Rabbits Fighting Pulling Fur + 5 Reasons Why

If you own a rabbit or even two you may notice them doing a lot of weird and unpleasant things. But, have you seen rabbits fighting pulling fur?

What could be the reasons why this is happening. In this article, we will dive deep into this matter and ensure we provide the right reasons why this is the case and how to avoid it in the future.

Continue reading to:

• Understand why rabbits pull their fur out
• Know if rabbits pull each others fur out
• And so much more…

Rabbits Fighting Pulling Fur

Rabbits pulling out their own fur or pulling out fur from another rabbit may leave you wondering whether this is normal rabbit behavior or not.

These may look painful for your rabbit (s) as they may also leave some skin exposed. This may even leave you thinking that your bunnies may not be getting along.

Most of the time that is not really the case. Pulling fur is a normal rabbit behavior mostly seen in female rabbits.

Rabbits will pull their fur when fighting, even though in most cases this is never really fighting. It could be just that they are on heat especially if the fight is between a male and a female rabbit.

Other than this, there are other reasons why rabbits will pull fur off their body.

Also Read: Why Do Rabbits Sleep With Their Eyes Open? + 5 Tips

Why Is My Rabbit Pulling His Fur Out

Rabbits are tiny animals with lots of furs, seeing them pulling their fur or even finding fur in their hutch or cage can be quite alarming. This behavior in rabbits living alone is called solo barbering.

Here are some reasons why rabbits will pull their fur:

• Boredom or stress – Rabbits are needy pet and will get bored or stresssed when left without company for a long time. If you notice them pulling hair from their legs they are likely bored. Adding fun toys or even another rabbit will ensure they are always entertained and they have company. Only bring in another rabbit if the hutch is big enough for both of them.
• Pregnancy – This will happen with female rabbits. They will do this to make a nest foe their babies. Pulling their fur will also become easier as the fur on their belly and the sides of their bodies will become loose. A doe will do this when her pregnancy is comin to an end and she will likely give birth soon.
• False pregnancy – Unspayed female rabbits living with male rabbits or on their own will experience this. Their mammary glands will swell and they will get on to pulling their fur so that they can build a nest. Often this symptoms will last a few days but if they prolong you need to consult your vet. The only to prevent or stop false pregnancies is by getting your rabbit spayed.
• Poor grooming – Long haired rabbits will start to pull their fur around its shedding period if you do not do it for them or if you do not do it perfectly. These rabbits will shed their fur after cold seasons so that they can flourish during hot temperatures. It is very important for you to groom your rabbit so that they do not do it themselves. Their skin is delicate and leaving them to pull their own fur may cause wounds.
• Skin discomfort – Check your rabbit regularly yo ensure that it does not have fleas or ticks. These parasites can make your rabbits skin itchy hence the fur pulling to ease the discomfort. If your rabbist is infested by any of these parasites, try home remedies and take it to the vet if the remedies don’t help.

Read Also: Why Do Rabbits Eat Their Own Poop?

Do Rabbits Pull Each Others Fur Out

The simple answer is yes. Rabbits will pull each other’s fur if they are bored especially if their living space is not big enough for both of them.

If you notice that one rabbit is always pulling out fur from the other rabbit, it is an act of dominance. The rabbit will do this to ensure that the other rabbit knows its place and remains submissive to it.

The dominant rabbit will enjoy advantages like eating first and being guarded by the submissive rabbit when it sleeps.

The dominant rabbit will also pull the submissive rabbit’s fur as a form of punishment. This will happen if the submissive rabbit got pets first making the dominant one jealous.

The rabbits will pull each other’s fur or fight until one becomes dominant. If you notice these separate the rabbits temporarily and then reintroduce them after a while.

If the rabbits keep pulling each other’s fur even after the separation, then their bond is lost, and at this point, it will be impossible to make them bong again. At this point, they will likely be better off living in separate hutches.

Do Male Rabbits Pull Fur

Yes, male rabbits will pull their fur and even that of other rabbits living with them. This will most likely be with male rabbits that are unneutered.

Male rabbits are often anxious, frisky, and aggressive, and neutering them will help calm them down.

Do Female Rabbits Pull Out Their Fur

Female rabbits are likely to pull their fur more than male rabbits. They will often do this if they are pregnant or if they are going through a false pregnancy.

They’ll do this as a way to prepare for the upcoming new family members. Baby rabbits need to be kept in a warm environment and nothing provides this level of warmth than a mother’s own fur.

When Should You Seek Medical Care

Noticing your rabbits pulling their fur or each other’s fur can be quite alarming, but keenly observing your rabbit can help you determine the cause and even remedy it.

If you notice that the fur pulling has been going on for a while and you are unable to provide a remedy, talk to your vet.

If your rabbit has wounds from pulling its fur take it to the vet to prevent it from getting wounds infected.

Editor’s Pick: Mother Rabbit Stepping On Babies + 4 Safe Tips

In Conclusion

There are a number of reasons why rabbits will pull their fur. This could range from “fights” especially between a male and a female rabbit especially when on heat as well as other reasons such as during pregnancy, due to poor grooming, skin discomfort, or sometimes when they are just bored or stressed.

Knowing the exact reasons why they are pulling their fur will help in ensuring the right cause of action is implemented.