Bonding 3 month old bunnies that arent neutered or spayes

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This topic has 5sd replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 2 months ago by MoveDiagonally.

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- 01/01/2014 at 9:18 AM
  Fadia
  Participant
  5 posts
  So this is the story. I got one male rabbit named Booboo, and after a month of him being in our home I felt he was lonely and decided to get him a friend. He was 3 months old. When we went to the petstore we found a female lionhead that we really liked and she was three months old as well. I asked them if it was ok for them to be friends, they said it would be because they are too young to be able to reproduce.
  
  Right when Booboo saw Moomoo, he humped her. I was quite surprised because they told us at the petstore it wouldn’t happen because theyre too young. I had no idea it was a dominance thing. So basically I cant get Booboo neutered for at least another month, then he needs at least 2 weeks to heal. Moomoo cant be spayed either for at least another 2 months
  
  I decided to let them out at separate times so that they cant hump or fight. But found when I would let one out and not the other, they would always circle the others cage. Sniff each others noses, then someone would bite and they would be hitting each other through the cage with their paws.
  
  I phoned a couple petstores for advice and they said they might not be hitting for aggression, they might just really want to be together, but they cage is just restraining them too much. They suggested bringing their cages closer and closer each day until they eventually touch. When we started to make them touch they continued to hit and bite/nip each others noses through the cages. I really am worried that this may wreck their bonding in the future when they actually can be together.
  
  Anyone else been in a similar situation? Any insight? comments? Advice
  
  Thank you
- 01/01/2014 at 10:14 AM
  NewBunnyOwner123
  Participant
  1930 posts
  You need to keep them completely separated until,both are spayed and neutered. Also, sometimes allowing them to see each other before bonding can help before the actual bonding process but other times it leaves them so frustrated that there is another bun in their territory that it can make bonding even more difficult in the future. I wouldn’t allow any interaction until they are spayed and neutered. Also keep in mind that a boy can still impregnate a female 4 weeks, not 2, after being neutered. Plus hormones will be all over the place and he can be a wild child for up to 4 weeks while the hormones dissipate.
  
  Also, have they been checked out by the vet? You may have different sexes than what you were told. And even more scary, they may be older than what you were told and can in fact reproduce at quite a young age. So to be safe, no interactions.
- 01/01/2014 at 10:39 AM
  LBJ10
  Moderator
  17225 posts
  I agree with NBO. Pet stores aren’t always honest about a bunny’s age. They will say they are younger to make them seem more desirable. Males typically mature sooner than females. Assuming they are in fact a male and a female, what happens a month from now? He will be 4 months and capable of reproducing. She could be older than you were told she is or an “early bloomer” and capable of reproducing. Do you really want to risk it? Better to be safe than sorry.
  
  As for the bonding, like NBO said, it can be helpful for some bunnies to be aware of the “other bunny” before you bond them. Other times, it can be frustrating for them. This is especially true if your original bunny is highly territorial. Swiping at each other and biting through the cage bars does not sound like they want to be together. It sounds like they are being territorial. It would probably be better for you to keep them completely separate until they can both be neutered/spayed. That way, hormones aren’t influencing them anymore and you can take steps to do serious bonding.
- 01/01/2014 at 2:31 PM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  I agree with the others. Rather than continuing to have them irritate each other, can you relocate one to another room or area of the house until they are ready to be bonded in about 4-5 months?
- 01/01/2014 at 3:56 PM
  Kokaneeandkahlua
  Participant
  12067 posts
  Welcome!!
  
  I can only echo the advice already-keep them completely separated until about a month after they are both spayed and neutered. Doing otherwise, they will definitely get hurt-and pregnant!
- 01/01/2014 at 11:40 PM
  MoveDiagonally
  Participant
  2361 posts
  Welcome to BB!
  
  I agree with what has already been said. Bonding should wait until they are both spayed and neutered + 1 month for hormones to die down.
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