First of all, thanks for reading this. I know it’s way long.

MY RABBITS

My rabbits have really clear personalities, it’s who they are… or who I thought they were.

Romeo is a little 9 month neutered male. He’s shy and always has been the less-dominant one. When a rabbit charges at him ready to nip he always runs away and cowers in a corner all sad-looking. The problem is that he’s not entirely set on being a subordinate; he’d much rather be the alpha rabbit. Furthermore, he is quite insensitive and mischievous.

Tigerlily is spayed but her age is unsure. I think she’s probably a tad older than Romeo but not by too much — maybe a month or two. If not she’s probably a month or two younger, but I don’t think so. She’s quite mature and minds her own business. She often grooms Romeo and is patient over his quirks and crazy-bunny tantrums. She’s a little scared of people but she warms up with patience and lots of love.

THE BOND

Romeo chose Tigerlily. After bouts with Apricot, his former attempted bond, Romeo was going insane. Apricot nipped him so much that after cowering for a month he fought back. It was horrendous as fur flew. Thankfully I was able to stop any persistent fights and they were fine. Romeo became weary afterwards though and no longer had any interest in further dates (he fell asleep during most of them as oppose to being scared in a corner like before not knowing what to do.)

It was different when he met Tigerlily though. After Tigerlily went along to mind her own business Romeo hopped on over and started to groom her. She didn’t try to nip him as the other females did and she just patiently sat there. We knew Romeo was in love. It was almost a match made in heaven especially compared to his trials with Apricot. Romeo and Tigerlily began to permanently live together after the first week. There was boxing, for sure, but only when Romeo was being insensitive (aka nudging Tigerlily all the time or accidentally jumping on her head). He never fought back and Tigerlily only got teeny strands of fur, just enough so Romeo knew he was being annoying. This behavior began with about 3 times a day and lessened to 1 or more likely none.

In short, they were inseparable. Because we had Romeo first he already knew all of the house. Tigerlily was still weary so when it was playtime Romeo would rush out happily and venture to the living room. He never ever stayed long like he used to before all the bonding. He always would run back to the cage where Tigerlily was and wait with her and talk to her. She was brave, but not brave enough to take big steps outside. Eventually he would want to binky too much and venture off but he would always go back and talk to her between bars.

PROBLEMS ARISE

The trouble began after 3 to 4 months of wholly successful bonding. We were going on vacation for 10 days so we boarded them with HRS Richmond. After 4 or 5 days they called saying that they had fought in the morning. The story isn’t clear because I haven’t been able to talk to the person who witnessed it but apparently one rabbit (apparently Tigerlily, I don’t know why because this sounds like Romeo’s behavior) jumped out of the X-pen area. There were unfixed rabbits around them (in the same room, different X-pens) so this could have triggered something. Both have a little scratch on their noses and Tigerlily has lost some fur but they’re fine and eating. HRS separated them into different cages but so that they can see each other.

Just as a side note I was in a hurry to leave so when I left them Romeo cowered under a box and thumped while Tigerlily eyed down a little dutch rabbit nearby. I didn’t want to leave them in that state but we were going to miss our flight. It probably would have been better if I had stayed awhile and calmed them down. I can only imagine their fear. :'(

CONFUSION ENSUES

I brought them home today. An HRS volunteer said that they weren’t showing any hostility when seeing each other between bars so I figured it could just be odd behavior away from home. They were fine on the ride home but the moment I put them into their cage things went downhill. Tigerlily immediately went into their hidey- house and stuck her head out when Romeo tried to get in. This isn’t unusual because she would do this occasionally. Usually nothing comes of it and Romeo can go in peacefully after a few minutes. This time, however, Romeo turned around as if contemplating it all, then hurried inside and fighting ensued. I separated them quickly but Romeo looked angry and lunged at Tigerlily afterwards. (NOTE: ROMEO LUNGED. This hasn’t happened since Apricot and even back then he fought only when he had no where left to run.)

I brought them into the shower where I had done all the bonding before. Romeo again attacks and Tigerlily fights back. I stopped all fights and petted them together trying to make happy memories with treats. Tigerlily accepted the treats and Romeo declined nudging them aside. This went on for quite a few hours.

HELP MEEE. ; o ;

I currently have them in their NIC cage split in the middle with a huge sturdy sheet of cardboard. They can’t see or get to each other. Frankly, I think that seeing each other broods hatred after awhile.

Anyways, I’m at a loss. I don’t know what to do anymore. It hurts so much to see them angry at each other. I don’t know what I’ll do if they never re-bond. Oh, the horror.

Thank you guys soooooo much, especially for reading this long thing. I just thought I should start from the beginning.

Do you have any advice? Similar stories? Hope? 

Thanks again. :’ )