often seen as gentle, docile creatures, but they can sometimes display aggressive behaviors towards other rabbits. Rabbit aggression is a natural instinct, although the reasons for it are variable. In some cases, rabbits may attack or bite each other as a means of establishing dominance and hierarchy. This is especially common when rabbits are first introduced or when new rabbits are added to an existing group. However, aggression can also be a sign of stress, fear, territory disputes, or competition over resources like food, water, and space. Female rabbits may also attack males that attempt to mount them when they are not receptive. Overall, rabbit-to-rabbit aggression is complex, multi-faceted, and often specific to individual circumstances. With proper handling and care, much of this behavior can be prevented or controlled. But some level of conflict between rabbits is inevitable given their evolutionary drives. As prey animals, establishing social structures through aggression helped wild rabbits survive potential threats. While domestic rabbits no longer face the same predators, these instincts still influence their interactions. With understanding and patience, rabbit owners can mitigate problematic aggression and promote positive relationships between their rabbits. Proper bonding techniques, spaying/neutering, spatial management, and distraction/redirection methods can all help reduce fighting and foster rabbit friendships.

Why Are My Rabbits Biting Each Other?

If your rabbits are biting each other, there are a few possible reasons for this aggressive behavior:

Establishing Dominance – Rabbits have social hierarchies and will nip and bite each other to establish who is dominant and subordinate in the relationship. This often happens when rabbits first meet or when a new rabbit is introduced to an existing pair or group.
Territorial Disputes – Intact rabbits are very territorial and will bite to defend their space from an encroaching rabbit. Rabbits that are not spayed/neutered are especially prone to territorial aggression.
Competition Over Resources – Rabbits may bite to establish ownership over things they value like food, water, litter boxes, or resting spots. This can happen if resources are limited.
Fear/Stress – Sometimes rabbits bite out of fear, such as when they are cornered or handled roughly. A scared rabbit may bite in self-defense.
Redirected Aggression – If something angers or stresses your rabbit, they may take their frustration out on a nearby rabbit via biting.
Maternal Aggression – Mother rabbits can be very protective of their kits and may bite or box other rabbits that get too close.
Sexual Rejection – Female rabbits (does) may bite males (bucks) that mount them when they are not interested in breeding.
Pain/Illness – Rabbits experiencing pain or illness are more prone to biting due to decreased patience and tolerance. Dental malocclusion, infections, and arthritis are examples.

To curb biting, get rabbits spayed/neutered, provide adequate resources, and create spaces for retreating. Proper bonding techniques can also reduce nipping during introductions. If biting persists, consult your vet to address any medical issues.

Should I Keep My Rabbit Alone to Prevent Fighting?

Keeping a single rabbit alone is generally not recommended. Rabbits are very social animals and thrive with a bonded companion. However, in some cases, housing a rabbit alone may be better than forcing them to live with a rabbit they are incompatible or aggressive with. Here are some things to consider:

Rabbits bond for life and suffer mentally/emotionally when isolated. Solo rabbits often become depressed and destructive. Providing interaction with humans is not an adequate replacement for a bonded rabbit partner.
With effort, time, and proper techniques, most rabbits can eventually be bonded with a spayed/neutered mate. Bonding is a gradual process requiring patience and separate housing at first. Rushing the process can exacerbate problems.
Certain rabbits may display persistent aggressive tendencies, resisting all bonding attempts. But complete incompatibility is rare when introductions are done properly between altered rabbits.
Trying to force a bonded pair to stay together when they are chronically aggressive towards each other causes ongoing stress. In this situation, permanent separation may be kindest.
If you must house a solitary rabbit, provide extensive attention/playtime daily. Allow access to busy household areas so they do not feel isolated. Provide mental stimulation with toys, puzzles, and treats.
Consider adopting another neutered rabbit as a potential bondmate. Even if they cannot live fully together, they may become friends over time with parallel housing and supervised interactions.
Talk to your veterinarian if aggression issues persist so all medical causes can be ruled out. They can also refer you to a rabbit behaviorist for expert bonding assistance.

With perseverance and the right techniques, most rabbit fights can be overcome, making solo housing unnecessary. But some rabbits may never get along and may be better off separated.

How Can I Stop My Rabbits from Fighting?

If your rabbits are fighting, there are several approaches you can take to restore peace:

Get them spayed/neutered – Intact rabbits are much more territorial and aggressive. Spay/neuter helps tremendously with bonding and reducing fights.
Properly re-bond them – Start over with the bonding process using gentle introductions in neutral space. Give them time to get acquainted before reintroducing to shared space.
Resolve conflicts over resources – Ensure there are two of everything (food bowls, litter boxes, etc.) so they don't have to compete.
Give them space – Add hiding boxes, barriers, and multiple enclosures so they can get away from each other when needed.
Try stress-reducing supplements – Pheromone sprays/diffusers or calming treats may curb aggression stemming from anxiety.
Address medical issues – Take them to a rabbit-savvy vet to check for pain, gastrointestinal issues, parasites, etc.
Consult an expert – Enlist the guidance of a rabbit behaviorist who can assess the situation and offer tailored training tips.
Separate if necessary – As a last resort for chronically incompatible rabbits, permanent separation may be required.
Distract and redirect – When minor scuffles occur, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise or spray bottle. Redirect their energy to a toy.
Increase exercise – Give feuding rabbits more playtime and explore time to burn off energy. Boredom exacerbates bad behavior.
Be patient – Remember bonding is a gradual process. Expect some nipping and chasing at first. Don't give up too quickly.

With a combination of these techniques, most bonded rabbits can learn to get along again. But some truly incompatible pairs may need to live separately for their own wellbeing.

Are My Rabbits Fighting or Playing?

It can be hard for rabbit owners to tell the difference between normal play behavior and actual fighting. Here are some clues:

Playing rabbits will both initiate chasing and be chased. In fights, one rabbit is the aggressor doing all the chasing.
Play involves lots of binkying and jumping, with both rabbits freely engaging. Fights appear more serious and one-sided.
During play, nips will be gentle and any fur pulled out is minimal. Real fights involve deeper bites that remove fur and possibly draw blood.
Playtime ends with one or both rabbits flopping over comfortably. Fights end when one rabbit retreats in fear and the dominant rabbit stops pursuing.
Rabbits at play may make grunts or tooth purring sounds. Fighting rabbits make loud screaming or squealing noises indicating pain/fear.
After playing, both rabbits are relaxed with no lingering tension. Following fights, the rabbits avoid each other and are on high alert.
Play sessions usually last 15 minutes or less. Fights are quicker bursts of intense aggression just a few minutes long.
Happy rabbits solicit play by circling and nipping their partner. Unhappy rabbits directly attack without this ritual initiation.
Bonded pairs at play choose to stick close together. Fighting rabbits try to break apart and get away from each other.
Playful touching and grooming may follow playing. No affection or grooming happens after an aggressive fight.

If you are unsure if your rabbits are fighting or playing, err on the side of caution. Separate them for a little while to calm the situation. Observe them closely over time to better understand their normal interactions. When in doubt, consult an experienced rabbit owner or veterinarian.

My Bonded Rabbits are Chasing Each Other

It's common for bonded rabbits to engage in chase behaviors. This can be either playful or aggressive depending on the context. Here's how to tell the difference:

Play Chasing:

Both rabbits take turns being the chaser, with frequent role reversal
Chases involve lots of binkying, jumping, and zig-zag running
Chased rabbit will deliberately run toward chaser to prolong the game
Chases are brief, ending when one rabbit flops over or ignores the other
Chased rabbit has free opportunity to get away but chooses not to
Chasing stays within reasonable enclosure space instead of backing rabbit into corner
No signs of stress or aggression like biting, pulling fur, screaming
Relaxed body language with upright ears following chase

Aggressive Chasing:

One rabbit is doing all the chasing, pursuing the other persistently
Chased rabbit runs away frantically with no binkying or play signals
Chased rabbit has no opportunity to reverse roles and become chaser
Chased rabbit cannot escape and is backed into tight corner
Separate hides and retreat spaces are ignored
Chasing covers large areas with rectsangular laps around enclosure
Fur may be pulled or nipped during chase with resultant injuries
Distressed vocalizations may be made by chased rabbit
Body language shows fear/submission – pressed down, ears back

Ideally all chasing should be playful but territorial disputes can spark aggression occasionally, especially between unfixed rabbits. Redirect with toys if it becomes excessive. Separate rabbits if aggressive chasing persists so neither gets injured or stressed. Consult a rabbit-savvy vet to address potential causes like illness, pain, or hormones. With patience, even chasing stemming from aggression can often be overcome during the bonding process.