Do I persist with bonding?

[IggyHop]

Hi everyone
I’m a new bunny owner and recently adopted a lovely male lop, we named him Iggy Hop. He lives as a free range bun in my house and has already made himself very much at home. He’s really confident and sociable, he loves lying on the sofa with us. He previously lived in a sibling group, but after the males were separated for neutering they fell out and that’s when he went to a sanctuary.
Having done my research I was keen to find him a female bun to bond with, so he is currently at a local bunny sanctuary trying to find a wife. I had given my top choice based on my own preferences, but the decision is ultimately Iggy’s.
I’ve spoken to the sanctuary today and they have said that he is ‘hormonal’ and so bonding with either of the single does we had in mind has not gone well at all. They are trying again with another, so we will see what happens. I’m just wondering, if he doesn’t bond with any of their single females do I need to keep trying to find somebody for him? Do I leave it for now and try again in a couple of months?
Is it possible that some buns are better off as singles? I’m desperate to make the right decision for him and just wonder what that is!!
Any help greatly appreciated

[DanaNM]

Hi there, welcome

Not sure what they mean by “hormonal”? How long ago was he neutered? Sometimes in first dates mounting and other territorial/dominance displays will happen, and these often are similar to a hormonal bun.

Has the rescue been trying to bond him for you, or just doing speed dates with possible matches?

It’s pretty rare for buns to fall in love at first sight. In my mind, the speed dates are good to figure out which buns are definitely NOT a good match (outright and immediate aggression is no good), but you might not find one that is just perfect right away. Also totally fine to wait until a bun comes along that is a good match and that you like.

Some buns are better as singles, but I’m interested to know more about his behavior towards other buns.

You might also suggest trying him with another male. Sometimes boys that grew up with their brothers get along well with other males, so it’s worth trying!

. . . 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.  

[IggyHop]

That’s really helpful thank you!! He was neutered in early January I think.
I’ve had an update… they are trying him with an older female (he is 8months and she is 5years old) and it seems to be going better. Still early days but so far so good. Fingers crossed!!!!
If this one doesn’t work out I will consider those options, thank you.
He is at a sanctuary and they are doing the bonding for me. As I will be adopting on of their females they do this service for free and drop them both home once a successful bond has happened.

[DanaNM]

Wow, how nice they will bond them for you! That’s good that they found a better potential match!

. . . 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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