Rabbits are actually born pack animals, but sometimes socialization just doesn’t work out. Problems such as aggressive biting or constant chasing arise. But there are a few tricks and possible solutions for this.
Even if there is harmony here: Problems with the socialization of rabbits are not uncommon – Image: Shutterstock / Soultkd
You want to do something good for your rabbit and give him a new partner in the enclosure? Socializing two strange animals is sometimes quite difficult, because things don’t always go perfectly right from the start.
Sometimes problems arise for which there seems to be no solution. In some cases this is true, as some rabbits really don’t get along and shouldn’t be forced to live together. However, you should not give up too quickly either.
Merge issues: Persistent hunting
During the socialization of rabbits, problems such as constant hunting may arise. One animal chases another around the enclosure for several hours. If there are occasional lulls, don’t worry. If you hunt without interruption and for several days or weeks, then it becomes dangerous for the animals concerned and you should rather break off the socialization. The stress is just too high and may spread to the whole group.
After socialization, the animals bite into each other
Ranking fights among bucks, for example, are perfectly normal. Occasionally there can also be violent fights in which the rabbits bite into each other. In some cases, problems like this cannot be sat out, but require a different solution, such as a new group composition.
To avoid worse, go between the fighters with an item. Caution: Not with unprotected hands, otherwise one of the rabbits could bite you in the heat of the moment. Find less dominant packmates for the animals.
Sitting in the corner scared and not eating
If one or more animals in the group are too dominant during socialization, this can often cause problems for the quieter members of the pack. After socialization, observe carefully how the individual long-eared bats behave. If one sits listlessly in the corner with wide eyes, it is very frightened. It is often bitten by the other rabbits, does not eat or drink anything and endures the ordeal. Here you should also act and find other partners for the sensitive mummler.
Bite injuries from other rabbits
When socializing, it is advisable to examine each animal for bite wounds. Injuries are most common, especially on the back. A couple of not too deep bites should not make you panic, just make sure that the wounds do not become infected. However, if one or more rabbits are covered with bite wounds, this is clear evidence that there are problems with the socialization and that it would be better to break it off.
Socializing Rabbits: Solutions to Owner Mistakes
Some rabbits are mismatched in character, but many socialization problems are unintentionally caused by the owners. For example, all boxes, houses and hiding places should have at least two exits so that they do not become a trap for the rabbits and they can avoid each other. In addition, each animal should have its own retreat where it can rest.
Danger! Do not separate rabbits unnecessarily when socializing
False compassion is also problematic. If you separate an animal from the others too early during socialization, the hierarchy in the pack cannot be fought out. This is very important for living together: when everyone knows who the boss is, things will calm down again. Even if the fights look pretty intense to you, you shouldn’t intervene too early, but only in extreme cases when the fights won’t stop or serious injuries occur.
Choosing a partner for your rabbit
Important for the success of a socialization of rabbits: the right choice of partner in advance. Some owners want to save on castration costs and therefore only bring females together, but this usually does not end well. Be sure to also look at the character and age of the animals and look for suitable partners. So many problems don’t even arise.
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