Bonding Advice Needed

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 2sd replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 11 years ago by AngelBun.

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- 02/27/2015 at 6:08 PM
  AngelBun
  Participant
  3 posts
  I’ve brought home a new rabbit, Apollo, who I am trying to bond to my first rabbit Angel. Apollo settled into his new home really quickly, and I’ve been switching bedding, litter and toys daily for a week and they’ve been comfortable with the new scents in their space. Since Angel is free roaming in most of the house, I’ve set up Apollo’s pen in the adjoining room she doesn’t have access to and placed a baby gate in the doorway, so they can see and smell each other.
  
  Yesterday I tried a first session and after the initial sniff, a fight broke out after Apollo tried mounting Angel. Once they were separated again, they continued to be very curious watching each other and trying to get over the gate separating them. I’m not sure if I tried to rush the first session and should give them more time to get used each others presence. Should I try a car ride right away? Could the problem be their current set-up? My apartment has an awkward layout, so placing two pens next to each other will block a doorway no matter where I locate them, plus I’m worried about Angel getting territorial with losing too much of her space and being penned up.
  
  I’m at a loss right now of how to proceed without them fighting….
- 02/28/2015 at 2:35 PM
  Ruby n Max
  Participant
  23 posts
  It is good that you are switching their stuff to get them used to each other, that definitely helps. But I would recommend setting their pens up next to each other, that way they are always near each other and can get used to each other being in each other’s space more. I know that may not be ideal with the space you have (I completely understand this), but it will be worth it in the end. Try to do this in a space that Angel has explored the least.
  
  I also had a free-roaming rabbit when we adopted our second one, so it did take her some getting used to being penned up. I would give Angel a few days to settle into this so that she doesn’t become overwhelmed with a change in her home and a new bun. Then you can start the bonding sessions.
  
  I definitely think car rides are a great way to start off! Have a friend drive while you sit either in the back or the passenger seat with the buns. They can sit next to you in the back, or at your feet in the passenger seat. Bring an oven mitt or a small colander with a handle to break up any fights so as to avoid getting bitten your self if a fight breaks out. When you get home, either put them in the bath tub for a few minutes or on the dining table. The idea is that you do a high stress, then a low stress bonding session. This way they are all nervous from the car ride, then they come home to a neutral spot that is less stressful, forcing them to “discuss” what just happened.
  
  Be sure to switch them daily from pen to pen to also help mingle scents and reduce territory.
  
  While nobody wants their rabbits to fight, sometimes it happens even after all our preparations to prevent this from happening. I know it is nerve wracking to think that one may break out again, but this can be avoided by doing a few simple things: make the situation stressful enough that they are more concerned about their welfare than territory, and make it hard for them to keep a grip on each other. The car rides take care of the stress, and the tub is too slick for them to feel sure enough of their feet to really go at each other.
  
  Good luck!
- 03/02/2015 at 8:38 AM
  AngelBun
  Participant
  3 posts
  It looks like we’re taking a break for a bit while everyone settles down. I tried to place their pens next to each other and they spent an entire day lunging at each other despite the space between pens and a blanket so they couldn’t actually see each other. When Angel was out for exercise, she charged at Apollo’s pen and was able to bite him on the nose through the gap. So they are back in separate rooms again. I’ve switched their litterboxes this morning and will continue to swap their things and build up to swapping cages. I’m starting to think they just might not be compatible.
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