Rebounding my boys

[Julie]

I have 2 males approx same age, I’m gonna guess at 10 months old, I had them both fixed in May 2015, they were really aggressive pre-neuter so I separated them them then got they’re shots and then fixed. After getting them fixed, I’ve kept them apart, they have separate cages, but they can still see and smell each other, I waited a month or so before trying to put them together but the first time was unsuccessful, they instantly starting fighting. So now that it’s warm out, I made a pen outside approx 4′ x 4′. Put them in the pen together and I was amazed they grooming each other,, sitting together, playing, I was so excited I thought I had been successful Nope, brought them back in the house pit them in one cage, and they went at each other, so again they went back to they’re own houses, so I tried again, again it was successful, I’ve had them in their outside pen 4 different days and it was awesome, but not inside, them yesterday, my hubby bought this pen that worked out to be 10′ x 10′ put them together, they were running and doing binkys, I was so excited and then that lasted about 15 mins, then the fighting started again. I want to know what I’m doing wrong, I don’t like the little cage cuz they don’t seem to play or do anything, even when they’re in the house for “play time” I have to separate the room in half.. Any advice would be great, cuz I really want them to be friends again, but I think I waited to long to get them fixed

[Binx86]

The bonding sessions you’ve been doing outside are most likely working so well because it’s a neutral space. Inside they probably both think they’re king of the castle. Try rewarding them when they’re doing good, grooming each other, being friendly, etc, etc. Just little treats, then break them up before any fighting starts to happen. They eventually might learn that being together and not being hostile will get them a reward.

If they start fighting at 15 minutes, separate them after 10, do that for a few days then increase the amount of time they’re together. Don’t be so discouraged if there’s little scuffles that break out, just separate them early and wait. Everyone has bad days, even bunnies.

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