Aggressive bunny behavior?

Question

We adopted three male bunnies (to save them from a crock pot death) from the same litter when they were about 3 months old. They are now about 8 months old. They have been getting along great for this entire time and sleep in one big heap so close you can't tell which one ends where.

A few days ago one of them started getting aggressive towards the shyest of the bunch and has bit him and pulled his fur out. All are very docile towards us and the aggressive rabbit is the easiest to handle and hold. None have ever bit or scratched at all. 

Is this behavior towards the other bunny his hormones kicking in or could there be other factors? I had planned to have them neutered, but they have gotten along so well I didn't see it as an urgent thing to do. I have also heard that doesn't always change their behavior. 

They have a large house with rooms and a huge 20'x25' outdoor run for the daytime so it's not like they are stuck in a cage on top of each other. Thanks for your help.

Calamitty · Accepted Answer

Yes they are sexual mature and they will and do fight.  It's best to get them separate til neutered.  And yes sure re it sure does help with temperament, and they won't spray.  But with rabbits it's really hard to sex them, you may want to double check to make sure you don't have a female in there they are fighting over.  Best of luck:)

kuunoita · Answer

They have reached the age when they would begin breeding.
Yes the hormones are kicking in. Since the one is so aggressive to the weakest one, I would suggest seperating them immediately. he will only get more dominant over the weak one and eventually kill him. Are you sure they are all males? I would make absolutely sure before I let them stay together. If you are going to neuter them, do it now. You may still have to seperate them as the behavior has already started.

Oh and by the way- domestic rabbits were originally breed to be eaten. Yes many of the breeds now are too small or too boney to be eaten, but there are breeds that are raised for their meat. There is nothing wrong with eating rabbit meat.
it is very good and good for you as it has less fat and cholestrol and higher in protein than any other meat.

I raise show and pet rabbits(Mini Rex) and my daughter raises Satins. The culls from the Satin litters are butchered and put in the freezer.

? · Answer

My (female) rabbit does this when she wants to play. It works, too, because she always gets a reaction. Try to redirect him into playing with you so it doesn't hurt - teach him to play tag (where you run and he follows you) or to jump over your feet or something. And neutering will definitely help with any aggressive behavior.

NepaliParakeet · Answer

Definitely get them neutered!  And one thing is, bunnies are all sweet until they get to a certain age (like yours have gotten to) and then its like they are teenagers- being naughty and stuff.  These are the times that I would almost get fed up with my bunnies.  Then they eventually grow out of it and get sweet again.  But I would DEFINITELY get them neutered- it is better for their health and will make them happier bunnies.  Plus they won't try mating with every object near them!

Dan. · Answer

Haha, homo bunnies.
Maybe it is trying to establish dominance, maybe getting them neutered would help cause that sure took a lot of the fight outta my cats...

Anonymous · Answer

sometimes bunny rabbits will develop homo-sexual tendancies.... this results in the other bunnies getting pissed off at it ... sounds exactly what your bunny is going through.

dont worry you just have a homo-bunny.  i wouldnt suggest eating it though.... you might start getting those tendancies as well .

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Aggressive bunny behavior?

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