Bringing home a new bun

[lily2521]

We are driving 4 hours one way to take Gizmo on some bunny dates later this month.

If we do find a companion for Gizmo based on how the dates go, should we have the two bunnies ride in the carrier together for the 4 hour drive home, or are we better off keeping them in separate crates for that long of a drive?

Thanks.

[Mikey]

I would bring two crates. If you are going alone, keep them separate the entire ride just in case, as if they decide to scuffle you wont be able to stop it. But if you are going with someone else, have them sit in the back with the buns. Start them in one crate and if they see the bunnies are starting to get uncomfortable, too stressed out, nippy, ect then the other person can move the new bun to the secondary crate

[Vienna Blue in France]

That’s really exciting Lily !!

So Mikey – if they go in one crate in the car and don’t have a problem all the way home…. what would be the next step once arrived at the house…?

Bonding again in xpen or-the-like within the house or will the drive have done ‘the bond’ already and straight into a (cleaned and possible rearranged) area of Gizmo’s territory…?

[Mikey]

At the house, separate cages that are close enough to smell, but not close enough to nip/claw through the bars Let the new bun settle in for a week before bonding in a small neutral area such as the bathroom, or a small pen, tote, or box. Go about bonding like normal. Just because they like one another and pick them out doesnt mean they wont scuffle when you bring them home. I made the mistake of thinking it would be ok to put them in a territory room together since they picked one another out and didnt scuffle in the crate during the car ride at all, and had an hour at the store to bond as well, but as soon as all three touched the floor in our living room a scuffle broke between the new bun and the alpha. As quick as it started, i stopped it since i was right there with them. So, even if the car ride goes well, start bonding as normal Picking one another out and not fighting in the car ride just ensures that they will be able to bond, and likely very quickly

[Vienna Blue in France]

Thanks for the tips Mikey – it will (hopefully) help everything go smoother !

Yes, I made the same mistake too, all loveydovey at the breeders house – then 6kg versus 4kg in my kitchen ! – Good job the oven gloves were already on !! (me!)

Keep us updated Lily

[Mikey]

I think many of us make that mistake lol. It is very good you already has the gloves on and were prepared for it! I wasnt at all, but it started so fast as soon as they touched the floor so i just had to pick one of them up to stop it. So crazy how bunnies can be before bonding

Please do keep us updated. And dont forget to post pictures

[lily2521]

Thanks for the tips! Because of the long car ride I will have someone with me, so maybe i’ll bring two crates but try one for a bit and see how it goes. With that long of a drive I know there will be a couple of stops along the way anyway, so we’ll just keep a close eye on them.

I was planning on the two ‘houses’ near each other for a good week before starting the neutral territory bonding sessions.

I’ve also read some things that say when they’re in their two houses, to swap out certain things from time to time, like toys or litter boxes, if I do this, could I start doing that right away, or would I want to wait, maybe until bonding sessions begin, to start doing things like that.

Thanks for the tips! I’m so excited to add a second bun! I’m hoping that between the dates and car ride, bonding should go relatively smoothly, but I’m also prepared to put in some work where needed

[Mikey]

Start the swapping after about a week or less. Mainly to help the new bun get comfortable with their new surroundings

[Author]

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