Rabbits are generally social and alert animals that are kept in many homes as pets and for economic reasons. Rabbits are also playful animals. However, they sometimes fight for various reasons. You might have noticed your male rabbits fighting, and so you are worried and may ask, Will male rabbits fight to the death?
Yes, male rabbits can fight to death, though the chances of it occurring are very minimal. Rabbits are territorial; that is, they like having boundaries. This may lead to fights, especially when they see another male rabbit close to their hutch. Where the male rabbits are put together in one hutch, they might fight in defense of their territories, and this may lead to death.
So, what makes male rabbits fight to death?
Occasionally, rabbits fight due to the following reasons:
1. Marking Boundaries
Rabbits, being territorial animals, tend to fight other new rabbits in their hutch in a bid to protect their territory. This can escalate if not solved early and can lead to death through injuries.
2. Monotony
Like any other animal, rabbits require some exercise for their physical and mental wellness. If they are not stimulated, they become bored and may attack other rabbits, leading to a fight. If the fight continues without the owner’s notice, it can lead to death.
3. Supremacy
Interestingly, bunnies have ranks in their families. The most dominant rabbit becomes the head of the group. When this hierarchy is provoked, it can lead to a fight that can make the rabbit lose it’s life.
4. Courting and Mating
Unknown to many, rabbits tend to have a light struggle with each other when about to mate. This practice can eventually escalate at times when the bunnies are not watched and can lead to the death of the rabbit.
5. Insufficient Feeding
Lack of food is one of the major reasons for rabbit fights and deaths. Rabbits tend to eat a lot. They require continuous provision of feeds like Timothy hay. You can also provide them with greens.
Additionally, ensure the feed is placed at different strategic places across the hutch so that it does not feed from one point only.
6. Stress
Introducing another rabbit to the hutch can trigger fights due to the anxiety it causes. The older rabbit might not be comfortable with the new one.
So to avoid this, ensure that you only put rabbits that grew together in the same hutch and do not introduce new ones.
7. Unsterilized Males
When you put two unspayed rabbits together in one cage, they are most likely to get involved in a fight that is hormone-triggered. A fight can lead to death.
Is It OK to Put Two Male Rabbits Together?
Yes. There is no harm in having two rabbits in one cage. However, the rabbits should be neutered; if not, they can easily trigger a fight.
Additionally, the rabbits that are kept together should be those that started growing together, not new ones. Fighting causes stress in rabbits, making cohabitation difficult among the rabbits. Therefore, ensure you minimize the fights by all means possible.
You might have noticed your male rabbits fighting, and you may ask, Is it normal for male rabbits to fight? The answer is yes; it is normal for male rabbits to fight. Though it is rare, male rabbits fight mainly to mark their territories and maintain their supremacy in the group.
Since fighting is normal in male rabbits, one might wonder, Can male rabbits hurt each other?
Yes. Male rabbits can hurt each other during fights. You may have noticed that fighting does not end as soon as you expected, and this might lead to your rabbits hurting each other. Even though rabbits look gentle, they can be very aggressive and dangerous. They can use their claws and teeth to inflict injuries on others when fighting.
Should I Let My Rabbits Fight It Out?
No, you should not let your rabbits fight it out. When the fighting continues and escalates, the bunnies need to be divided and isolated from each other, especially those who are not supervised regularly.
They can be reintroduced later when they show signs of bonding well. After seeing all these fights, you might be worried about what to do when two male rabbits fight.
There are several ways to handle fighting rabbits. They include the following:
1. Don’t Assume
Most rabbit owners ignore their rabbits when they are fighting, assuming that they are just playing. Even if they are playing, they should be monitored closely, as it may easily lead to a fight.
When you see an element of fighting, separate the rabbits and put them in different cages.
2. Shout Or Make a Loud Noise
Shouting or noise causes anxiety in the rabbits, causing them to stop fighting. When rabbits are scared, they tend to bond very quickly to evade the stress. You can make noise by blowing a whistle or clapping your hands.
3. Divide Them Instantly
You can try to separate the rabbits yourself when the fight increases. Ensure you wrap your hand with a cloth or towel or put on a glove to protect you from any scratches that might occur during the process. Rabbits can be very vicious when aggressive.
4. Check Your Rabbits for Any Bruises
This can be unyielding because of the thick fur covering the rabbit. If you notice any limping or bruises in any of the rabbits, then you need to act quickly and, if possible, call a vet.
5. Separate Them Using a Fence
When you notice your rabbits fighting or showing signs of wanting to fight, stop them by dividing the cage with a fence. This will give them ample time to calm down and start re-bonding.
What Age Do Male Rabbits Start Fighting?
Male rabbits are most likely to begin fighting when they are sexually mature, between 16 and 20 weeks of age. These fights are mostly caused by hormones, specifically testosterone, which typically rises when a rabbit achieves sexual maturity.
Some rabbit breeds, however, mature at week 10, and at this time, when they are put together, they are likely to fight.
How Do You Tell If My Rabbits Are Fighting?
You might have realized that your rabbits are not cohabiting well and may start behaving abnormally with the others, and so you may be confused and ask, How do you tell if my rabbits are fighting or playing?
Well, you can tell whether your rabbit is happy or angry with the other rabbit by observing its behavior.
For instance, you can tell if your rabbit wants to fight when:
1. It Bites
Even though a rabbit’s bite is not so severe, it can be dangerous. You should separate them as fast as possible, as this could be a sign of aggression.
2. Producing Muttering Sounds
Grunting noises produced by the rabbits are a clear indication that the rabbit is angry or aggressive and wants to fight.
3. Continuous Mounting
If you see persistent climbing by rabbits among themselves and roughly, then you need to take caution, as this might symbolize a fight.
On the other hand, you can tell that your rabbit is happy and playing when you see the following:
1. Pushing With Their Heads
This mostly happens when the rabbits are happy and relaxed. It is also a form of grooming for rabbits.
2. Hopping
When the rabbit jumps and moves around other rabbits, it is in a playful mood.
3. Grinding It’s Teeth
When you see the rabbit moving it’s mouth rhythmically as if it is chewing something, it is a clear indication that it is in a playful mood.
4. Kick-jumping
If you see your rabbits jumping while kicking their hind limbs, then it indicates a playful mood.
1. It Bites
Even though a rabbit’s bite is not so severe,it can be dangerous. You should separate them as fast as possible, as this could be a sign of aggression.
2. Producing Muttering Sounds
Grunting noises produced by the rabbits are a clear indication that the rabbit is angry or aggressive and wants to fight.
3. Continuous Mounting
If you see persistent climbing by rabbits among themselves and roughly, then you need to take caution, as this might symbolize a fight.
How Do I Stop My Rabbit Attacking Other Rabbit?
You can practice the following to help you stop the bunny from fighting others:
1. Fix Your Rabbits
Ensure that your rabbit is spayed and castrated before making them leave together in one hutch.
2. Consider The Space
Rabbits generally require a good amount of space to exercise. When they are confined in a small hutch, they may be depressed, which could lead to increased aggression. Ensure the hutch is huge and spacious.
3. Provide Stimulation
In addition to space, rabbits need to be stimulated more often, as this reduces their monotony and makes them active. When rabbits are bored, they become angry very quickly. So you can provide them with toys to help stimulate them.
Rabbits Fighting Pulling Fur
Plucking fur, or barbering, is common in rabbits when they fight. This indicates how badly they are frustrated and angry, and so they pluck the other rabbit’s fur.
However, plucking can be due to other reasons like false pregnancy, parasites, or even grooming.
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