Almost bonding time!

[Deleted User]

I’ve got another 3 weeks and my boys can finally start bonding. My husband and I are moving today, so they will have plenty of neutral territory to begin the process. Any suggestions on how many bonding dates and length of time for each one? I hear so many different opinions. We’ve done all the prebonding with much success. When one is out the other will bow the head in between the bars and both will already readily grooming each other, and they both spend all their roam time glued to the other’s cage either grooming or flopped next to each other. So fingers crossed all goes well!
They’ll be getting a big room to freely roam when they are finally bonded, so we’re really looking forward to them getting out of their cages xD

[sarahthegemini]

Sounds promising already! In regards to bunny dates, it really depends on how they respond to one another. Some people recommend short dates but my bunny’s first date was 4 hours and I only separated them at that point because I was knackered and could no longer supervise them. The day after I marathon bonded. Meaning I put them together and never separated them again. This worked wonderfully but it’s a serious commitment as they need 24/7 supervision which was split between me and my partner.

[Q8bunny]

It really does depend on the buns. Ultimately the idea is to end each date on a positive note.

[Q8bunny]

PS Good luck with the move ??

[Little Flamingo]

Good luck with the move! I know how you feel, I’m counting down the weeks until I can start bonding my two too! I hope you’ll keep us updated with how their dates go

[DanaNM]

Good luck! Sounds like you have a recipe for success! Can’t wait to hear the progress, and see pics of bunny snuggles of course.

How long to date really depends on how the buns are doing, and how much time you have! It’s funny though, because most of us have the tendency to let the date go on too long… until it starts getting tense, even though we all say “end on a good note”. There’s all kinds of strategies, because every pairing is different!

I’ve started with dates as short as 3 minutes (for buns that wanted to fight), up to as long as 30 for the first few sessions.   

If it seems tense, start stressful and short, but do your best to end on a positive note, even if that is the smoosh technique, or both buns ignoring each other. If they seem calm, you can let it go longer. If they are doing well and you can marathon, go for it. You just want to keep an eye on how both buns are doing during long sessions (eating, pooping, grooming themselves) so as to not overly stress them.

. . . 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.  

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