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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum BONDING Bonding two pairs not going well

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    • ookiedokiee
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        Hi there! 

        Alright, here’s the deal. I have my buns that are successfully bonded, but I recently took in my cousins’ pair because they were looking for a home for them and I have a hard time saying no to taking in some more buns. My pair consists of a mini rex mix (he’s not mini though, he’s a big boy) who’s nearly a year old, his name is Genji and a female from a shelter estimated to be about 2 years old, her name is Midna. Then there’s the pair of brother’s Jack and Hamilton. They’re small dutch rabbits about the same age as Genji. All the rabbit’s have been fixed for months now. It’s been 2 and a half months with the 4 bunnies and things aren’t improving, they don’t get along at all. Of the two pairs, Genji and Hamilton are the dominate ones and have some serious beef with each other. Midna tends to follow what Genji does so she’s also a bit aggressive toward the other two. Jack likes minding his own business and wants nothing to do with the drama. When I have tried introducing them all in neutral territory after a nice car ride they’re curious and cautious for a bit but then fur flies. Either Genji/Ham or Midna/Ham are fully fighting, circling each other and lunging. Lot’s of butt biting even when separated by the gate. Don’t get me started on the territorial poops!  Before Jack and Hammy moved in, Midna and Genji had the run of the house. Now, I have one room in the house that basically the designated rabbit room. This room is closed off with a long gate across. So what I’ve been doing is one pair stays in the rabbit room for awhile while the other gets the rest of the house and then they switch back and forth through out the day. For their litter and hay I have them set up on either side of the gate so it’s like a communal area for them to eat near each other, but still be separated. I don’t really know what else to do to try and bond them, but I’m starting to think it may be impossible. Any thoughts or comments are appreciated! Let me know if there are any questions or if something is unclear. Thanks!


      • DanaNM
        Moderator
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          Hi there,

          I don’t have personal experience with bonding groups, but I know the space is very important. With 4 bunnies it should be very large (probably 3 or 4 x-pens linked up). With groups, what can happen is a fight starts, one bunnies tries to flee, then the other bunny thinks that bunny is starting a fight, and then the aggression spreads around. You want the space to be big enough, and with enough obstacles, that the bunnies can interact and retreat when threatened without that causing more fights.

          It also needs to be really neutral. Since the bunnies are mostly free-roam, your whole house prob smells like bunnies, so it might be hard to find neutral space.

          Some people will also focus on the more difficult pairings, but since group dynamics are different, others recommend working with the whole group.

          You also mentioned that they are all OK for a bit after the car ride at the beginning of the session. Try ending the session before things get testy, even if that means the session is very short.

          You can also use the technique of petting the bunnies a lot and swapping scents when they approach each other as a way to stop fights, especially the two that are aggressive towards each other. You must prevent fights before they start or the rabbits will start building a grudge towards each other.

          . . . 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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      Forum BONDING Bonding two pairs not going well