Why Do Rabbits Lay On Top Of Each Other? The Truth!
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Rabbits are popular pets, and many people keep them indoors. Like dogs and cats, rabbits have their own ways of showing affection and sorting out who’s in charge.
One behavior that puzzles owners is rabbits lying or climbing on top of each other. Why do they do it?
Rabbits get on top of each other for three main reasons: mating, sorting out dominance (mounting) and staying close for warmth and comfort. Mounting is common while two rabbits are bonding. Watch that it doesn’t turn into a real fight.
Below, we look at each reason and what you should do.
Reasons Why Rabbits Lay On Top Of Each Other
There are three common reasons. Here is each one.
Sex
An unneutered male will mount a female to mate. Rabbits breed easily and quickly, so a male and female kept together will soon have babies.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, spaying females prevents unwanted litters and removes the risk of uterine cancer. Neutering males helps reduce aggression and urine spraying. Talk to your vet about the right age.
To Show Dominance
Rabbits also mount each other to sort out who’s in charge. This happens between rabbits of the same or opposite sex, and it happens even in spayed and neutered rabbits.
Mounting is most common during bonding, while the rabbits work out their relationship. Either rabbit may end up on top.
Usually you don’t need to stop it. Step in if the rabbit underneath seems stressed, if mounting leads to chasing and biting or if fur starts to fly.
Warmth And Comfort
Bonded rabbits often rest pressed together, and young rabbits pile on top of each other in a heap. This keeps them warm and helps them feel safe.
This kind of lying together is a good sign that your rabbits are comfortable with each other.
Should You Let Your Rabbits Lay On Top Of Each Other?
Usually, yes. Resting together and mild mounting are normal.
Separate them if they fight, if one rabbit is being hurt or constantly chased or if an unspayed female is with an unneutered male and you don’t want babies.
Adult rabbits can fight severely. When introducing rabbits, house them side by side in separate enclosures first, then let them meet in a neutral space. Watch them closely in the early weeks.
How Can You Know If Your Rabbits Like Each Other?
Besides lying together, these are signs your rabbits get along:
- They calmly ignore each other instead of fighting
- They start to show interest in each other
- They share food and space
- They play together
- They sleep or rest side by side
- They groom each other
- They have settled who’s in charge, without fights
If you see several of these signs, your rabbits are bonding. If they keep fighting, separate them and ask your vet for advice.
Final Words
Rabbits lie on top of each other to mate, to sort out dominance and to stay warm and close. Most of the time it’s normal.
Spay and neuter your rabbits, introduce them slowly and step in if mounting turns into fighting.
Sources
- Routine Health Care of Rabbits, Merck Veterinary Manual
- Providing a Home for a Rabbit, Merck Veterinary Manual
