Advice to a new Bunny Mama

[luvtoowrite]

My two rabbits Hunny (1.5 year) and Robin (6 months) live separately but I’m in the process of bonding them. They have both been spayed and are non-aggressive with humans. They are loveable and get along with my elderly dog. I’ve read articles, forums, and watched videos about bonding. There are many different ways and I’ve tried a few and had mixed results. I don’t know whether to stop and wait for Robin to mature or to continue with more patience.

Step 1 that I tried was petting them next to each other in a neutral territory for four days for in ten minute intervals.

Step 2 Then I allowed them more freedom to sniff and investigate and this lead to biting and boxing with each other. I separated them with a dustpan and continued this for ten minutes. After seeing them fight, I did more research and read about stress bonding.

Step 3 I tried stress bonding in a divided box for one day and that went great! And then I continued this the next day without the divider, and it also went great. I thought I had made progress, but I thought that I was making my rabbits mad at me and that I was losing their trust for putting them in the box and stressing them. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but that worried me.

Step 4 I wanted to try a different type of stress bonding in the bathtub with a towel and water and it resulted in the same fighting.

I’m looking for any advice. Am I overthinking? Should I continue the box stress bonding? Should I wait until Robin gets older? Thank you!

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

Bonding made my bunnies, who loved me, hate me for the entire time I was bonding them. They were so upset I was making them go through this, because they knew this was all on me. I think it’s just something that a bunny mom has to deal with when bonding two buns:/ However– once they loved each other– they were both pretty appreciative and loved and trusted me more after the process was over.

I would just let them live right next to each other with a couple inches in between them and continue what’s been working for you!

[DanaNM]

Hi there, welcome! 

How long ago were they spayed/neutered? It can take a long time for female hormones to settle after spaying. 

Also, did you do any pre-bonding (cage swapping, etc)?

How many sessions did you do for your step 3? It sounds like maybe only a couple sessions?  

Assuming Robin was spayed long enough ago (I think 4-6 weeks is recommended), I would keep up with whatever was working, and it sounds like step 3 was working! You really want to cement positive behaviors in one situation before moving to a new location. 

Was step 2 also in a neutral area?  

Bonding is stressful, for both you and your bunnies, but it is worth it in the end. Just be sure to give each bunny some extra love outside of the sessions and make sure they are staying healthy (eating and pooping well). 

My first pair took 3 months to bond fully, and stress bonding for the first few weeks was necessary as they would try to fight. We did car rides in a plastic tub (with an assistant of course), and progressed to the bath tub and bathroom. Progress tends to come in steps, rather than a gradual improvement. With my two, it seemed like they would hate each other forever. Then after a couple weeks of stress sessions (which made me feel like the worst person ever, believe me!) they decided they didnt want to fight any more…. we progressed to longer and longer sessions in my bathroom, with them ignoring each other. Took them to my office for a few very long, 6-8 hour sessions in a larger pen but a super neutral area. Then, a few days later in the bathroom, there was some grooming, and then after a few more days they were madly in love and groomed and cuddled constantly.  And neither of them held any grudges against me!

There can definitely be a lot of self doubt, but it sounds like you have had some positive sessions, so keep at it and be patient! 

. . . 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.  

[luvtoowrite]

Thank you for the insight! It’s greatly appreciated!

Okay, I’m going into this with a better optimistic patient attitude now! Thank you!

[luvtoowrite]

Thank you! I really appreciate it! It’s nice to know that my problems are not uncommon! I hope to continue to bond and have some success! I appreciate the insight! Thanks again!

[Author]

Messages