Hi everyone! I am working on a bond right now, and would love some opinions. The bond is between Bertha (who was widowed about 4 weeks ago), and a bunny from our local rabbit rescue (who we’ve been calling Jean-Pierre, JP for short). JP is about 2 and was born in the rescue. Bertha is large, mellow, and very friendly to ppl. She was dominant in her last bond (which was a difficult bond that took 3 months with our other baby, Bunston, RIP). JP is shy but is coming out of his shell slowly.
Anyway, they went on a two 30 min dates, plus a 3 hour date at the rabbit rescue over a 2 week period, and the bond seemed to be workable. No “I HATE YOU” fights, just a few scuffles and mostly ignoring each other. So, we brought JP home about a week ago. Based on the interactions between the two, myself and the folks at the rabbit rescue felt that these two just needed longer sessions for any progress.
We started out with nightly dates in my bathtub. Started at about 30 min, then up to an hour. They tended to start out with a brief scuffle, then calm down for the rest of the time, but JP still seemed tense. No grooming or cuddling, but they will groom themselves, and both eventually relax enough to eat some veggies or hay.
Today and yesterday I brought them to my office and set up the x-pen in a small confirguration. My office was what finally made Bunston and Bertha “click” as it has a slippery floor and is totally foreign. Yesterday on the way here they started circling and fur pulling in the carrier, so I had to bring them in separate carriers (I was hoping the car stress method would help, as it did with Bunston and Bertha, but Oh well). It took them a bit longer to settle down once we got here yesterday, but I had them at the office for 3 hours, and for the last 2.5 hours and I didn’t have to squirt anyone with water.
Today’s office session started out with Bertha very sweetly asking to be groomed (all stretched out with her head down), and JP refusing. Then a scuffle. Then nothing for a while, then repeat. Bertha was dominant in her last bond (Bunston always groomed her), so I am sure she is expecting the same here. It seems very much like they just need to sort out their dominance issues. Neither seems threatened by the other, it’s just neither wants to groom the other yet either. I keep reminding myself that it took Bunston and Bertha about 2 months to get to the point that JP and Bertha are at now, but I haven’t seen progress with the shorter dates.
Based on the way these sessions have been going (scuffles at first, then everyone settling down), I have a feeling that they marathon sessions are the way to go, but I also don’t want to rush things. I have some time this week that I could try to do a full overnight marathon in my bathroom, or maybe my kitchen (or a large box, as some recommend). The kitchen is not quite as neutral as the bathroom, as I have a studio apartment.
Do you guys think a marathon could be helpful? Sorry for a long post!
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The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.