The mere existence of grooming doesn’t actually mean rabbits are bonded– it is a positive sign, but it is a common behavior behavior present during the bonding process, as opposed to just at the end.

I would actually recommend not doing the water spray nor always reducing after this occurs. In actuality, as long as they do not escalate into a tornado, tense interactions like small chasing, lunging, and even small nips are a natural part of the process and are the rabbits communicating with each other about the hierarchy. That cannot happen if these communications and feedbacks are not occuring between the rabbits.

We have a slightly different method and progression for bonding recommended here: https://binkybunny.com/infocategory/bonding/

No bonding process is the same, so while the current method you are using may work for some rabbits, it will not for all. I would actually be worried about the moving and water spraying having your rabbit gain negative associations with the other rabbit. Remember rabbits aren’t mind readers, so there’s no way of knowing that your rabbit is actually linking your actions to the natural act of her chasing.

How long have you been bonding them?

I think you may need to give them more space and let them work through this behavior. I would stop the chase if it goes on for more than a couple seconds, but I’ve found that some amount of chasing is part of the process. You don’t want it to escalate to fighting, but rabbits will test each other with chasing. If one rabbit always runs away, the chasing rabbit eventually learns the other rabbit isn’t a threat.

Gotcha, that’s helpful info!

Can you describe the chasing a bit more? Does it seem triggered by anything in particular? Are Ginger’s ears up or down? Tail up or down? From what you said so far, it sounds like nervousness. Like maybe Ginger gets nervous when Seal moves too quickly so she chases? If that’s the case, then I do think more time in more space will help.

Ok that’s helpful. And to answer your initial question, no they are definitely not bonded yet.

Litter boxes can cause disputes during bonding sessions if added too soon. What happens if you remove the litter box?

I’ve also noticed that when bonding goes on a long time in one location, the space becomes less neutral and they can get stuck in a rut. Could you try setting them up in a new neutral area and see if there are any changes? I usually just put down puppy pee pads instead of litter boxes until they seem pretty much bonded.

Ah, ok! That could be a big part of the problem actually. I was trying to bond in my studio apartment and mine hit a similar barrier, where they just weren’t quite getting there, even after several days of marathoning.

You might try to take them somewhere else for a weekend (like a friend’s house). I think since you’ve had them together for 2 weeks already it might be necessary to go to a new, very neutral spot to fully finish their bond.