When is it safe to move bunnies in together?

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This topic has 5sd replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 8 months ago by DanaNM.

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- 03/05/2021 at 7:29 AM
  AnnaK
  Participant
  3 posts
  Hello, I’m new to the site and wondering if anyone can give me some advice.
  
  I’ve been bonding our 2 year old spayed girl with our new boy, Coco (also 2 and neutered 10 weeks ago) for the last few days. After a lot of chasing and mounting from our male they have both settled down a lot and will happily groom each other, eat side by side, flop and snuggle together now. However we do still get bouts of chasing and mounting, especially in the evening.
  
  I’m wondering whether I should now be thinking about moving them into their permanent living space together or if I should wait and see if the chasing/mounting subsides a bit more first?? Luna, our girl, doesn’t seem particularly bothered by it and usually just runs away but Coco often goes for her head which I’ve read can sometimes end badly…
  
  Any advice gratefully received!
- 03/11/2021 at 12:08 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9054 posts
  With only working with them a few days it sounds like you are moving quite quickly.
  
  How long have they been together? Are you doing 24/7 bonding?
  
  Chasing and mounting is not always bad, is it “i want to mount you” chasing with ears forward? Or aggressive chasing? Mounting is fine as long as it doesn’t lead to a fight.
  
  The rule of thumb is that they should be have 48 hours of no fighting, no aggression and lots of positive behaviors (cuddling, sharing food, sharing litter box) in neutral space, then you can move them to semi-permanent and repeat, then to their final home (cleaned and deodorized as much as possible). If you don’t have semi-neutral space to work with, you can keep them in neutral a bit longer just to make sure they are really really bonded.
  
  . . . 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.
- 03/12/2021 at 4:14 AM
  AnnaK
  Participant
  3 posts
  Thanks for your reply. I’m happy to say we now have a pair of bonded bunnies! The chasing got less and less and seemed to be more of a playful ‘you can’t catch me’ from our girl than anything. It got to the point where they both seemed so lonely and depressed when I separated them that it felt cruel so we bit the bullet and finally moved them in to their permanent home a couple of days ago. All going great so far, the only problem is they’re so loved up they just want to sit and snuggle all day so I’m having to try and lure them out for their exercise! Although it felt stressful at times, in hindsight it was actually a very quick and easy bond.
- 03/12/2021 at 7:57 AM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9054 posts
  Aww congrats! Yes it sounds like you had an easy time of it, glad to hear it!
  
  Of course we would love some pictures of the snuggly buns!
  
  . . . 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.
- 03/13/2021 at 8:13 AM
  AnnaK
  Participant
  3 posts
  Here they are all snuggled up – what a pair of posers! They’ve given me a fair few sleepless nights lately but it’s all worth it when we see them curled up together like this ❤
- 03/14/2021 at 8:51 AM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9054 posts
  I can’t see the pic, but congrats!
  
  I love when bunnies just “click” together!
  
  . . . 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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