it’s really hard to not put human emotions on our buns (and other pets) sometimes… i’m guilty of doing this, and i’m sure a lot of us do it without realizing it. just b/c he’s in a good mood right now, does not mean he does not like Ruby. it does not mean he wants nothing to do with her later on. the binkies are most likely unrelated to Ruby. that being said, i still would not recommend you keep putting them together and taking them apart unless you are able to give them your undivided attention. it takes just a few seconds for a fight to break out and somebun to get hurt. ScooterandAnnette (i believe) just had that situation where their bun had to have an ear amputated after a fight… OUCH!
as far as HB and Cotton… i don’t know what to tell you. is it your *ultimate plan* to have a trio after Ruby’s spay? or do you just want to put the boys together to fill the time until December and then take them back apart?
you’ve made great progress with Ruby and Cotton, and even if that bond is not intact in December… i’m betting you will be able to get them back together with minimal effort. i think that might be the way to go… and then you can introduce HB into the situation in January maybe?
i don’t have any personal experience bonding 3 together, but i think you need to figure out if that is the final goal and if you have the space for a permanent condo or pen that will adequately house 3 bunnies (one being a very large bunny!)