Hi there,

It sounds like they are on track, but not quite there yet.

A bonded pair will groom each other (some it’s one way grooming, but in most both groom), cuddle, share food (often out of each other’s mouth), and just generally be unphazed by the other bunny being near them.

I would try a supervised over-night (or 24-48 hours) in neutral space and see how that goes. If by the end of that they are showing those positive signs, you can move them to semi-neutral space and continue supervising. The move to their final home together and supervise for another day or two, depending on how they do. Sometimes buns back track a little when you move space to space, so they need more supervision after each move. Other’s seem not to care at all.

Really it’s good to trust your gut. In my experience, when a pair is bonded, it’s like all of the sudden they “click” and I don’t worry about them anymore. They are just SUPER relaxed around each other and seem very happy.

I agree with DanaNM. If you have doubts, they need more time. A pair that acts fine together (but not grooming or cuddling) one minute can be at each other’s throats the next. One big thing that sometimes gets overlooked with bonding is food and water. If the pair’s shared home was previously just one of the bunny’s homes, the resident rabbit may get territorial about food and water. This is more subtle than fighting or chasing, so sometimes gets overlooked. Putting in extra food and water until you see them sharing well usually solves this.

The other important thing to remember is that the absence of negative behaviour isn’t the same as positive behaviour. It’s great that they’re not fighting, but are they grooming, snuggling, flopping together?

Grooming could be considered the “final sign”, but only if it is accompanied with a complete lack of negative behavior. No biting, no chasing (don’t confuse bunnies following each other around with chasing). Mounting is a sign of dominance and may continue even after the bond is complete.