Bonding two boys: one nipping, one scared

[Alfie_Pie]

Hi everyone,

I have one neutered male bun called Alfie who is 2 and then adopted a bonded pair called Percy and Lilly. Lilly and Alfie bonded very quickly and can be left alone overnight together without any problems but the two boys are still not friends yet. Alfie is frightened of Percy as Percy keeps on nipping him but confusingly grooms him occasionally.

I have tried stress bonding using the hoover and also leaving them overnight in the bath with me sleeping in the bathroom in case they fight, and also leaving them to work it out amongst themselves however nothing seems to work and I feel like progress has come to a halt with this behaviour. We did seem to have progress a week ago however I had to unexpectedly leave them them unaccompanied overnight so they were separated for that night and since then its gone backwards.

How can I try to build up the trust when one runs away all time and the other keeps nipping?
Thank you any help would be great!

[Serenity]

Does Percy bite him to make him move? I know my bunnies do this all the time because they are rather impatient and not very gentle with their siblings. Does Percy stand/sit in the spot where Alfie was after the latter moves? Does he chase him around or is he content when Alfie is out of the way? Also, is Percy mean to Lily as well, or just Alfie?

[vanessa]

Grooming AND nipping r actually still on the right track. Its a difficult phase. Alfie needs to accept percies overtures. I had a similar phase with guin and lancelot. She groomed AND nipped him. He didnt like the nipping and refused to groom her back. Once he gave in – he started to groomher and she stopped nipping him. Once she was sure that he would groom her, there was no needfor her to nip. I put apple juice on her ears and head to trick him into grooming her. At the same time, i did have to let them fugure it out. Percy js griojing cozhe wants to b friends. Alfie is not yet convinced…

[Boston's Mama]

I heard a trio is not really doable if it’s 2 boys 1 girl? That for a trio to work of mixed genders it needs to be 2 female 1 male – the reason ( I read on multiple sites ) was because boys don’t like to share their does but does aren’t as protective over their bucks – no personal experience from me so don’t take my word on it lol!
Just putting it out here in hopes others might elabolate ( or correct me)

[Serenity]

Oakley and Boston’s Mama, as far as my experience goes you’re quite right. I had Fred and George before I got Ginny and they fought for a little bit before George won and took her as his mate. One of the main reasons I got Hermione in the first place was because George got really jealous whenever Fred was near Ginny and would chase him away. Fred got lonely as a result and Hermione is his new buddy.
So you’re correct, a single doe for two bucks to share can sometimes end in violence but it may be okay after a while.

[Author]

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