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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

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

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- 06/20/2018 at 1:07 PM
  BeanMode
  Participant
  36 posts
  Hello ~<3
  I’m currently going through my first experience bonding rabbits. My first rabbit, neutered male, and a recently adopted spayed female. The initial dates at the shelter went okay at best. My boy seems a bit hesitant but definitely curious, came in to sniff her but would usually then walk away and do other things. She seemed the more interested party but not overly pushy about it. During three sessions at the shelter they both ate some hay and groomed in each other’s presence. So fast forward about a week, we’ve all moved into a new house. Part of the reason we chose now to adopt the second rabbit because we’d have a fresh space that was no one’s territory yet to work with. They’ve been housed in pens next to each other since day 1 of the move, eat near each other, watch each other, etc.
  
  Fast forward, humans have all finally settled in and we decide to try our first bonding session in the new space. Both bunnies can often be found laying around, feet kicked back, and happy in their space.This is about a week’s time between initial move of the rabbits and bonding session. This time though things seemed the reverse of the initial three dates- our boy was much more comfortable than our girl and for the first time they got nippy with each other. Some fur was pulled. Probably scarier to mommy than bunnies who both bounced back and went to grooming/being their normal selves within minutes. I suspect we tried the first date a little too soon after moving. Our boy has always adapted to new situations very easily and although the girl seemed happy in her pen maybe not comfortable enough to tolerate another bunny? So current plan is allow another two weeks to prebond side by side and ensure they’re comfortable in the new house.
  
  But this brings me to my ultimate question for the forum, when dates do involve nipping/fighting/any other sort of negative behavior what tricks or things do you do to dissipate the situation and make sure things end on an okay note for everyone? I’ve heard the suggestion of various tools to use to split them, dust pans, oven mitts, etc. I was outfitted with oven mitts for this first bonding session but I think I’m going to try a dust pan- I did not like only have one hand with fingers. But after splitting what are some good techniques to calm everyone down? I’d love to chalk this experience up as a bad day for all and next time will go smoothly, but just in case I’d love to go into the next session with some extra ideas and tools to help make positive experiences for them while they sort out their communication and dominance.
  
  ( As an aside, has anyone ever tried gardening gloves to help against accidental bites?)
- 06/20/2018 at 6:17 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9054 posts
  Hello, and welcome!
  
  Leather gloves/ gardening gloves are pretty popular with some members here!
  
  I used to use oven mitts, or tennis shoes on my hands during my first bonding experience when I was terrified. Most recently I used nothing and just got better at how and when to intervene…. terrible example I know, and would not recommend to a beginner!
  
  All of that sounds very normal bunny date-wise, and it’s normal to be nervous! It really doesn’t sound too bad.
  
  I think more pre-bonding is a good idea, but you also have the beauty of a completely new space to work with them in, so try to keep as much of that space neutral as possible.
  
  What space did you use for the bonding session, and how large was it? I have always had more success with larger spaces. Also how long?
  
  There are many people who say fur-pulling is normal and should be allowed. I tend to agree most of the time… BUT, since it’s your first time bonding, I recommend focusing on getting them calm around each other first, and building a positive association. So, anytime they go nose to nose, or approach each other and it seems tense, pet them both A LOT so they think they are being groomed by the other rabbit. Swap their scents when you do this as well.
  
  I also find it helpful to set short time goals for early sessions, so you aren’t tempted to push things too far (I always find myself thinking “maybe if I wait just a few more minutes they will suddenly be best friends!”, and then a scuffle happens). So say, 5 or 10 minutes for the next session, assuming things are going well. If things get testy, pet pet pet pet them until they calm down. Wait for them to be calm (grooming themselves and relaxing is good), and then end it there.
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 06/21/2018 at 7:44 AM
  BeanMode
  Participant
  36 posts
  We used a 4×4 x-pen in the kitchen for a bonding space, with a blanket under that wasn’t from either’s cage. Little more traction than just the vinyl floor but not quite carpet either. While at the rescue we used a space that was 4×4, and then upped it to a 6×4. Same thing though with blankets. Each time they’ve met we have offered a handful of hay in the middle of the setup, neither have showed a possessiveness over the hay and both are very good eaters and love their food.
  
  I really like the time goal idea, I will definitely implement it next time we get them together. Thank you so much
  
  Interestingly enough, since I posted we’ve noticed an increase in the bun’s interest in each other. Much more sticking their nose through the xpen bars as far as they can to sniff and laying around the shared side. (There is plenty of space between them, no chance to bite) Hoping that’s a good omen for the future.
- 06/22/2018 at 12:14 AM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9054 posts
  Sounds good.
  
  Is the kitchen somewhere they normally go? Or in sight of places they normally go? If so, I would lump it more in the semi-neutral category, even with the blanket.
  
  With my two most recently, 4×4 wasn’t quite big enough for them to interact without fighting, but I’ve bonded other pairs in pens that size, so it just depends on the buns. If things seem like they are getting testy in that size, don’t be afraid to experiment with more space.
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 06/22/2018 at 8:06 AM
  BeanMode
  Participant
  36 posts
  Their pens are in our office, there’s a long hallway before you can see or get to any other room (it’s almost comically long, I think it’s about 20 foot). Except when first walking through the door during moving and the first try at a home date they haven’t seen or been in the kitchen/living room area. We’ve been using our bedroom as a place to exercise them one at a time, door shut. Besides those rooms we also have a bathroom, it’s a far distance from any room they’ve been in but it’s a room they can see.
- 06/22/2018 at 1:27 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9054 posts
  Ok that sounds good then!
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
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