Bonding… and then PLOT TWIST!

[QuinceysMommy]

Today marked the day when my solo bunny for a year, Quincey, has just made a new friend named Pumpkin! He went on a bunny date at the shelter I got him from a year ago. The first two rabbits weren’t too successful (one was dominant and aloof, another snarled at him!), but Pumpkin proved to be a match. Quincey ended up grooming her while she rested below his chin!

On the way home, we continued the bonding process in the car. They were definitely looking for comfort in each other! When we arrived home and set everything up (a separate pen next to Quincey’s), I got a call from the shelter saying that there had been a mix up, and Pumpkin was actually not yet spayed! Usually, the shelter makes sure they are fixed beforehand, but through some twists and turns there was a mix up (just my luck! Haha!). They’ve offered to cover vet costs and everything, so that’s taken care of.

My question is, will this prolong the bonding? The vet date hasn’t been scheduled yet, so would I just resume bonding them until then? I was told that once Pumpkin gets fixed, she will need to stay in her pen until she’s healed which is fine. I’m just wondering how this will affect the bonding process. They seem to be getting along just fine now, but will Pumpkin’s demeanor change dramatically after her surgery? I just wonder how it will be like after she gets fixed!

[LBJ10]

If they are getting along well, then I think it would be okay to allow them to see each other. I would not officially bond them until after Pumpkin is spayed though. The reason I say this is because the shock of coming to a new home may wear off and she may start feeling hormonal. If that happens and they are confined in the same space, a fight could happen. And you don’t want irreversible damage in their relationship to occur.

[Little Lion Head]

Awwww another Pumpkin! No advice, just wanted to tell you they are adorable!

[QuinceysMommy]

You’re right. So far they’ve been really friendly towards each other through their cages. I really wish that we would’ve known sooner that she had not been spayed. I already see behavioral differences between her and Quincey and I attribute it to her not being fixed yet… or maybe I’m just not used to other bunny behaviors! Quincey is just so much more behaved! Pumpkin digs in her litterbox, scattering everything while with Quincey, I can just lay the litter on the sides where he always goes. 

However, since bringing her home, I have been letting her roam around to explore on her own. She’s definitely exhibiting territorial behavior, marking and smelling around the house – similar to when I first brought home Quincey, so it’s been pretty normal. 

I just worry how she will be after the surgery. I know she’s around 2 years old now – same as Quincey, but he had been fixed at a much younger age. 

[QuinceysMommy]

Little Lion Head – thank you!

[Author]

Messages