Separating bonded rabbits until desexing occurs

[KayKay]

I have a male and female from the same litter. I’ve had them since they were 6 weeks old and out of the litter they naturally paired together (that is why i took them both). They are now 10.5 weeks and have separated them into indoor enclosures and larger outdoor areas but keeping them side by side. My male bunny has been chasing and mounting my female for a few weeks but she just runs away and he gets distracted. 

Ever since i have separated them my female is revelling in it. She has become more social towards me and snoozing the days away in her own bed. She barely even goes up to the side of the cage to check on my male. He on the other hand appears upset, he searches for her when he cant see her (she will just be asleep in her bed) and he just all round “looks sad” and no binkying today  

I put them nose to nose this evening though the fence, he was desperate to get to her buzzing and even thumped, but she had a few sniffs them turned around and started grooming herself. I’m worried now they were never properly bonded and that she will not accept him back after he gets desexed (6 weeks away).She just seems to content without him but they used to sleep and groom each other all the time. 

I’m already starting to worry and its been 2 days! What are your thoughts?

Any advice/opinion welcome  

[sarahthegemini]

They weren’t properly bonded because babies can’t bond. You need to go through the bonding process once they’ve been neutered and spayed and hormones have disipated.

[KayKay]

Thanks Sarahthegemini – my male has not come out of his house today unless it’s to drink or graze. He won’t even come out to sit with me (has always done this). I decided to put them both on the couch together in the own little homes facing each other. Neither one came out to the other. My male looked almost angry. She ended up hopping around the couch normally but he has still not moved. I’m so worried. They were both so happy 3 days ago.

[Author]

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