HELP – bunnies bond broken after vet visit :(

[Gabriellexami]

On Monday, I took my buck to the vet as he was displaying early signs of GI stasis (gone off pellets but not entirely off hay and veggies). We didn’t expect them to admit him, but they decided to give IV fluids to be on the safe side. When we got him home, he was much brighter and very happy to see his bonded partner (my doe). However, she full on attacked him – luckily I was fast enough to grab her before it got nasty.
Since then they have been separate but adjacent, taking it in turns in their run. She has been peeing outside his cage .

So now we are going to have to start bonding again . Any tips on how to go forward with this? I’m worried if we to to neutral territory she’ll still lunge and we’ll have to keep separating.

For extra info, they are both neutered house buns. However, the doe was only neutered 3 weeks ago so hormones could be playing a role. Should I wait another few weeks before re-introducing.

Any tips appreciated ! It’s very sad they were so close and my male was very very gentle and supportive when she was spayed.

Thanks in advance!

[Beka27]

I would move into some bonding sessions ASAP. If you let too much time pass, you will need to start from square one. Maybe try a little stressing (trip on the washer, or the vacuum running), then move them into semi-neutral space. Stay close so you can separate if needed, but don’t remove them from the space. If you can get them laying side by side, some vigorous grooming/petting by you will help to intermingle their scents again.

[LBJ10]

I agree with Beka. Try stressing them a little so they remember that they can seek each other for comfort. And definitely try to mix around the scents. He likely smells like vet, so that could be what set her off. Does he sleep in the litter box? If he isn’t grooming himself enough to get rid of the weird scent, then maybe him smelling like his litter box would help.

[Author]

Messages