Guilt

[luvmyhunybuny]

I have 5 bunnies; a bonded pair and 3 singles. I recently bonded my 3 singles and had to rearrange their living space. Being that I have 5 dogs, my bunnies have the run of the upstairs. I have major issues with cages, so they are all free range. We have a gameroom up there (plus my kids rooms and a spare room) and my kids spend the majority of their time in the gameroom. My bonded pair have always lived in the gameroom, but the trio needed more space, so I moved them into the gameroom. My bonded pair are now in the spare room, or what we call the “bunny room.” Problem is, I cannot help but feel guilty. I feel like I disrupted my entire bunny family. Crazy, I know. I keep telling myself this is the best for everyone, but my bonded pair seem to be depressed (maybe my imagination?!). Is this just because they need to adjust? I hate mom guilt.

[Mimzy]

I would say give it time to adjust if that’s the room they’ve always been in. How long has it been since they’ve been in the spare room?

Otherwise, if they don’t seem to be coming around I’d say after a week or 2, If it’s possible, I would put the trio in the spare room, make it really nice for them! & the bonded pair can go back to the game room Is the spare room big enough for the trio?

[bunnyfriend]

Don’t feel guilty! You’re only trying to make it the best possible for all your bunnies. They probably need time to adjust. Out of curiosity, are you planning on ever having them all be bonded (idk if anyone is had that many bonded together before, so I’m just wondering!)?

[Roberta]

I’ve got 4 bonded and it would be 5 if Pipi and Nermal would get on. Multiple spays pending and move to new neutral bunny room. Will keep you updated if we succeed in bonding all 5. Its a shame Nermal was adopted and returned otherwise I don’t think we would have had the problem. The key seems to be that Pepper as the Alpha Bun rules the warren and is the key to the bond, which is why she is last on the spay list.

[Sarita]

I think you are anthromorphizing your guilt onto your bonded pair by feeling like they are depressed – perfectly normal. I think you will find they will be just fine once they adjust.

[luvmyhunybuny]

I don’t really have any plans to bond all 5. I tried to add a 3rd to my bonded pair and the boys kept fighting. I also never intended to have 5 bunnies! But, they all found their way to me and I couldn’t part with them. Sarita, you are so right and I am sure my bonded pair will be fine. I actually think my boy loves it (he is such a loner) but Piper is more of a people bunny.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I’d just give them time to adjust what’s likely quiet observation of their new surroundings looks like upset bunnies

I have to say WOWZA you must be one busy lady!! I was thinking 5 bunnies would take so much time, but add to that five dogs…I’d have to quit my job! and then you said kids…you are super mom!!

[luvmyhunybuny]

They seem a bit better today. Still hiding out in their fancy cardboard boxes (lol) but they managed to clear their plate of greens (lately they have been leaving a lot left over) and poop all over the room! 

I am, however, having a bit of a problem with my little Holland (Scout). She is super sassy and has been chasing my other girl (Lilbit, who is very passive) around. This is after a lot of neutral time and no incidences. Sigh. I had to separate her into an x-pen’ed area in the gameroom, which is killing me as I hate cages. I guess we need to take more car rides. I hate how difficult bunnies can be with each other. 

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