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Forum BEHAVIOR is it possible to have a people orientated bunny that cannot bond with other buns?

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    • Ffionwillsx
      Participant
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        Hi, so I have a bunny Oscar who I had at 7 weeks – he was my baby and we bonded instantly. He is a little spoilt and get lots of attention.

        The end of July I got him a friend as I’d read that he would be happier. Managed to bond him to Lola who I adopted from the rescue (they are a month apart in age, both neutered, Oscar is now 11months, Lola is 10months).

        After four weeks of what seemed like bonded bunnies I came home from work to the aftermath of a big figh which resulted in a vet visit. I separated them straight away.

        In the mean time (now been 7 weeks seperate) I contacted the forum, my rescue, the RSPCA for advice on how was beat to proceed for long term success)

        I also contacted a bunny guru Mairwen – I left my details. She called back and asked about the buns she then went on to say that Oscar is too people orientated and will never bond with another rabbit and that this behaviour is becoming more and more common…

        Could this be possible? Is it likely that Oscar will never bond with another rabbit?

        During bonding he seems as if he’d like to have a bunny friend (he is definitely the dominant).

        Please help?!

        Thank you x


      • Sirius&Luna
        Participant
        2319 posts Send Private Message

          Some bunnies are impossible to bond, but from what you’ve said, it’s hard to know if Oscar is one of them. As they did get along happily for 4 weeks, I would take that to mean that he could be bonded, but something went wrong, and both rabbits escalated it into a fight.

          Since you weren’t there and don’t know what started the fight, it’s extra difficult.

          If you want to have another go at bonding them, you’ll need to keep them totally separate for at least a month (which I see you’ve already done), then start pre-bonding, before going through the bonding process again. I can see that you would be nervous after the big fight though, so it’s hard to know what your best option would be!


        • sarahthegemini
          Participant
          5584 posts Send Private Message

            Just because Oscar had a fight with one rabbit doesn’t mean he never wants to be with another bun lol.


          • Ffionwillsx
            Participant
            34 posts Send Private Message

              Haha I know that some rabbits just won’t get along and that it doesn’t mean that Oscar will not bond…I was only asking because of what this lady mairwen had said – she was adamant that Oscar would not be able to bond…

              The reason I’m asking is because I’m going to rehome Lola. Breaking my heart but they really do not want to get along. There have been a few instances where they have come into contact due to escaping/jumping a 2.5ft gate and they have instantly gone for eachother. Each time I have been there and have separated I instantly (avoiding fur pulling and Injuries) but Oscar is then obsessive about reaching Lola. Leading to me having to close the door as well (something I don’t tend to do due to ventalation in the bunny room – I have a big sky light in there but the weather atm is too bad for me to have it open).
              The life they’re currently living is not fair on either of them. I am an avid believer in space and freedom to move around.

              In a few months I would like to try another bun with Oscar – I am also planning on going further afield to a rescue that has the space and ability to do bunny dates – however the nearest one is over a two hour drive away therefore I was just wondering if it were a possibility for some rabbits that maybe have had too much human socialisation? Sorry I don’t know if I’m making any Sense?


            • Fluffykins
              Participant
              239 posts Send Private Message

                I get what you’re trying to say. Like with some species of parrots for example; they will only bond fully with one owner.

                Rabbits aren’t like this. They can have multiple bonds. So just because a rabbit is bonded to a human, doesn’t mean he cannot bond to another rabbit (or another human)!

                On a separate but related note, some animal species cannot bond cross species… But imo rabbits can. Just a random thought there haha.


              • DanaNM
                Moderator
                8901 posts Send Private Message

                  It is possible that he just is just a solo-type bun, but it’s not very common. Member Q8bunny’s Chewie does NOT like other bunnies, and he has been on dates with multiple others, and seems to hate them all.

                  But this isn’t that common, and would prob not be obvious after just one pairing. My Bertha is VERY human oriented, and has always been dominant, but has been bonded twice now. Now she gets even more attention, so is happier for it. Her behavior towards me hasn’t changed in the slightest (I think I’m still her number one ). There are other stories on here of members having a terrible time and failed bonding attempts with one pair, only to have a love-at-first site scenario with a different rabbit. (Just like people!)

                  I don’t think too much human socialization has anything to do with it, but lack of rabbit -rabbit interaction can make them a little socially clueless. It just takes them a bit longer to learn how to “speak rabbit”.

                  I think taking a break and then trying some dating is a great idea, but 2 hours is a very long time to drive and would be very stressful for Oscar, especially considering it’s a round trip. I look for other options (maybe even keeping an eye on craigslist?)… as I don’t think Oscar would behave like himself on a date after that stressful of a journey, not to mention the effect on his health.

                  Sorry things didn’t work out with Lola, I’m sure it’s hard letting her go.

                  . . . 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.  


                • LittlePuffyTail
                  Moderator
                  18092 posts Send Private Message

                    Member Q8bunny’s Chewie does NOT like other bunnies, and he has been on dates with multiple others, and seems to hate them all.

                    My Olivia was the same way. She was terrified of other bunnies and would become really defensive. While she was never bonded to another bunny, she lived peacefully with my other bunny as side-by-side condo neighbours.


                  • Ffionwillsx
                    Participant
                    34 posts Send Private Message

                      Thank you for the replies – Lola has gone back to rescue and I broke my heart but keeping rescue lady is keeping me updated.

                      We have also decided that in the spring, Oscar will go to rescue and be boarded for a week/two weeks and jai will introduce him to various bunnies at rescue and allow him to choose his favourite (if possible) and begin the bonding process there. Allowing me time to clean, disinfect and try to rearrange my whole apartment so that he does not feel overly territorial if and when he comes back with a wifebun. A huge task as he is completely free roam with him own room as a base – I’m sure he thinks he owns the place… LOL


                    • DanaNM
                      Moderator
                      8901 posts Send Private Message

                        This sounds like a great plan! Wow, and to have someone start the dating process for you! 

                        . . . 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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                    Forum BEHAVIOR is it possible to have a people orientated bunny that cannot bond with other buns?