Random Questions Regarding Bonding

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 6sd replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 7 months ago by Yuki.

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- 07/25/2011 at 8:11 PM
  Yuki
  Participant
  7 posts
  Hello all!
  
  I adopted my bun about a month ago and we will soon be adopting a second bunny. Beyond the reason that I simply want another bunny, I get the feeling she would really benefit from it. My boyfriend and I both work during the day and while she isn’t destructive, I feel like she would be happy to have someone to talk to and hang out with all day long. Also, she has been licking random objects (not us, though) which I’ve been told means she wants a mate. While I have read about as much as I can about the general process and what to expect, I still have some questions.
  
  Yuki is always out of her pen while we’re around, and has free reign of the living room and sunroom (where her pen is). I know it will likely take a while before I can have both buns frolicking in her stomping grounds, but I still want the new guy to play and frolick in the same space. I could let them take turns, one in a pen and one out and about, but I’m concerned about suddenly limiting her free time (which she loves most in the world). Will she be upset if she sees him free in her space while she’s locked up? She tends to be easy-going and non-territorial, but I’ve never seen her interact with another bunny so I’m not sure what to expect. Any advice/experiences would be greatly appreciated!
  
  Also, will I always need 2 litter boxes or can they eventually use her litter box together? It’s a covered cat box. Thanks!
- 07/25/2011 at 8:34 PM
  LoveChaCha
  Participant
  6634 posts
  Hi there and welcome
  
  First off, licking does not mean she wants another mate. It means ‘I LOVE YOU.’ My rabbit is a big kisser and loves to kiss me and my boyfriend a lot. She is always busy playing or sleeping (she is a single gal as well and is not destructive at all).
  
  If you go ahead and decide to get another bunny, be sure to take her on a rabbit dating event at the shelters. That way, you can see how she reacts to other bunnies and gets to choose her friend.
  
  You will be needing another pen, and put it next to your bunnys. Not exactly touching, as rabbits can fight. I would leave a few inches in between each pen. I’ve heard of some people switching bunny pens, so that the bunny gets used to the other bunny’s scent.
- 07/26/2011 at 8:35 AM
  Elrohwen
  Participant
  7318 posts
  Great advice from ChaCha. I don’t think licking things means she wants a mate – Otto licks things all the time and did this before and after he was bonded. I think some rabbits just do it out of habit.
  
  I would definitely take her bunny dating so you will know what to expect with her reaction to other buns and pick one she gets along well with. She may be territorial when the other rabbit is running around her space and she’s locked up, but she’ll be fine. Some rabbits are territorial when they’re in their cage.
- 07/26/2011 at 9:52 AM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  She looks super cute!
  
  With exercise time, it is hard to negotiate when you have 2 unbonded. If you notice Yuki has a time of day or evening when she just snoozes, perhaps let the new rabbit have the free roam time then. Either way, there will be some changes for her to adjust to and at first she’s not going to be happy all the time. But that will pass. Of course, if she bonds instantly with a new bunny, then it’s binkies all round for everyone!
  
  Regarding litter boxes, generally it’s better to add more the more rabbits you have but time will tell. Litterboxes are an item rabbits can get territorial about also. I think you’ll get an idea more once you move the rabbits into the one habitat.
- 07/29/2011 at 6:41 AM
  Yuki
  Participant
  7 posts
  Great advice, thanks! I’m so glad to hear the licking is a sign of affection, I figured it wasn’t affection since she wasn’t actually licking us. I was certainly planning on taking Yuki along to choose a mate. I am borrowing a huge dog crate from my sister until they’re bonded and living in Yuki’s pen. We will set it up next to hers, with a few inches between. I did read about switching cages, and that’s something I plan to do as well.
  I have 3 litter boxes, 2 are the high-backed corner boxes and one is Yuki’s covered cat box. Mr Newbunny will have one in his pen and I’ll leave one in the living room for their use when they’re exercising. I was told not to put a litter box with them while they’re having bonding time as this can cause territorial issues (weird, just like toddlers…”MINE!”).
  
  While I’m here, any advice on getting bunny to allow us to pick her up? Not because I want to snuggle her (even though I do…badly), I know most bunnies aren’t fans of that. But there are times when it would be convenient, like trimming her nails or moving her, say from the couch where she just peed to the litter box 5 feet away. She will let us pat her till our arms fall off, she lets me kiss her fluffy little head, but as soon as she feels a hand under her chest, she bolts. I’m sure it will take time and I certainly don’t want to rush it, I want to go about it the right way. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
- 07/29/2011 at 9:54 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  One of the forum leaders posted a video recently of how she picks up rabbit.
  https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aft/115972/Default.aspx
  It really depends a lot on the rabbit in what way will work for them.
  For your girl, you might want to try draping a towel over her and scooping her up in one movement. I think using a word like “Up” when you practice picking them up helps them know what’s coming. Once they get more familiar with it they might not be so resistant but they still get that verbal cue.
  
  I have 3 I can pick up fairly easily and 1 that will bolt everytime. With him, I usually herd him to a litterbox or low basket then lift him in that. Then I take him to a high surface (benchtop or washing machine) then lift him to me from that level. So it’s a short lift directly across horizontally. He copes much better with this then going from floor straight up with only my hands holding him.
- 07/30/2011 at 9:41 AM
  Yuki
  Participant
  7 posts
  That’s super helpful, thanks jerseygirl! If Yuki was in a basket and I lifted it, she’d jump out. But I will definitely try the towel approach. Right now I’m working with her on just one hand lifting her front end, securing her paws. She tolerates it for about 3 seconds before hopping over my hand. Also still trying to get her to hop all the way onto my lap on her own. Baby steps! Hoping Mr Newbunny will be easier to hold and can teach her a thing or 2
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