Why Do Rabbits Lay On Top Of Each Other? The Truth!

Rabbits are one of the cutest pets in this world. That is why many people keep rabbits inside their homes. Like dogs and cats, rabbits also have their ways of telling how much they love their owners and they also have their weird way to show dominance. Like any other animal, rabbits can also do something that seems weird to us humans. 

One of the weird things rabbits do is laying on top of each other. What is the main reason why rabbits do this kind of act? Well, surely there is a reason why rabbits lay on top of each other, which I will tell you right now! 

Why do rabbits lay on top of each other? There are two reasons why rabbits lay on top of each other. The first reason why rabbits lay on top of each other is to show dominance. The second reason is sex. If you see your pet rabbit laying on top of the other rabbit, don’t worry about it because usually when this happens, nothing bad will occur. 

Let us dive deeper into the two reasons why rabbits lay on top of each other and discuss other essential things about rabbits. I assure you that you will learn new things today about pet rabbits. So, if you are ready to learn more about rabbits, let us move on!

Reasons Why Rabbits Lay On Top Of Each Other

Like I have said above, there are two reasons why rabbits lay on top of each other. The first reason is sex and the second reason is to show dominance over the other rabbit. However, for you to understand it much better, let me discuss the two reasons why rabbits lay on top of each other separately.

Sex

The first reason why rabbits lay on top of each other is that they are having sex. This usually happens on female and male rabbits. If this happens, then you don’t have to worry about it because every living thing reproduces. However, you must check if your male rabbit is hurting your female rabbit because it’s possible to happen during sexual intercourse with two rabbits.

To Show Dominance

Aside from sex, rabbits will lay on top of each other to show dominance. During bonding, the alpha rabbit will try to claim their spot by mounting and humping the other rabbit. This happens between pairs of rabbits that are the same gender as well as opposite genders. Sometimes the male rabbit will be on the top of the female and sometimes the female rabbit will be on the top. 

This kind of behavior will happen during the bonding process, as the top rabbit asserts their position. Sometimes, you may notice that the boss rabbit will lay on top of the other rabbit just to remind the other rabbit that he/she is the boss. 

If you see your pet rabbits do this, this is completely normal and there is no need to break up the rabbits. The only time you should stop your pet rabbits from doing this is if the bottom rabbit seems uncomfortable or if the dominant rabbit tries to hump the other’s face. If you will break this kind of action every time you see this, you can keep your rabbits from fully bonding with each other and determine their relationship.

Should You Let Your Rabbits Lay On Top Of Each Other?

Yes! Like I have said above, rabbits will lay on top of each other if they are having sex or showing dominance to another rabbit. 

If your rabbit is hurting the other rabbit while laying on top of the other rabbit, then you must do something. However, as long as they are not hurting each other, never interrupt your pet rabbits. Laying on top of each other will help your pet rabbits know their relationship and who is the boss. Also, if the reason is sex which is why your pet rabbits are doing that, never interrupt them as well. 

How Can You Know If Your Rabbits Like Each Other?

There are other signs aside from laying on top of each other where it means that your pet rabbits like each other. What are those signs? Here let me list down below:

  • They ignore each other
  • They start to show interest in each other
  • They share
  • They play together
  • They sleep together
  • They groom each other
  • They observe the social hierarchy

If you notice some of these signs, then it means that your pet rabbits like each other. Otherwise, it just means that they don’t like each other yet. But as time goes by, your pet rabbits will surely like each other soon. 

Final Words

So, to conclude, the two main reasons why rabbits lay on top of each other are if they are having sex or to show dominance. Never interrupt your rabbits if you have seen them doing this kind of act. However, if it seems like your rabbit is already hurting the other rabbit, then you must intervene.

About
Jake Willhoite
Jake runs AnimalDome.com and has had cats and dogs his entire life. As a kid his family adopted several dogs from the local shelter which set him down the path of animal rescue.
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