2 girls bonding after4 yrs?

[evansvillegirl26]

I tried to bond my two girls when I first got Bones as few years ago. It did not work very well but I admit I didn’t try all that hard. I tried the tub, and in a box on top of the dryer but they still fought.  Their cages are right next to each other and they snuggle together all the time through the cage. When one of them is out though and near their cage they tend to scrap a little. (nothing major though) My question is after 4 years should I even attempt to try and bond again?? 

[RoyalElvira]

Are they both fixed? If so, then I would try to bond again — in neutral territory of course!!

[tanlover14]

Hey there!

I understand that bonding can be stressful and time-consuming and before you didn’t sound to into it. So I would suggest only attempting this bonding process again if you’re going to be completely in it for the long-haul. They will obviously be aggressive around their cage because they see it as “their” territory and don’t want the other bun invading their space which is why it’s absolutely necessary to ONLY let them together in completely neutral territory until you are on the verge of cementing your bond.

Piggy-backing on what Royal said, they should definitely both be spayed as this will help with a lot of issues that can complicate the bonding process. (And it very important for female buns regardless.)

You will need to start from the beginning with them. I suggest putting a towel in each cage so the other bunnys scent gets on the towel. After 24 hours flip-flop the towels into the others cage so they get used to the other scent being in “their” territory. This also helps them take some of the aggression out on the other bunny through their scent rather than the actual bunny. As in they’ll sometimes tear at and beat up the towel rather than the other bunny. So when you introduce them, the scent won’t bother them so much.

I’m curious as to the steps you took when bonding them in the tub? I wonder if maybe you weren’t as informed about it and maybe they were fighting over something that could be fixed? Could you possibly give me details of the bath-tub session if you don’t mind and of course remember? I know it was foreverrrr ago!

[Sarita]

You may find that since they are older they may be easier to bond – it still will take a huge commitment but I say give it a try again. You won’t know if you don’t try.

[evansvillegirl26]

THanks for th replies! They are both spayed.  The only thing I remember about that tub session putting a towel down and I put Tonks in and my husband put Bones in. It took about 1 min and they started fighting. Our bathroon is sooooooo tiny it was was hard for both of us to be in there and protect the bunnies.  I think if I could do it on my own it would be fine. I have not problem taking the time. My boyfriend is the one that got all worked up about it lol!   Can it be done by one person or is it  a two person job ???

[LittlePuffyTail]

It can be done by one person. I often had my husband helping but we had a member here who bonded a foursome by herself so it can def be done. I suggest you get some sort of safety basket (a small laundry basket or large colander) or anything you can think of, that can be used to separate them quickly if a fight breaks out. Also, some bonders suggest wearing oven mitts or protective gloves to protect your hands.

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