2 male bunnies bonded won’t work?

[kcomstoc]

So I heard back from the rescue as you guys know, I really wanted to get this male that’s already neutered and his personality sounds like Caleb’s so I really think it’ll work. I just heard back from the rescue person that did the home visit and she said that the chapter leader said that bonding 2 males won’t work. and asked if I was interested in a female instead. I would really like to know who on here had 2 successfully bonded male rabbits that are perfectly happy together. I nicely let the rescue person know that I have heard successful male bonding on here that didn’t involve a female rabbit. I know there are a few on here. Please speak up. I want to hear your stories.  honestly I’m a bit frustrated because when I first contacted them they told me the same thing (about males not being able to bond with each other) and I told them the same thing. I have a sneaking suspicion that the head of the chapter just doesn’t want Caleb to meet Wally (the rescue I like) because the rescue person mentioned when she was visiting that the head of the chapter had a home in mind for him and she just doesn’t want Caleb and Wally to hit it off. Though this is just speculation. 

[Sarita]

I’m going to move this to the bonding section.

[kcomstoc]

You’re right I should’ve put it here thanks Sarita

[Hazel]

Two males can bond just fine. Gender isn’t a deciding factor but rather the personalities of both rabbits. I had a male/male bond and they were best friends, apart from the occasional “difference of opinion”. A few times they had to be separated for a week or two because they would fight but I’m sure that this didn’t have anything to do with the fact that they were both males. They had very different personalities, one very outgoing and pushy, one very timid and shy. Most of the time the bossy one would be top bunny but every once in a while he would push his luck too much with the shy one and would be reminded of who was REALLY the boss in this relationship . Their bond never actually broke though, all they needed was a few days to calm down.

When I got them I never bonded them properly as they were my first rabbits I was quite ignorant of bunny care at that time. They were babies and upon bringing them home from the pet store I just put them together in their cage. Luckily they hit it off, even through puberty. Even more lucky, they actually were both boys as I had been told at the store and I didn’t end up with an oops litter.

Don’t let them keep you from trying this little guy if you feel like he might be the right match.

[kcomstoc]

thanks Hazel I really needed to hear this….from the what the bunny rescue lady said (her name is Sydney *just so I don’t have to keep calling her rescue lady lol*) Wally’s personality def matches Caleb’s *she’s fostering Wally so she would know*….I just don’t understand why the head of the chapter won’t let me try to see if they would get along together

[MoveDiagonally]

I agree with Hazel. Personality is really the deciding factor not gender.

They won’t let you do a date or anything? I would (if you haven’t) ask if you can do the date and if that goes well offer to foster to adopt. If the bond doesn’t work out then you can return Wally and try another bunny. If the date doesn’t go well you can try another bunny. If it does work out then great! A bunny gets a home and everyone wins.

[kcomstoc]

I was told that she didn’t even want them to do a date….like I said I kinda think she wants to just do her plan….Sydney forwarded my e-mail to the head of the chapter to consider it, I really hope she just lets me do the date…I want Wally and if Caleb and him get along then that would be perfect. If they don’t then I’ll choose a different bunny but something just really stuck out about Wally when I first saw him on the website. I like him a lot.

[kcomstoc]

These were the exact words of the head of the chapter “She stated that bonding two males will not work.” taken straight from my e-mail

[CooperLop]

I picked up my new boy a couple weeks ago (new and old buns are both 2 years old and neutered). 9 days from first date to fully bonded. Now you can’t find them more than a foot apart from each other but usually they are snuggled up tight or the first rabbit is busy grooming the new rabbit. I’m glad I based it on personality with a trial meeting at the shelter and not gender or size (male mini lop and male flemish giant).

[LBJ10]

My boys love each other. You can ask anyone here, they were a super quick and easy bond. I have never witnessed a fight or difference in opinion between them. They snuggle all the time and they get into trouble TOGETHER. Even when it comes to food, they will push each other or eat stuff from the other’s mouth. But it is all very passive. Oh, you want this piece of hay that I’m eating? Oh well, I’ll just grab this other piece over here. Haha, I have even caught them doing a Lady and the Tramp parody with one bun on each end of the piece of hay and they eat it until their mouths come together.

[dusky2012]

I also have two males who have been bonded for over 6 months now with no issues. They bonded within ten days and are totally inseperable. I hope it works out for you!

[MoveDiagonally]

Dana Krempels is a biologist (PhD) and considered an expert on rabbits. She responded to a question about bonding male rabbits on allexperts.com like this:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Rabbits-703/2009/5/Bonding-male-rabbits.htm
Dear Jeff

Whether they’ll get along depends on the personalities of the two rabbits. Two males might be a harder sell than opposite sexes, but sometimes they can become great pals. For tips on how to bond them, see the articles here:

http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-a=00062824-sp00000000&sp-q=bonding

Both should be fixed before introductions, to reduce tension, so you’re ahead of the game there.

Be aware that there may be some tufting and testing, and this could take some time and patience.

I wish you good luck!

Dana

Maybe you can show them this and/or some other articles from experts. I don’t know if it will sway them but might be worth a shot? If you want to give that a go I’ll look for some more when I get home tonight.

[MoveDiagonally]

Here’s another, from an HRS article:

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-4/two-rabbits.html
When we first began matching rabbits, conventional wisdom held that males, even if neutered, cannot live together. We have cared for a great many male pairs, as well as larger groups with multiple males, and found that males can form close friendships. Adopt a compatible spayed female for your male if possible; but if you find yourself with two males, don’t despair.

Neither of these are glowing recommendations for male/male bonding BUT they both say that it’s possible and might convince someone of something? I don’t know. :/

[kcomstoc]

thanks jen, they don’t sound like they are like Male/Male bonding is as easy or easier than female/male bonding but at least they are like give it a go you might be surprised…I haven’t heard anything back yet but I might tomorrow. I didn’t want to make them mad or anything but it was irritating when they were like male/male bonding is impossible.

[Beka27]

I would tell them you want to adopt him regardless of if they bond in the end. Do you want him enough to keep him separately forever, or do you only want him as a mate for Caleb?

If the new bunny isn’t “really” for adoption, or they already have a home lined up, they really shouldn’t have him listed for adoption and lead people on thinking he’s available… 🙁 Or at least mark him as “adoption pending”…

Two males (or two females) can definitely bond, it really has to do with personalities. Maybe do as suggested and don’t have them date but take him as a foster, pending adoption? Have them meet in neutral territory in your house (or at a friend/family member’s house). You can take things slowly on your own time without the rescue woman breathing down your neck during an official date…

[kcomstoc]

This is what I got back from what I said these words exactly ” She is not okay with two males being placed together. She doesn’t want to risk an injury to either bun. She is erring on the side of caution. She has had buns for 30 years and states that the male and male pairing will not work.” I am so furious and just don’t know what to say back to this. I want Wally but I want him to be Caleb’s friend but I don’t want to lie to them and be like I want him regardless of them not being friends and then bond them anyway.

[kcomstoc]

I might not even go through this rescue anymore….I don’t know what to think right now I’m just very upset that she won’t even give it a chance…..it’s basically a female or nothing from this rescue which really makes me sad because I really wanted a male

[MoveDiagonally]

How frustrating! Not even allowing a date is so counterproductive to finding bunnies good homes to me. I really don’t understand it. Strange that the woman doing the inspection suggested it in the first place. 

Since you’ve gone through the process, as frustrating as it is, I might still try some lady bun dates. You might find another bunny you like/gets along with Caleb. Worst case scenario you don’t find a good match and you don’t adopt from them.

It sucks! I’m sorry.

[kcomstoc]

So angry right now…….Josh doesn’t even want to go through this rescue anymore, the only other rescue near us that I know about is lollypop…..

[Zombie-Sue]

SMACKS HEAD AGAINST THE KEYBOARD

WHO KEEPS PERPETUATING THIS MYTH???? WHO? WHOOOOOO?

I’ve heard this rumor before, too. How do these stupid people assume that multiple-bun households work if male rabbits are destined to instantly kill and maim one another. How do they think they can exist in the wild for that matter?

[Monkeybun]

Yeah, they say females will hurt each other too… *looks over at Monkey and Smudge squashed side by side in the hidey box*

[Zombie-Sue]

Lol, the other day I read an article where the lady insisted that rabbits should only ever be kept in pairs, never ever in groups (or singles), and they should only be male/female pairs because, while they could be friends with a same-gendered rabbit, they could never be in love,

I wonder if that’s the same person who is causing kcomstoc’s problems.

[Beka27]

Maybe it’s time to just move on then. It sucks, but if they’re not even going to give you a chance, what can you do? You’re an awesome bunny owner and you’ll end up with the bun that is meant for you.

[kcomstoc]

Probably for the best so this doesn’t create an arguement…what do I say back to her though….I still want to go through the rescue but Josh doesn’t….there are some good females I like from the rescue…

[kcomstoc]

Should I still send her the articles to read?

[meekobunny]

That’s ridiculous! I’ve actually heard that male to male bonds were actually not as difficult as they make it seem. In fact some people told me it was easier to bond two males then two females. In then end I believe it has more to do with personalities though. Sorry you couldn’t adopt him some people are just too closed minded. I hope you find the perfect bunny for you and Caleb soon.

[kcomstoc]

I hope so too meeko, by the way is that a sheltie or a rough collie in your picture?

[Hazel]

This is very frustrating. They are supposed to try and find homes for animals in need. Would they really rather not find him a home than trying this? Even if they think male/male would be problematic, they should at least give it a shot. Did they ever give you a straight answer about them already having a different home lined up?

I’m not sure if I would keep working with them or not if I was in your shoes. If you do decide to walk away, I think you should make it clear to them that you are kicking them to the curb because they obviously don’t know a whole lot about rabbits and you would rather support a rescue that is actually motivated to adopt their animals out. Sending them the articles won’t hurt, either. Maybe it will help change their mind down the road.

I’m sorry they’re giving you such a hard time.

[kcomstoc]

Sydney (she did the home visit) said that the head of the chapter had a home in mind (didn’t say it was concrete), my boyfriend is very adamant about not wanting to work with them because of this…I think when he gets home from class we’ll send them an e-mail with the links and say thanks but no thanks and see about lollipop farms…the only problem with that is all the rabbits they have are in ON…the ones we really like and we don’t have passports or the enhanced licenses to cross the boarder.

[meekobunny]

Both dogs are Shelties.

[kcomstoc]

that’s cool, I prefer rough collies because they are bigger but if I had to downsize I would get a sheltie, they are my heart breed I believe. I love them so much, They are so adorable *your dogs* What are their names?

[meekobunny]

Thank you! Haha. Rough Collies are gorgeous, but too big for me. I’m a small person anyway. My dogs names are Matty (short for Matthew) & Mavis. Matt is the adult dog and Mavis is the pup. She’s still going through her awkward stage. Lol. She looks so scruffy right now.

[kcomstoc]

lol I saw that still cute though

[Tessie]

Did you email the rescue kcomstoc?

I hate it when rescues behave this way!
I had a frustrating experience with my local RSPCA. :/
Sometimes I think some rescues act like they don’t even want their animals to go to new homes. Dissapointing.

[kcomstoc]

I’m waiting til my boyfriend gets back from class…mostly because he was MORE upset than I was (which was pretty hard to believe) and he wants to write the email, I of course will proof read it so it doesn’t get mean…I just wish that they would have more of an open mind…also I find it VERY hard to believe that in her 30 years of rabbit experience (the head of the chapter) hasn’t had 1 successful male/male bonding or she just hasn’t tried because male/male bondings aren’t considered right (not trying to start a debate or anything) I just can’t believe that she won’t even let me try.

[Zombie-Sue]

I can’t either, I kind of would like to hit this person o.O

[kcomstoc]

I felt this way too zombie sue

[Beka27]

It’s all preconceived notions, sounds like… There are some generalizations that hold true in many cases, but even those can be hit or miss sometimes. Nothing is ever 100% right or wrong.

Those two might meet and go for blood, or they might be best friends… You really can’t guess what would happen without trying. Maybe this woman had a couple bad experiences 29.5 years ago and just never tried after?

[kcomstoc]

maybe…like I said I don’t know for sure because she never elaborated why I 2 males wouldn’t work…

[kcomstoc]

Just when I thought it was over with the rescue I get this e-mail: Just wanted to express my concern to you about a potential male and male bonding of rabbits. I’ve communicated with a couple of other fosters affiliated with the rescue who have attempted to bond males. They stated that both rabbits have ended up at the vet with serious injuries. I wouldn’t want to see anything bad happen to poor Caleb. One rescuer wrote this:
She will need to go slow and monitor the two as they interact between an x-pen or baby gate to keep them safe and separate. Then to supervise them to make sure if they are together they can be separated quickly. Spray bottle squirt in the face, etc. The rabbits can injure each other if they can’t get along.

I urge you to reconsider getting another male. Be prepared to pay a lot at the vet if you are going to go through with this, because injury is almost definite according to many of the people I’ve spoken with. For something that is entirely preventable, I would not go through with it personally. But it is your decision. I hope that for the safety of Caleb and another rabbit, you will reconsider.

I said this in return: Thank you for your concern, I appreciate it and I’m not trying to put Caleb in any danger. I’m wondering if these cases were because people tried to put 2 male bunnies together with different personalities and they could get along because that or because they tried bonding while there was still hormones in the system (you have to wait a month after neutering in order for it to be completely out of the system). I will be very careful and I am going to introduce them slowly and there will be at least 2 people on hand if anything should go wrong. So separation would be immediate. I’ve heard many success stories with people and I know a person that has successfully bonded 6 rabbits (3 female and 3 males) If I need any assistance I will ask her. She also helps other people bond their rabbits.

[kcomstoc]

Also I found another bunny I am in love with going to see him soon http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/27759152

[LBJ10]

I’m sorry, but that is such bull. Who is to say a female can’t do just as much, if not more, damage? It has happened. Some rabbits just do not get along, but gender has nothing to do with it. Trying to bond a pair of rabbits carries some level of risk no matter what. To say that serious injury is almost definite following the introduction of two male rabbits is ridiculous. So now I have to wonder, were they trying to put intact males in together?

[LBJ10]

BTW, I saw the bunny you linked to. LOL, Funny Foot? I would have called him Michael Jackson.

[Beka27]

Her email details a normal bonding session, the same process that would be followed with a male/female, female/female, OR male/male pair. It sounds more like they were only considering pairing rabbits who are “love at first sight” which is certainly not the norm.

I guess it’s up to you to decide if you want to go with them or go another route…

[MoveDiagonally]

I have 3 males and 2 females bonded together. Lol. My males were among my easiest and hardest to bond and it came 100% down to personality. Helo and Monty were so similar that they just didn’t want to get along but they’re bonded now. Monty and Dexter and Helo and Dexter were fine.

I agree with Beka, her email sounds like normal bonding session concerns.

I talked to someone yesterday that told me my rabbits would not have a “lasting bond” because I used stress bonding with them… And if rabbits don’t like each other enough that you “have to stress bond them” they’ll “never get along”. O.o People get weird ideas about bonding sometimes.

[LBJ10]

Oh yes, I forgot to mention what the others have pointed out. The other part of the email sounds like a normal bonding process. You can’t just throw them in together and expect everything to be fine. Taking things slowly is normal. o_O

[Hazel]

Posted By kcomstoc on 01/21/2014 11:32 AM

or she just hasn’t tried because male/male bondings aren’t considered right (not trying to start a debate or anything)

I have actually been wondering that, too. It would be interesting to see what her reaction would be if you asked about female/female pairs…

“Funny Foot” is adorable, what a cutie!  I hope you get to snatch him up! If you do, make sure to send lots of boy/boy cuddle pictures to that rescue lady. If it doesn’t change her mind, it might at least make her sick to her stomach…

[kcomstoc]

lol Hazel I will also LBJ I LOVE YOUR COMMENT we laughed so hard that we decided we will change his name to micheal jackson and call him little micheal so happy you said that because I didn’t even think about that. I am going to snatch him right up because he is so adorable.

[LBJ10]

LOL, well he does have a single white glove. =D

[kcomstoc]

he does indeed

[kcomstoc]

he does indeed

[Zombie-Sue]

I love him, I hope it works out :3

[NuggetBuns]

I’m late to the party, but I’m glad you still have a chance to find a buddy for Caleb! Michael Jackson is such a good name for that bunny, crossing my fingers he and Caleb get along on their first meeting so you can adopt the little cutie!

I also don’t think gender plays a role when bonding two fixed rabbits. I mean, we use the terms de-sexed and altered/unaltered for a reason right?

[MoveDiagonally]

Haha… I like Michael Jackson too! You could call him any of the Michael nicknames or “Jackson”.

[Author]

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