Bonding a third bunny to an existing pair

[Frankie and Cash]

Hi, 

We are hoping to bond a third bunny (Linus) with our existing bunnies, Frankie and Cash. Linus is currently at the local animal shelter and we have a “date” scheduled at the shelter to see how the three bunnies get along (or not). Our concern however is that during the bonding process, the existing bond between Frankie and Cash could fall apart. Is this true and if so, how can be avoid this happening?

A bit about our bunnies–

Frankie–Was adopted from an animal shelter around six months of age, and is now about three years ago. Definitely the alpha bunny, she’s about 7.5 lbs, she sees herself as master and protector of the warren. She very much loves Cash and we’ve often seen her get up from were she is sitting/laying down and move next to Cash. She also sometimes chases Cash but it never seems to end badly (anymore at least). We don’t think Frankie had any socialization with other animals prior to being bonded with Cash.  

Cash–Is a rex, a little over 5 lbs, and was adopted through the local chapter of HRS at a speed dating event. Cash is probably about the same age as Frankie and is a total love-bug, and while the beta bunny, he’s shown that there is a limit to the crap he’ll take from Frankie. HRS did the initial bonding and while we had some aggression issues upon arriving at our home, after a couple of months, they settled into bunny love. 

Linus–Is about four years old, so about a year older than Frankie and Cash. He appears to really socialized with humans, and according to the paperwork at the shelter, lived with cats and dogs at his prior home. HRS won’t help with the bonding since we didn’t adopt through them, so we’ll have to do the bonding on our own. 

We’ve researched the basic tenets of bonding; finding a neutral space to introduce everyone to, being in separate pens that are close but that cannot touch, and gradually introducing supervised playtime together. But again, we’re most worried about the bond between Frankie and Cash falling apart, so any advice there would also be appreciated.  

[RabbitPam]

Is there a compelling reason why you want to get a third bunny? If Linus has a chance to go to a good forever home as a single bunny, it might be good for him. If you feel he desperately needs a home and you want it to be yours, then watch the date carefully while they meet to make sure all three bunnies feel the same way.

That said, I have read others’ bonding posts (and you can do a read=only search for bonding 3 bunnies to read up on others’ experiences) on this and yes, it is difficult. It isn’t likely that your first two will lose their bond, but they sound really good together right now and if it isn’t totally necessary to bring in a third, I would advise against it.

Another option is to have 4. If there is another bunny at the shelter that he would clearly bond with, you can have two couples. The four will eventually get along with work, but it gives him an option to have his own mate, and less pressure on Frankie and Cash.
I guess I am suggesting a lot of thought and exploring of available options for Linus to have the best possible home, and to keep Frankie and Cash happy too.

[Frankie and Cash]

Hi RabbiPam, not particular reason that we “need” a third rabbit other than we enjoy the two that we already have and we hoping to add a third. We never even attempted the date, but maybe after the snow storm passes we might. Four rabbits would be a bit much for us though. But thank you for the quick response.

[Vienna Blue in France]

It’s a fab photo F&C – they do look in total bun love.

I don’t know a fraction of what I imagine RabbitPam knows (100 posts versus 10,000!LOL), but I’m guessing any potential problems with a third would be with the new one and Frankie, the alpha?
Cash may just accept a new one and like that Frankie can turn her attentions to another one when he has had enough of her pestering….
or could you have Linus separated off and appreciate him as a single bun (and then work out how to have n°4 in a year or so!! LOL)

I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to go for the date and see how it goes…

Good luck with the snow !

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