Hello all, I've got a bit of a question. It's mostly about bonding, so I figured this was the best place for it. (If someone decides it's better off somewhere else, I apologize!)

There's a bit of background in my introduction post, but to summarize the situation I'm trying to bond an 8+ year old female Netherland Dwarf with an approximately 1 year old male Holland Lop. Fuu (my lady) was previously bonded, but sadly lost her mate 2.5 years ago. Lucky (my boy) came to us un-neutered so we had that done a week after we got him. That was 2 months ago. We hadn't wanted to formally introduce them before now because we wanted to give him as much time as possible to get his hormones evened out. For the past couple of weeks, I've begun swapping them back and forth between each other's cages to get them used to having the smell of each other around. I say "them," but really I mean Fuu. She's extremely territorial about her cage, to the point where it took her months to allow my fiancé to change her litter without throwing a hissy fit afterward.

Last Sunday we took them both into the kitchen where there's a 4'x5' rug - Neutral Ground. There was no outright hostility; always a good sign. They sniffed around and explored the area for a while, then sniffed around each other. Then Lucky promptly mounted Fuu. We looked on in nervous apprehension, and I'd fully expected Fuu to Diva out and box him because she was always extremely bossy and dominant with her old mate. I was wrong. She submitted and didn't seem bothered by it, but I nudged him off after a bit to make sure she didn't get angry and go "Hulk" on him. There was a bit of flopping, a bit of grooming, more mounting, but no thumping, lunging, or flattened ears.

My real question is this: He was neutered 2 months ago, but he's still extremely vocal. He loves to sing / honk, and he was happily serenading her for the entire duration of the first date. Is it normal for a bunny to sing even after he's been fixed? He often sings now and then, but the almost constant singing during the date made me question whether or not something might be amiss. Should I wait longer for his hormones to calm down even more, or is this a common thing? On the one hand it's cute and very giggle-worthy because I imagine him doing a Jerry Lewis routine, "Nice laaaaady! Pretty laaaaady!!" but on the other hand I would love some input from people more experienced than I.

Some bunnies can be very vocal, it just varied between individuals. After 2 months, his hormones should be good to go, so I suspect you just have a talkative boy Good luck with the bonding! I'm attempting to bond my nethie, Monkey, to my boy Dutch Moosie. Fun times! lol

Singing? That sounds adorable! What does it sound like? The only vocalization I ever hear is the snort-growl.

That's funny! I have a Dutch that is very vocal - he doesn't really honk but he snores and he makes noises when he eats so I just think there are some rabbits out there who are more vocal than others. On the other hand, he could very well outgrow this as well, really hard to know.

I think as for the bonding as long as they are tolerating each other then don't let the funny honking/singing keep you from your bonding sessions.

Thanks everyone for your replies! Sorry I've been totally awol, but a very sudden move came upon us. I'll probably still be another week setting things straight, but I just got the internet set up in the new place and wanted to stop in to make sure you all didn't think I made a post then bailed.

So far the bonding is going well, especially since the move to the new apartment. Things have progressed to the point where Lucky and Fuu can both be in the living room and out of their cages at the same time. I still closely supervise them, but that's just because I'm paranoid and really want things to go smoothly. Since moving from "neutral ground" to a more familiar space, Fuu has become more bossy and dominant, but Lucky doesn't seem to care one way or the other. I want to shampoo the rug this weekend, and I'm wondering if the removal of such a familiar smell will effect how things go?

Regarding his singing/honking, he's still going strong! I'll have to break out a recorder and see if I can't get it on tape so I can share the cuteness with you all.