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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum BONDING Sudden Nipping/Biting During 1st Meeting

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    • Dee
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      704 posts Send Private Message

        Hi Everyone,

        It’s been almost a month since our BunBun died and I feel that his widow, Nelli, would be happier if she could find another husbun. She never went off her food or anything but she hides a lot and she is still pretty timid of us, after 7 years with us. She loved BunBun, she tolerates us,basically. She is almost 7.5 years olds in excellent health, so to decrease the likelihood of her losing another mate, we are looking for a bunny between 2 and 5 years old. I’m also hoping to find a midsize rabbit, from 5-8 lbs, since I’ve heard the dwarfs are more delicate and BunBun certainly was. He was an amazing, wonderful bunny, but he did suffer from many health issues. If small bunnies are really just as hardy as bigger ones,please correct me because I’m just repeating what I heard.

        Anyway, today I took Belli on a date to meet a 3 year old lop boy who is up for adoption. His foster mom had never bonded rabbits, and I only bonded Bun and Nell which was the easiest bond ever! So neither of us knew quite what we were doing. I brought Nelli in her carrier to a room where Buddy, the boy lol,did not usually go. He came over to Nell, and she hopped to the front of her carrier. They were nose to nose for a few seconds, then he suddenly lunged and for her and next thing I knew there was a tuft of Nelli fur lying there. She was fine and he didn’t try to go after her right then. So then I took the top of the carrier and Buddy hopped right in with Nelli, who was very mellow. Again, when they got close, Buddy lunged and nipped at her ear. Nelli thumped a couple times after that, But then I got her out of her carrier. This time Buddy went to sniff at her butt, and nipped at her, but this time I had my hand in the way. The last time, he went for her face again. My hand was in between them and he got my thumb. He didn’t break the skin but my skin is pretty tough- if it was Nell’s nose or ear/eye that he got, she probably would’ve been going to the vet. Oddly, Nelli was pretty unfazed by all of it. She lay down and just relaxe. When Buddy was eating some greens, she went up to him and sniffed his back and body over a bit, very gentle and nice. She seemed happy to see another bunny ☺.

        I’m so scared of Nelli getting hurt. I just want her to be happy in her golden years and I feel so badly that she lost BunBun. If she was a young bunny and this was her first bond, I would probably be more daring. But I would never forgive myself if I brought home another rabbit and she was attacked. But I also don’t want to be so paranoid that I don’t give potential bonds a chance.

        What do you all think of this nipping/biting thing? Is it a deal breaker? If not, how should I handle it? Any advice would be great. Thanks!


      • Robert
        Participant
        83 posts Send Private Message

          Nope not a deal breaker, panda and elly were the same way the first meeting, but within 1 week they were living together, only time will tell


        • Dee
          Participant
          704 posts Send Private Message

            Thanks for your reply, Robert! I kinda figured that if he really wanted to hurt Nelli, he would have. Or rather, he would’ve taken a bite out of my knuckle since I was blocking him ?. Better that than Nelli’s precious little white nose though!
            I emailed the lady at the shelter and told her that I am just too much of an over protective bunny momma to handle letting those two together without an experienced rabbit bonded present. I think my tension and constant readiness to protect my Nell may have a negative effect on their bonding, but I need to know that someone is keeping things safe. So we will see!

            Nelli has another date on Saturday with a black dwarf bun that resembles her deceased husbun BunBun. He even has a snip of white on his nose, but not as much white as Bun had and his ears are longer. Not to compare or anything! I miss my BunBun so very much, there will be no replacing him… But Nelli deserves to have as happy a life as possible, and I know we have enough love for another rabbit! I’ll keep everyone posted ☺


          • Robert
            Participant
            83 posts Send Private Message

              Just a word of advice, expect fights to happen but be ready to identify them break them up instantly, a broom works good for that, also I bonded my rabbits in a bathtub, the slippery surface makes them not want to run around as much and helps keep fights down

              Also, expect humping as well, it’s a dominant thing for rabbits to do it


            • Dee
              Participant
              704 posts Send Private Message

                Thank you Robert! I get so freaked out that somebunny is gonna get hurt, but I know that staying calm and realizing that these things are normal is what I need to do. The broom is a great idea ☺

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            Forum BONDING Sudden Nipping/Biting During 1st Meeting