Trouble bonding

[SunnieDaze]

I have two lops, one is about 6 months, the other about 4.  We got them 2 months apart.  Ezra, we got in October, and Noelle, we got in December.  I do not know the sexes, although to my untrained eye, I think they are both females.  Neither are spayed, although Ezra is old enough this month and she will be going in asap. 

I have my buns in a two story bunny condo, but the ramp is pulled up and it is being used to full in the hole there so the buns stay separated.  Ezra lives on top floor and Noelle on bottom. 

I have done time with them on the floor, tried neutral space and car rides, even tried the washer on spin cycle.  They get free roaming time together (supervised).  Without fail my (fearless) Ezra could care less about anything I try, she goes after Noelle.  She chases, humps, and bites. 

Ezra has been (seemingly) fearless since the day we brought her home.  We have 2 cats and 2 dogs and she has never ran from them.  Quite the opposite, in fact- the other animals ran from her!  (They didn’t know what a cute little bun was!)  Noelle is opposite.  She seems scared of everyone, although she’s easy to pick up and cuddle, and seems pretty comfy when we snuggle.  But I’m afraid she’s already imprinted the fact that Ezra is not so nice. 

I will say that they FINALLY seem to be doing a little better… there’s a little less aggression going on.  Ezra will flop herself down quite comfy in the floor while Noelle hides in the kitty cubby we have (her favorite hiding spot, and also where I sit with them). 

Am I just being impatient?  With all that I’ve read, I’m still wondering if there’s something else I should be doing. 

I will say this- yesterday when Hubby and I got home for lunch, Ezra was on the bottom level of the condo. (She managed to squeeze herself btw the sides and the ramp-floor).  She was pretty happy with herself and the huge mess she made of Noelle’s litter box!!  Noelle on the other hand looked terrified and was huddled btw the box and the wall.  After looking her over real well, I could see she wasn’t hurt (no obvious bite marks or blood).  Is my baby bun scarred for life?  Is there still a chance for bonding even if the little one has been somewhat traumatized? 

Sorry about the novel!! I’m worried that my buns will not bond =(

[Sarita]

You really do not want to start bonding until both are altered. Also I truly do not recommend letting them together at all because you do not truly know their sex and this can be detrimental and can cause an unwanted pregnancy – never ever take this chance.

For now, I would stop any attempt at bonding. And if one of them is capable of squeezing into the others cage, then separate them so this cannot happen.

[JackRabbit]

Sarita is right. Time apart while your bunnies are spayed/neutered and while their hormones die down will also help them “forget” each other which will clear the slate for bonding.

[SunnieDaze]

Thank you =)

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