Before Bonding, Getting Comfortable?

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 2sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 11 months ago by DanaNM.

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- 11/30/2021 at 8:14 AM
  Sagicory
  Participant
  28 posts
  Hi! Not sure if anyone remembers, but I was trying to bond my two 1 year old rabbits, Sage and Chicory, together a few months back. We were going through prebonding but because of some litter box leaks and a pee stain that went through three layers (rubber mat, plastic sheet, and then old rug) and dyed our floor, our schedule got put off. I’ve been holding off on “in-rabbit” meets for them because it seems that it would be best if they were comfortable with me before meeting each other directly.
  
  Does anyone have any tips on getting rabbits to be comfortable with humans? We don’t have a huge area that’s bun proofed yet, but we have a small pen that has been put up for future bonding sessions. Would it be okay to bring them there separately to play? Or would that create territory disputes for when the actual bonding starts? They’re separate pens are very long but not very wide for space use efficiency so it would be uncomfortable to sit inside in without making them feel cornered.
  
  Also, Sage always seems very uninterested in physical contact. She wants to play, but I’m not sure what. She used to like playing tug of war with wooden sticks but at this point it seems like she just wants to hold it in her mouth. Chicory doesn’t move when being pet but she always looks really scared and I can’t tell if she’s scared out of her mind or if she’s enjoying it.
  
  She just looks like: o.o
  
  I want to be able to take them out of their pen without freaking them out, but that would involve a carrier and stairs.
  
  Thanks!
- 12/04/2021 at 9:45 AM
  Wick & Fable
  Moderator
  5813 posts
  Sorry you have not received any replies! it is a good question and something all owners would like to know…. how do we bond with our rabbit friends?!
  
  There are some really helpful guides/resources here: https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Behavior_FAQ#How_do_I_make_my_bunny_like_me.3F
  
  Do not use the area you plan to do future bonding sessions in as a place for them to free-roam separately. You want that space to remain neutral, and either of them having time in there independently will eliminate the neutrality.
  
  You can do positive association with picking up to try and help, and ultimately all rabbits are going to be disgruntled, at the minimum, with being picked up… it just doesn’t make sense to them and they don’t like it, haha.
  
  In terms of “playing”, it sounds like you’ve identified how Sage wants to interact in the relationship, and that can be find. There does need to be a degree of acceptance that some rabbits will not bond with us physically; however, their willingness to engage with us says bounds to how much they truly trust you.
  
  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.
- 12/04/2021 at 9:54 AM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9054 posts
  So, most bunnies really hate being picked up, especially if it happens a lot. For the best bonding with your bunnies, it would be ideal for their pens to be connected to their play area where you could sit on the floor and allow them to come over to you on their own. I agree with Wick that you shouldn’t use the bonding area for this, as you want it to stay neutral. Is there any way you can let them out of their pen in the room they are already in for some play time? I know things are much more complicated when you have two unbonded rabbits to deal with, so it maybe be a lot easier to just wait till they are bonded.
  
  My preferred method of bonding with buns is to “play hard to get”. I sit on the floor and basically ignore them. I’ll read or mess around on my phone, and just spend time in the same room with them, but I don’t force petting or anything. Eventually the bun will feel comfortable enough to relax on the ground near you, this is a great sign. After that behavior seems pretty established, I will “ask” the bun if I can pet them while they are relaxing near me. I make my hand into a small fist (similar to the shape of a bunny head), and place it on the ground in front of the bun’s face, but a little off to one side (they have a blind spot right in front of their face). If the bun puts it’s head down, they would like a nose rub! If not, I don’t force the issue and I try again another day. This process can take a while for shy bunnies, but with patience they come around. 🙂
  
  Hand feeding is great as well! Clicker training can also be a great way to interact with a bunny that isn’t ready to accept nose rubs.
  
  . . . 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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