Hi everyone,
I need some advice on getting an abused rabbit settled and when to begin full-on bonding.
I am about to embark on trying to bond my bunny Bertha (spayed female, approx. 6-7 yrs old, 9 lb Rhinelander) again. She’s been on some speed dates at the shelter, and seems like she’s gonna play hard to get. She’s a very mellow, relaxed bunny, but insists on being the dominant one. She isn’t aggressive towards other rabbits, but if they do approach her, she insists on being groomed, otherwise she boxes/lunges them away. Gotta respect that she knows what she wants!
Anyway, we are about to try to date her with a little fellow (a 4 yr old, neutered male, 3 lb dwarf hotot) with a sad back story. He is being transported from a nearby shelter to our local rabbit rescue some this week. His story is that he used to be super friendly and sweet, and about 3 years ago was adopted by a shelter staff member without a home visit. He was returned to the shelter a few months later, almost dead from dehydration and starvation. He hasn’t been the same since then, and has been at the shelter ever since. I guess he has relaxed a good deal over the years, but is still very timid.
I’m very inclined to give this little dude a chance, as I think that he has so much potential, and I would love to give him a good home and a friend. The shelter volunteers think that bonding him with a confident bunny might give him his confidence back.
I just want to make sure I don’t rush things (I have a previous post on Bertha’s last bonding experience with a shy bunny…. I learned my lesson). I am thinking that he probably won’t behave normally on his speed date, as he will be in a new, very scary environment, but I am going to assume that if they don’t attack each other, then we have something we can work with.
I am planning to foster him at my home, and let him settle in for at least a couple weeks before starting bonding. My question is, should I wait until he bonds with ME before really beginning bonding? Bonding requires so much handling and stress, I’m worried he will learn to be terrified of me. What behavioral signs do you think would indicate he is ready for regular bonding sessions?
In the past I have also swapped bunnies cages during bonding, but I don’t want him to be too stressed. I know stress can help bunnies bond, but I think that only works when the stress is symmetrical! Bertha is just NOT fussed by much, so I want to playing field to be as even as possible!
I’m planning to start out with short dates in the bathtub, and go from there. I guess I’m just wondering if anyone has experience bonding a new, very timid bunny!
TLR- Need advice on bonding a very shy, previously severely neglected rescue with a very confident, brave female!
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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.