Bonding – is age going to be a factor?

[Karen]

Cricket is 5 years old and has been with us for 3 years, Ozil is 3 years old and has been living close to Cricket for 2 years ( not yet bonded because Ozil is not yet neutered ) they actually lived in a two story cage with Ozil on the top floor and Cricket on the bottom floor – so they are used to each other’s smells. We are getting a 3rd male (neutered) tomorrow – he is about 4 years old and an only bunny – not sure of his temperament yet as we are getting him from a friend who can not keep him when he moves. Will their ages and time as “only bunnies” make bonding more difficult? They each have their own cages, I would just like to bond them ( once Ozil is neutered) for free range time so they can have more time out of their cages rather than trying to split the time between the 3.
Thanks,
Karen

[Azerane]

Their age should be a non-issue, you’re more likely to have trouble with younger bunnies that are still developing their adult personalities than adult bunns. As for the socialisation issue, I’m really not sure. Some rabbits prefer to be alone and others don’t, so I think it’s more about their individual personalities than the fact that they’ve spent much of their time alone. Providing you take things through the steps slowly for getting them used to each other and introducing them, I really don’t think either aspect should be something that will really get in the way of bonding though. My main concern would be trying to get three males to bond, maybe it will go well but you may have some trouble.

[Karen]

Thanks . I have been reading a lot of articles on bonding and will read more of the posts on here, before we give it a try – I plan to take the time to get to know the true temperament of our new addition once he is here. Our 2 don’t seem lonely and they get a lot of attention from us – I just feel like it would be easier for all 3 to have free range time at the same time – we are in a split level house and my husband doesn’t want animals in the bedrooms so it’s tough to give them free time in different areas big enough for them to really run and jump.
Karen

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