There’s always a lot of speculation and questions surrounding rabbit behavior, particularly when it comes to males. This post will explore the topic of male rabbit fighting in-depth, including what researchers have discovered about it.
There’s something all bunny parents eventually ask themselves – do male rabbits fight? The answer, as with most things rabbit-related, is it depends. In general, two adult males will usually not get along if they are both living in the same space. This can lead to fighting and even injuries. Stay tuned for some fascinating insight into this often misunderstood behavior!
Why Do male rabbits fight each other?
There are a few things you need to know about the nature of male rabbits to answer this question properly. When a rabbit is sexually mature, typically after six months old, males have one thing on their mind: sex!
Male rabbits tend to fight as they compete for female rabbits or territory. Rabbits can be either territorial or non-territorial, and this makes a huge difference in how much fighting occurs between them.
Two non-territorial males will not fight at all if there are no females around because there is nothing for them to fight over (no space and no girls), and if two territorial males come into contact with each other, they may fight like crazy either one of them retreats because the other one got there first. The fighting will be very brutal and can result in severe injuries, especially if neither rabbit decides to retreat.
 Two territorial rabbits (or two non-territorial rabbits that both decide not to back down) will fight like crazy because they both want the same space and/or girls. They may even injure each other severely as a result of their fight.
If you have a single male living alone and don’t allow any females or neutered males around him, he will tend to be much more peaceful because he won’t need to defend anything from either sex. If you introduce another unneutered male into your territory, however, you’re bound to see some drama unfold!
What can you do to prevent or stop rabbit fights ?
First of all, it’s important to note that you should never try to break up or stop two rabbits from fighting if they are not seriously injuring each other. When one rabbit has the other pinned on its back (known as a “kill” in rabbit terms), it is no cause for alarm.
Allowing them to work things out for themselves is the easiest and safest solution. However, if you believe your bunnies are truly hurting each other (i.e., lots of blood, broken bones), then go ahead and quickly separate them by catching the aggressor with your hand or a towel/sheet. You can also spray water on them with a plant mister, but this may confuse matters more; at least with catching them, you can slowly move the aggressor into a separate carrier.
One of my readers pointed out that using a water bottle as described above didn’t work for her because both rabbits simply ran away and hid, and she was concerned about what to do next. Her suggestion is to try “a firm blast right in their faces.” You may want to approach this method with caution if your rabbit is not used to this sort of thing (i.e., they don’t like it), but I’ve actually heard from several people who have had success with this strategy!
What do female rabbits fight over?
Rabbits are polygynous breeders, meaning that males reproduce by mating with several females at once (this doesn’t necessarily mean multiple females are living together, though). Females, on the other hand, are monogamous , meaning that they only mate with one male at a time.
It seems that it is common for females to fight with each other because of access to males. This is especially true if you have an older female who was once the dominant rabbit in her space, but now she’s not so young or attractive – and some new girl bunny comes along…well “catfight” would be an understatement! The good news is that most of these disputes do not end in serious injuries.
how to tell if my bunnies are playing or fighting?
You may see your bunnies boxing each other with their paws while biting or hear them growling at each other. It’s possible that the fur may bristle up, especially around their head and back – just like when a dog “fluffs out” its fur. Rabbits don’t usually jump at each other to make contact with their teeth or claws–they prefer to use their paws because it is more effective!
Rabbit fights are sometimes short, but they can last a long time if either bunny decides not to show any sign of submission. The longer the fight goes on, however, the more likely you will see blood spilled from deep puncture wounds or severe tearing from ripped flesh. These injuries put both rabbits at risk for infection by any number of bacteria.
Sudden deaths have been linked to rabbit fights, but I have yet to see a necropsy report that says this is the true cause. It seems more likely that it’s related to heart disease or unknown complications from being in an already weakened state of health.
If they are playing then they should have their hind feet together, head raised, and looking at each other. If they are fighting then one will be on its back with the other rabbit on top of it biting its neck.
FAQs
do rabbits fight with dogs ?
Dogs and rabbits can absolutely get along together, provided the dog is properly socialized with rabbits. In fact, I have a guide on how to get your dog to like rabbits that you can read here (coming soon) .
how long do rabbits fight ?
A short play session between two rabbits may last for a few minutes, but as I mentioned before, it’s possible for fights to be drawn out if one or both bunnies are determined to stay in an antagonistic frame of mind.
how often do rabbits fight ?
Unfortunately, it’s very common for them to fight. Rabbits are especially hostile toward one another when they are breeding or have recently given birth to a litter of kits. This is because females who are nursing may not have the extra energy necessary to fight for their territory.
do mom rabbits fight you when you try to pick up their bunnies?
Don’t worry about scuffling with a protective mama rabbit. She’ll get used to you, especially if she feels that her young are safe and sound in your loving care.
do cats and rabbits fight?
Cats and rabbits can get along together, provided they are introduced to each other on neutral territory where neither feels threatened. It’s important that the cat not have access to the “runway”, so to speak, of your rabbit. An easily accessible litter box for your cat is helpful too!
Dr. Elly Cameron is a veterinarian who has always loved animals. She grew up with cats and rabbits, and knew from a young age that she wanted to help animals in whatever way she could. After completing veterinary school in New Zealand, she and her husband moved to North Carolina in 2009. There, she worked as a small animal veterinarian, seeing cats, dogs, and of course her favorite patients – rabbits! In the last few years, Dr. Cameron has been working as a locum vet while she concentrates on raising her two young daughters. She also started writing this blog to help other rabbit lovers out there.