Hi, I’ll be going through the process soon. Since you’ve been doing all the prebonding, you’re on the right track. One month is a good amount of time, some people only wait two weeks but one month is safer. The first face to face meeting should be somewhere that neither bun normally goes. I know some people use a bathtub or shower, which also helps because they feel less secure when they can’t get their footing in slippery tub, so that may reduce the likelihood of a fight. Some people do stress bonding sessions, where they put the buns together and go for a car ride or put them in a laundry basket on top of the washing machine with it on. This forces them to come together because they’re scared of something other than each other for the time being and they may find comfort in the others company. Of course, since I haven’t started yet I haven’t tried that technique, but maybe someone on here could tell you if that worked for them. I’ve seen some people just hold on to a dust pan and if nipping starts just quickly place it between the buns before it escalates to a fight. I watched a lot of youtube videos and read a lot of articles on bonding, but you can never be too prepared for what might happen lol.

Hi there, 

You might want to keep up pre-bonding for another week or two, since their smells change as their hormones drain, and I’ve heard females can take as long as 6 weeks for that to happen. Plus a little extra pre-bonding never hurt anyone.  

It’s good to swap them into each others cages every day or two, or switch their litter boxes, to really get them used to the fact that they will be sharing space with another bun. Try not to clean the litter box for at least a few hours when you swap. 

Have they gone on a first date yet? or will this be their very first introduction? 

I think the most important thing in the early stages is to make sure the space is VERY neutral. This sets you up for success. It makes sense when you think about it from a human perspective. You would be much more likely to become friends with someone who you meet out in the world, vs. a random stranger than comes in unannounced and says they are going to live with you now. 

If you search the forum for “bonding journal” you will find loads of accounts from BB members. 

Mine is here from my most recent bonding adventure: 

https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aft/158740/afpg/5/Default.aspx

The recommended is two months as the bunnys’ natural scent changes after being neutered. Two months ensures that they are used to one anothers new smell through prebonding