Rabbits are social animals and often exhibit various social behaviors such as communication, bonding, and the formation of social order. Rabbits can hash out their relationship and feelings by biting, mounting, and chasing. If you feel concerned about your bunnies’ enthusiastic chasing behaviors, read this article to the end as we explore why your rabbits are chasing each other.
Rabbit chasing each other can be a usual way of bonding and does not always indicate a problem. However, knowing what to look out for, when to step in and when to let the buns handle things on their own is worthwhile. Rabbit chasing can become a constant behavior among bunnies. Chasing may even seem frightening to observe if you are new to bonding.
Why Are My Rabbits Chasing Each Other?
When you observe your bunnies chasing each other, there are various interpretations of this behavior. The possibility that the rabbits are just having fun is the most common cause. This is particularly likely if the rabbits are young or do not appear to be agitated or acting aggressively. The following are typical reasons why bunnies chase each other.
-
Playing and Exercising
When you see two rabbits chasing each other, the most likely interpretation would be that the bunnies are just having a play session. Playing and exercising play a significant role in a rabbit’s development and help to maintain good health. This behavior is particularly expected among caged rabbits. Rabbits can be seen chasing each other because they simply enjoy it. In such cases, there are no causes for concern. But if the pursuit becomes hostile, you might need to step in.
-
Courting
Male and female rabbits frequently chase each other as part of the mating process. This often occurs when your rabbits attain sexual maturity at roughly four months old. You will notice some chasing if you have two adult rabbits of opposite genders. In this case, the female would eventually submit to the male for mounting. It only becomes a problem if it goes on for too long
-
Bonding
Two rabbits of the same gender pursuing each other can also be a sign that they are trying to get used to each other. In the wild, rabbits chase one another as a sort of socialization or bonding. Rabbits bond by chasing each other to demonstrate supremacy and show who should be in charge.
-
Fighting
A Fighting chase can occur when two male rabbits are put together without an equal number of females to play with. The chase, in this case, becomes very ferocious, with the chasing bunny becoming very aggressive or when the rabbit being chased refuses to acknowledge the other and turns to initiate a fight. If you observe a lot of biting and scratching, you know it’s a fight.
-
Stress
Sometimes the reason why your rabbits are chasing each other is because of a psychological problem. Rabbits that are stressed out are more likely to become aggressive. Numerous factors, like a change in the habitat or introducing new rabbits to the group, might lead to stress. Environmental stressors, dietary changes, and hormone imbalances are a few other possible causes of stress for some bunnies. If you believe your rabbit is anxious, look for the source of the stress and eliminate it. For your rabbit to feel comfortable and secure, you might also need to give it extra hiding places.
-
Demonstrating Dominance
When rabbits are put together in numbers, they tend to demonstrate a social structure in other to show hierarchy. The dominant bunny will be in control, and the bunnies will adhere to a tight hierarchy. This may cause the older rabbits to chase the smaller ones around. Chasing is particularly likely if you introduce a new member to a herd. In this case, there is nothing to be concerned about because this is also normal behavior.
While animals chasing each other for dominance might be inevitable and natural, you should still keep an eye on them and interfere in case of danger.
-
Fear
Because they are prey, rabbits are always on the watch for predators. They frequently begin chasing one another to evade what appears to be a threat. Fear could likely be the reason you notice your bunnies chasing each other in the presence of a cat or a visitor.
How to Stop Your Rabbits from Chasing Each Other
Rabbits typically appreciate the company of other rabbits. But occasionally, they get irritated and even start chasing each other around. You can take the following measures to reduce chasing
- Give rabbits a secure and comfortable habitat if you want to stop or lessen the number of times they chase each other.
- Provide lots of room to move around, easy access to healthy food and drink, and hiding spots or other discreet locations.
- Additionally, avoiding abrupt changes to their food routine can cause stress.
- Give the bunnies a ton of toys and hiding areas as well. They will be kept busy and perhaps less inclined to chase one another.
- Finally, avoid housing bunnies of several age groups together.
Is Chasing Normal When Bonding Rabbits?
Chasing is a normal habit between bunnies when they are just getting to meet each other. In this situation, the rabbits are not usually found to be fighting or acting aggressively toward one another. To react effectively, you’ll need to understand how to distinguish between a playful chase and an aggressive chase.
Safe chasing
A rabbit chasing another can be regarded as safe as long as the rabbits aren’t actively injuring each other. The chase will only occur briefly in less than 10 seconds. However, if the pursuit continues for more than 30 seconds, you might want to intervene to stop it from turning fatal.
Rabbits chase each other by running after themselves. Safe chasing shouldn’t involve aggressive biting or lunging where one rabbit is attempting to harm the other.
Aggressive chase
Chasing may be followed with little slaps and fur-biting, but this should not frequently happen, or the chase will become aggressive. If the chase turns aggressive, the rabbits may circle each other and start having a faceoff. If the struggle becomes so fierce that one rabbit is attempting to bite another, it may spell danger, and you should immediately come in to prevent harm.
Are My Rabbits Fighting or Playing
Rabbits frequently nip at one another to communicate. They peck at each other to play or as a warning for a possible fight. One way to tell if your rabbits are fighting or playing is to examine them closely. If one rabbit chases the other without aggression, this is merely playful or regular behavior. However, if the receiving rabbit is not open to the other’s playfulness, grasping could develop into fighting.
They are most likely fighting if your rabbit suddenly makes an aggressive move at another rabbit.
Image alt text: Why are my rabbits chasing each other?_Two well-bonded adult rabbits lying side by side
How To Make Rabbit Bond Correctly Without A fight
Bonding is necessary for rabbits to coexist. Your rabbits should get along well with one another, though it may take a while. Even rabbits already in a bond can occasionally break and become unbounded. Re-bonding is necessary if one of the bunnies smells a little different than usual or if they haven’t seen each other in a while. In such a situation, you will need to start the bonding procedure as if your bunnies are meeting for the first time. To safely bind your rabbit, you can take the following steps.
- When your bunnies are relaxed, put them side by side, adjacent to one another.
- Try to pet them both and give them some time to become used to you being in front of them while they are adjacent to one other. Petting your bunnies will make them trust you.
- Show composure, and remember that your bunnies are very observant and will pick up on any behavioral or emotional cues from you. This implies that your bunnies will become anxious if you are not composed.
- You can offer your rabbits food or treats while still in this position. They’ll see this as a reward and start to link it with positive things.
- Leave them in the side-by-side position and allow them to feel each other’s presence. The bonding may take some time, but it will eventually happen.
When your rabbits are fully bonded, they will spend time together. They will chase and occasionally row with each other for a while. Eventually, they will play, groom, and eat together as a sign that they have bonded.
Conclusion
It’s common for rabbits to develop a lot of interactions with one another. Among other things, rabbits chase each other for play, dominance, and mate selection. While this is normal behavior for rabbits, it may occasionally escalate into violence. Whatever the cause, chasing is a distinctive aspect of rabbit behavior and is usually of little concern. If you own rabbits, it’s your job to make sure that neither of them is getting hurt in this process of chasing the other.