Bringing home a new Bun soon!

[Aleece]

So I am finally getting Addie a buddy! I know that bonding is a long process and I am up for the challenge but I was just have a question. (I have read through the whole bonding section multiple times now) I have heard that stress bonding can be very successful but when should this process be started? Could I take my current bunny with me to pick up the new one and put their carries side by side in the car to kick start things or is this a bad idea? Just curious! Thanks in advance everyone

[Asriel and Bombur]

Just let the new bunny settle in for a good 2-4 weeks before you do any smell introductions. Your new bunny will be pretty stressed out from the move as it is. Addie, if I remember, has only been spayed for like a month? So her hormones are still fluctuating, so it really isn’t the best conditions for any sort of prebonding yet. Give the new bun 2-4 weeks to settle, and when he seems comfortable you can start prebonding and swapping items (assuming new bunny is fixed). If the new bunny isn’t fixed there’s really no point in prebonding yet as his scent will change after his operation.

[DanaNM]

How exciting!

I don’t think there is too much value in having the carriers side by side. The idea with the stress is that they will snuggle together for comfort. Some people like to bring the new bun home in the same carrier as the other, but I’ve always preferred to just let the new bun settle in a bit before launching into things. I think people usually opt to do the car ride home together when they are planning to just marathon them straight through, like if they are getting two new un-bonded buns, so the whole home is neutral.

If you do opt to do some car rides at some point (I’ve always found them helpful), I prefer to use a large plastic bin over a carrier. Then have a helper drive, and you sit in the back with the buns. The bin allows you to easily prevent any fighting or nipping. I think with my last pair I eventually switched to using a carrier once I knew they wouldn’t fight in the car.

. . . 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.  

[Aleece]

Thanks so much everyone this has all been very helpful!! I’m sure I’ll be back with more questions once the process has begun but I’ll just let the new girl get comfortable first. Also, Addie’s spay ended up being a neuter! (Even with two previous vet checks they did not see he was a boy until the operation began!) the new bunny I’m getting is a girl and she is already spayed.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Best of luck with your new bun! And that’s good news she’s a he. Most people say boy/girl are the easiest bond.

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