Hi @OllieLoki,

I recommend reading through the Bonding Info section for some tips on the full process of bonding, as well as some bonding journals on this site to get an idea of how things can go. It would also be helpful if you could fill out the “bonding template” and paste in the reply on this thread to give us some more background on your bunnies.

There are many ways to go about bonding. Stressing is one tool that can be used, but is not the only part of the process.

The basic process is that you need to supervise the bunnies in neutral territory (not necessarily stressful) until they trust each other and have sorted out their dominance hierarchy. One way to do this is to start with short dates, and slowly work up to longer and longer dates. During these dates your most important job is to prevent fighting, and always try to end sessions on a positive note (even if that’s the bunnies ignoring each other). Once you get to the point where they can spend a couple hours together peacefully, you can try longer sessions (4-8 hours), and then eventually overnight sessions (all in neutral territory). The final phase, called “cementing” is when they have stayed in neutral territory for 48 hours (minimum), with no aggression whatsoever for 48 hours and plenty of positive behaviors (cuddling, grooming, food sharing, etc.). After that you continue to supervise but can move them to semi-neutral territory, and then finally to their permanent home.

Thank you that is helpful!

So they don’t fight in the car?  What type of space did you try where they fought? Just to make sure I’ve got the timing right, you just have done a few stress sessions, but have been pre-bonding for about a week?

If they don’t fight in the car, I would keep doing car sessions (just keep an eye on the bun’s stress levels). After a few more days of this, then try doing a car ride followed by a few minutes in neutral space. When they approach each other, pet them both to keep them calm and prevent fighting (it makes them think they are being groomed). Always end on a good note, and so even if that means petting them both, or them ignoring each other. Don’t be afraid to be very involved at first to make sure they don’t fight.

Since you just got Loki 10 days ago, it almost might help to wait a bit longer to do sessions. Generally it’s a good idea to let the new bun settle in for a week or 2, then do about 2 weeks of pre-bonding, and then start sessions. This makes sure the new bun is healthy and feels safe, and allows them to get extra used to each other’s scents. I think since Ollie is still acting aggressive through the fence, extra pre-bonding might help them be more calm during sessions.

Yes I think just stick to pre-bonding for now 🙂