Bunny have to choose friend?

FORUM

What are we about? Please read about our Forum Culture and check out the Rules.

BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately! Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES

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.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 6sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 9 months ago by LittleLionMan.

Viewing 5 reply threads

Author

Messages
- 06/04/2021 at 6:55 AM
  LittleLionMan
  Participant
  136 posts
  Hi all!
  I was wondering what the thoughts were on bonding bunnies who did not meet or speed date before adoption? I recently came across a bunny that is the same breed, size, nearly same age as my bun. Shes one of a few rabbits at an actual shelter with large dogs and cats, where the poor thing has been for over a month. Her sibs got adopted, she’s spayed, and I saw several videos of her interacting with other buns there — so she doesn’t seem to have an issue with other buns. I could technically bring my bunny to meet her, but I think it’d be stressful for him because of the distance (its 1.5 away) and the dogs (right?). Im thinking of going to see her by myself, which means there’s a 9/10 chance she’s coming home (she looks so sad!). I know not everyone does speed-dating prior to adoption, so I’m assuming it is possible? Does anyone have any input or advice — please tell me if I’m being stupid!
- 06/04/2021 at 7:06 PM
  tobyluv
  Participant
  3312 posts
  I have bonded 5 pairs of bunnies and none of them did any speed dating or had met before they were introduced in my home, so it’s entirely possible to bond bunnies without that. I also volunteer at a rabbit sanctuary where rabbits are given a home for life, and we pair up a neutered male with a spayed female. No speed dating goes on there at all, we simply introduce any single rabbits that we have, then bond them. Although speed dating can work well in some situations, it’s not always a given that it will work in all cases. As you said, they rabbit being taken to a rescue or shelter is likely to be stressed just traveling there, then being in a strange environment, among a lot of different sights and sounds and smells. A rabbit may get along with another rabbit at the rescue, but then if may not be so smooth between them when your rabbit is back home with the new rabbit. I certainly don’t mean to discourage people from speed dating. It can work well, but there is no guarantee that it will.
  - 06/06/2021 at 6:23 AM
    LittleLionMan
    Participant
    136 posts
    Thank you for your response. Everyone does try and push speed dating which is such an awesome experience and great opportunity for rabbit owners. But I agree people have been (and continue to) bond bunnies without speed dating, especially since it’s not yet ubiquitous. I do feel like it depends on the rabbits personality. Through speed dating I found out what an anxious mess my rabbit was outside of the home. I feel like speed dating wasn’t productive for us because it didn’t showcase his true personality. We fostered another (alleged) anxious mess, who turned out to be aggressive towards him. she also turned out to have medical issues in addition to aggression, so the rescue wanted to take her back in their care. But he was pining after her and now seems pretty sad and bored. Anywho, we’ve been besties for 5 years so I feel like I’ve got a good feel for him. I’m gonna go see the little lady today on his behalf 🙂
- 06/08/2021 at 9:19 AM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9064 posts
  I agree with tobyluv, speed dating isn’t necessary! And it’s true that some buns just behave so differently at the date that it isn’t always informative.
  
  I like to do dating when I can, but I’m usually just looking to make sure the buns don’t absolutely HATE each other.
  
  I think if there is a bun you would like to adopt then I would go for it. Chances are it will work out, even if it takes a little extra work to bond them. 😉
  
  . . . 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.
- 06/08/2021 at 9:34 AM
  LittleLionMan
  Participant
  136 posts
  Thank you both! I got way too attached to this beautiful lady. She was at the shelter for months without any potential adopters. I was scheduled to meet her Sunday, only to find out she was adopted the day before. I’m happy she got adopted but also saddddd!
  
  now I’m going through the most arduous process to get approved by another rescue. I totally understand the vetting process, but I think that some rescues go too far in their adoption approval process. I’m surprised that I haven’t been asked for my medical records yet 😅
- 06/08/2021 at 10:41 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9064 posts
  Awww, bummer! But happy she got a home!
  
  It can be a bit overwhelming with some rescues, but usually they just want to make sure you have appropriate housing and know about rabbit care (and will help you to get things in order if you don’t… which you do!), so don’t stress!
  
  . . . 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.
- 06/09/2021 at 4:38 AM
  LittleLionMan
  Participant
  136 posts
  Thank you! Of course I’m getting contacted back by all the rescues I’ve applied to at the same time haha 😅
  
  Instead of starting another thread, I wonder if I can ask a question on here: what carrier is best for two bunnies? There’s mixed advice on whether they should come home together in the same carrier or different carriers. Either way, I want to be prepared!
Author

Messages

Viewing 5 reply threads

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.