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- This topic has 87sd replies, 23 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 2 months ago by
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SOOOOO — as some of you may remember, I have been aggressively fighting the breeder of my first three buns to let us have the fourth (and last) of the litter from my already bonded trio. After much debate, my boyfriend and I have just made the decision to let this bunny go and go the route of adopting insteadt!
For numerous reasons… I have recently started volunteering at the local Humane Society and they have three newbie baby bunnies in — three English Spot 11 week old babies. After going on the website tonight, I realized two hours after I had gotten home, two of the cuties were gone.
So tomorrow I’m heading in to try and “foster to adopt” the last little girl. Wish us luck!!!
Here’s a picture of her: (taken today while volunteering)
Even if this girl is taken though, we will still continue our search to adopt a new one into our big furry family!
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As adorable as she is — and after much talking to the rabbit community they have well-established here, we have decided to not get the baby girl! She’s sooo adorable. But so many factors come in when attempting to bond when she’s so young that I don’t think it’s worth it in the end, as adorable as she is!!
However, we will be going to meet our POSSIBLE new foster to adopt, Simba, either today or tomrrow! Simba is a two-year old Lionhead who is apparently a total lap boy and loves being groomed. He also LOVES Nibble Rings which we have on stock for our little rascals, so we will be bringing a few along when we meet him!
Here’s a picture of Simba! I’ll let you all know how the meeting goes!
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Oh boy. Am I exhausted.
So Simba came home with us! He is officially our foster to adopt bun! And BOY, is this little guy a love bug. Lemme tell you, he is nothing but cuddles. And he LOVES it. I tried urging him off me a little and he just snuggled deeper into me. And he loves grooms. And grooms back!!
First thing — we bring him in the house and let him out to run around and get used to his new surroundings. What happens, my trio breaks out in a scuffle. Just from seeing him. Fur flying everywhere. Tanger and Sidney started really going at it – so we separated them. And I immediately started bonding as I wasn’t sure what else to do but was hoping if we got them all in contact with his scent it may help. Long story short, it worked like a charm. We did bonding with all three for about 45 minutes apiece, then did a bonding session with Sidney and Tanger to make sure they wouldn’t fight. All was safe and sound, my boyfriend cuddled Simba on the couch for a good hour or two while I kept an eye on my trio. We are not leaving our trio alone though until we are absolutely sure they will not break out into a fight again. And now for the bonding sessions —
Sidney and Simba: Started off with them ignoring each other. I’m not even sure how they were ignoring each other though as Simba was on my lap when I sat down to put him in with her and the next thing I know Sidney is on top of me and Simba, trying to wiggle her way in. So I got them both off me and they continued to ignore. But theeeeen Sidney slowly started to become interested. And of course, Simba (who is a VERY thumpy boy) started thumping. I think this had Sidney confused as she is the only one who has ever thumped at anyone. She just kept following around Simba as he thumped and then she’d ignore and then try coming up to him again. His thumps finally stopped making her nervous and her and him were just kind of walking and sitting next to each other. We ended with them both getting a treat. And them grooming NEXT to each other!
Tanger and Simba: Tanger IMMEDIATELY lunged and started nipping at Simba. We quickly scooped him up and put him directly in the bath tub (which none of ours have ever been in there so he was definitely confused). Simba went right in along with him and BAM, poor freaked out Tanger stopped being a bully. Him and Simba were both trying to escape but eventually started just coming closer and closer to each other. Until Simbas head was under Tanger and Tanger was grooming himself. AND THEN, Tanger began grooming Simba!! Yayyyyy for mean bunny grooming Simba!!!!
They did this for a good 10 minutes until Simba started trying to mount Tanger. Tanger just kept running. And then they both got close again and Tanger was cleaning himself so we gave them both a treat and ended positive. Fleury and Simba: Fleury and Simba started out in the tub together. Fleury was insanely confused and stressed out. But paying no attention to Simba. We brought them out of the tub then to see how Fleury would react and Fleury continued to ignore him. After a good while of ignoring, Fleury attempted to mount Simba and Simba ran away. But there was no fighting, just a little chasing. Until Fleury would ignore him and then it would start back up again. Neither was aggressive in any way though. So both got treats and session was ended!
Afterwards, we did the bonding session with Tanger and Sidney in the tub and everyone seemed fine so we moved them back to the play area and they continued to be fine. And all have been seen grooming and cuddling together so we are pretty sure there was nothing permanently bad happening.
I am spending the night with with the buns to make sure there is no fighting between my trio but as I’m typing all three are huddled up in a pile with Tanger licking Sidneys cheek. Hahah! I am deciding whether or not to continue the bonding process now — or wait a few days to let Simba get settled. Thoughts, opinions, ect. I know it was early to start the bonding but Tanger had touched noses with Simba through the NIC cubes when Simba was running around so I’m pretty sure that’s what began the fighting. Anyone can feel free to correct or comment as they see fit! I’m open to positive criticism and anyones thoughts.
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Wow! You guys went straight into it and with good results. Very promising. I think you know your buns best and getting on top of squabbles/dominance plays straight away like you did paid off.
I suppose it’s Simba you’ll have to monitor the most as you’re not as familiar with him or what he acts like when something is up. I’d make the most of those cuddles while you can! <3
Do you know if he was ever bonded to another bunny?I think seeing a Fluffer like him bopping around with your sleek tans would be hilarious.
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I forgot how exhausting bonding can be.
Well, we had bonding session #3 with all bunnies and it went well with all three!
Sidney and Simba: Sidney was very curious about Simba and kept walking up and sniffing him. Simba however would quickly thump and run away. This continued almost the whole time. I eventually sat down on the floor and Simba cuddled up because me and then Sidney must’ve got a little jealous because she ran up and was bouncing all over my lap. Both ignored each other during this. But then I got back up and they both went back to the same Sidney coming up to him, Simba thumps and run, both go back to ignoring and grooming themselves and so on.
Tanger and Simba: Tanger pretty much ignored Simba the whole beginning 10 minutes as did Simba Tanger. Eventually though Tanger came up to Simba and Simba quickly thumped and ran. Unlike Sidney, Tanger quickly ran after Simba and chased a little bit. He stopped after about 2 seconds and Simba and Tanger both went back to grooming themselves. About every 10 minutes this same scenario would continue. Continued until the bonding session stopped.
Fleury and Simba: Fleury was immediately interested in Simba. But Simba immediately thumped and ran off. Fleury chased for about a millisecond and then stopped and came back looking to get a treat he could see on the counter. He spend most of the time attempting to get treats and when not attempting he would approach Simba and Simba had the same reaction. The whole bonding session went like so with no fighting or biting!
I’m really happy with how the bonding sessions went.
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Sarita — my BF went INSANE when he read your last post. The Pittsburgh Penguins are basically his life. He LOVES them and we will both be at the home-opener next Wednesday!
We both love them but he is probably one of their biggest fans. He spends 23 hours of his day reading and watching everything that happens with the team. -
Posted By tanlover14 on 01/19/2013 07:47 PM
smileykyleigh, are you still looking at Corrine? I can’t remember if you were supposed to meet her today or tomorrow! And any more info on her???? Simba really is a wonderful bunny, we got soo lucky. The bonding has been going very well indeed. And I imagine he hated shelter life as he is always thumping at everything that disturbs his peace. Although, I don’t believe for a second that whomever he “bit” at the Humane Society didn’t do something to provoke him. He has attacked no one here, human or bunny, OR any of his foster moms (which he’s had multiple of).
We have decided to hold off on getting another bunny. We were going to meet Corinna today, but I found out she’s quite a bit older than our guy, and I’m still not quite sure about the added cost of her medication.So we’re just going to focus on the one we have for right now. Though lately he has been having some litterbox issues
so I’m not sure at this point if he will ever get a wife!
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Thanks so much, Elvira! And I will — either tomorrow or Thursday. I’ve got some good bonding photos!
Kyleigh, I would just do what feels right! If you find another bun that comes along, you’ll know he/she is the one!
ANDDDD BIG NEWS! FLEURY GROOMED SIMBA TODAY! For quite an extended period of time. Simba gave Fleury a couple of grooms back but it was mostly Fleury grooming Simba!
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Omg simba is SQUEEEEEEEE soooooooooo adorable
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he looks snuggly I’m so jealous :'( I want simba! Such a pretty coat!The bath tub idea is amazing! My bunny loving friend said she used that to bond her 3 diff bunnies together which is quite hard. Im sory i dont have any advice since i only have 1 but good luck it sounds like its slowly going well =D
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Posted By tanlover14 on 01/22/2013 07:56 PM
ANDDDD BIG NEWS! FLEURY GROOMED SIMBA TODAY! For quite an extended period of time. Simba gave Fleury a couple of grooms back but it was mostly Fleury grooming Simba!Little fluffball Simba slowly climbing to the top of the totem pole! Who wudda thunk!!
Congrats on getting Simba, he’s great and so cute! More pictures please!!
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Late to this thread but ahhh what a cutie!! Very interesting visual effect paired with your tans
. It’s great that they’re comfortable enough to be laying down next to each other already…it means that they don’t feel too threatened, which is definitely a good sign. On the last one the tan (sorry, I can’t tell them apart haha) looks like he’s looking up awkwardly like HALP MOM I’M TOO LONG THIS SPACE IS NOT BIG ENOUGH!
As for the mounting, I would definitely allow some of it…they need to establish their pecking order. However, once one bunny consistently has the upper uhh “hand” I would start to discourage the behavior a little to let the bottom bunny catch a break. Sometimes the top bunny will grab a tuft of fur on the other bunny’s back to maintain a grip while mounting, which is something you can try to avoid.
Also, for future bonding sessions, gloves might help to prevent you from getting caught in the cross fire!
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Thanks for all the positive feedback guys!
Simba IS such a cutie. It makes it even worse that he’s a snugglebun because he’s sooooo freaking furry to cuddle with, we love it! Thanks for all the bonding vibes also! It’s needed with bonding four!! Also, thanks for all the info Peppypoo! How long would you advise to let the other try and mount Simba for? I know between Fleury and Simba it’s a battle. Fleury will try and then they’ll circle around in the laundry basket non-stop until I turn the vaccuum on. I try giving enough time to see if he’s going to submit this time or not before turning it on. I just don’t want a bad fight to break out, especially in such a small space since neither can really get away. I haven’t seen much biting only Fleury nipping or hanging on to the fur on Simbas back when trying to mount him. But I want to give them enough time for Simba to hopefully just submit too!
Another question for anyone who has feedback — When I bonded my trio, I did bonding in sets of pairs as none of the three were bonded. So it gave each bun a small break in between bonding sessions. I have been having the bonding session between each bun lasting about an hour or more depending on how it goes and I’ve been doing them right in a row. So poor Simba hasn’t been getting a break. Should I try breaking them up a bit or continue doing back to back? I feel like I’m torturing the poor guy no matter which order I do it in … but Idkkk. I feel like a huge jerk and it’s starting to wear on my conscious a bit. Poor Simba just gets stuck with the brunt of all the work. I feel so bad for the little guy. I just put him in with Fleury and on BB while I’m keeping an eye on them next to me. And when I set him in he was thumping up a storm so I felt really bad and held him for a minute and he was like clinging to my shirt! I felt like suchhhhh a horrible bunny momma putting him back in! Ughhhhh.
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Of course, as I’m sitting here thinking how good the bonding is going…. I put Fleury back in the cage and take Tanger out. Tangers doing really well with Simba right now after he stopped being angry that I picked him up. (pOORRRR Tanger face.
) And then… I hear banging, look over, and Sidney and Fleury are engaged in a scuffle. I quickly separated them, put one in the play are and one in the pen. And now they are attempting to box each other threw the door so I’m having to go over and break them up every minute or two. I put a towel over the door so they couldn’t see each other. I did read a blog about someone who bonded four bunnies and they seemed to think this was normal behavior (Fleury came back smelling like Simba and as she hasn’t had her session and doesn’t smell like him too… she flipped out and got angry and defensive). They only seem to have these scuffles when one has been with Simba and another hasnt. From what I’ve noticed, when they ALL have had their bonding session there is no fights. Although, I’m knocking on lots of wood as watch that change tonight. UGH, brats. Why do bunnies have to be sooo darn emotional?? I SWEAR!
Anyway, I just caught Tanger grooming Simba. That’s a start.
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Sooo — I made the decision to put all four together FINALLY in the bath tub.
It went VERY well in my opinion. I held him in my arms while I got in the bath tub with all four. I held on to Simba like a baby almost as my other three were jumping all over us. Sidney and Tanger kept nipping at Simba while in my arms so I squirted them with the water bottle every time it happened. After about 10 minutes the nipping stopped.
So I put Simba down on my lap. Then they all came over and were, of course, climbing all over both of us with no nipping!
As everything progressed smoothly, I put Simba down in the tub in front of me where I could swipe him back up if nipping started again. It did after about 20 minutes, squirted the aggressors, and it stopped. We pretty much went on like this for about an hour. Then Fleury and Simba got really close. I was worried they were going to break out nipping each other BUT instead Fleury began grooming Simba. Then Simba groomed Fleury. And back and forth for about 15 minutes while Sidney and Tanger just looked on. They eventually stopped and Fleury went back and cuddled with the other two so I set Simba down next to them. I pet him until he seemed to relax and they all just laid there cuddling for quite a while! Every time someone would nip again, I’d squirt, it would stop, and everyone would go back to normal. I’m REALLY really happy with how things seemed to progress tonight!
Here’s some pictures for all of you to enjoy during the bonding session tonight!
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Thanks guys! And thanks for more positive bonding vibes, Jerseygirl!
We did another bath tub bonding session this morning and it went pretty well. I took myself out of the bath tub this time and watched over the top with the spray bottle. There were a few scuffles, once because Fleury tried mounting Simba and another time because Simba started thumping for who knows what reason and everyone got riled up. A few squirts and both stopped. Fleury came up and sat right beside Simba again and groomed him once. And Tanger was jumping all over Simba and Simba was okay with it! Finally. Simba gets sooooo thumpy whenever the buns come up to him and it always gets them all riled up and they start diving all over each other and him and chasing. Not fighting, just chasing and being nuts. No biting. So I’m glad he’s starting not to thump every time they come up to him. Fleury has been taking the initiative to come over and sit next to Simba quite a bit though AND Simba demanded grooms from both Sidney and Tanger (went up to them by himself which is also a first)! They, of course, did not groom him but he had his head stuck right up underneath Tanger while Tanger groomed himself so I think he’s getting not so skittish around them!
I’m going to do another session tonight when I’m home as I didn’t keep them in there too long this morning so I could do one tonight without the day being too stressful.
I also got a nice cuddlebun nap with my Simber bun after bonding time! We fell asleep together for a good half hour! I love having a little cuddle bun around the house. Another thing, it’s hysterical because now that Simba is always in my lap during bonding sessions, the other bunnies get all jealous or something because they’re always trying to climb into my arms and be held now! It’s the darnest thing since NONE of them would even allow something even close to that before. Yay for Simba making my crazies lap bunnies!!!
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I admit I’ve been nervous about it before too — but it’s become a necessity in bonding so I’m not quite as worried about it as I was before. They dry off very quickly and they immediately start grooming it off themselves anyways so it doesn’t take long for it to dry off. A couple of the buns have gotten pretty soaked from trying to nip Simber bun a million times in the tub. LOL!
I just ALWAYS make sure to not squirt them in the face. I usually aim for neck or chest since that seems to get the biggest reaction out of them. I’m afraid of making them mean if I squirt them in the face. Or hurting their eyes. Or getting water stuck in their ears. Not sure if they are legitimate worries but I follow them just the same. Our house is at a set 72-75 degrees also so I don’t worry too much about it being too cold when they get a little wet.
In other news, we did some bonding in the bath tub last night and then after a few scuffles everyone calmed down but Simba was staying all the way on one side of the tub with the three Tans on the other. Soooooo we took a chance, put them all in our extra-large litter box, and put a fence around it so no one could hop out of the litter box. It seemed to work nicely as there were only a few nips and a little chasing but each time we just turned the vacuum on. One of the times however Simba got right up and humped both Fleury and Tanger! LOL! Fleury didn’t fight but Tanger tried nipping him a little while he was on him. But then all buns pretty much settled down and cuddled together!! We attempted the litter box idea as Simba kept secluding himself and I felt the more he did that, the more time it will take for him to try and trust them. Here’s a few photos from yesterdays litter box session!
I love the second picture as Sidney and Fleury are lying on top of Simba. Haha!
We came home today and I’m in the middle of attempting another litter box bond. It’s not going as good as yesterday but it’s going. I think everyone is just still riled up from just coming out as I tend to notice it usually settles down after 10-20 minutes and it goes longer in between when someone gets all riled up. So hopefully that is just the case tonight. I swear though, every night it’s someone new instigating! Usually it’s Sidney or Tanger and tonight it’s been Fleury. Maybe because Simba mounted Fleury yesterday and now he’s feeling defiant about it? Who knows what goes on in the head of a bunny!!! Simba is secluding himself a little bit right now but I’m hoping as the session goes on the others will crowd around him like they did last night. They began laying all over him after a good 10 minutes. But of course, this was after an hour of bonding in the bath tub. A lot of stresses last night. If they keep being all temperamental I’m thinking about putting them in our larger sized carrier and carrying them around the house. They’re probably just wondering which object I’m going to put them in next! Ha!
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So the bonding last night was stressful but finally, towards the end, everyone started calming down and cuddled. Although I think Simber bun was too shook up to enjoy it. So I let them go and put them all away and gave my Simba boy some cuddle time.
Tonight I’m trying a different approach. Since I’ve noticed everyone is very hyper and then tend to calm down towards the end… I decided to attempt and wear them out by giving them a good amount of play time in their play area before tonights bonding session. Usually I’ve been taking Simbas cage out of their area before letting them run around as it caused a nasty fight between my three the last time but as they have all been having their bonding sessions together, I attempted to leave him in the area! It went pretty well, he had a few thumps and they investigated for maybe 5 minutes apiece. But for the most part they just ignored him and his cage except for pooping EVERRRRYWHERE.So I’m attempting to exhaust them out, then stick them in the bonding area so their attempts to get out can get out of their systems AND THEN put Simba in with them after they have calmed down and see how it goes that way. They are just so full of energy that I think they put him on edge by all their moving around. Hopefully this will help. I’m debating putting some of his poos and one of his towels in with them and in their litter boxes tonight in the condo. I would, of course, sleep out with them in the living room again just in case this caused a fight between the trio. But I’d like to work on everyone getting comfortable with his smell in their territory as that is what initially caused the fighting between my trio. I’ll try and take some pictures while bonding again and post them if I get any good ones along with any more news I have from bonding! Hopefully good!
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Thanks, Cam! I’m happy to know it’ll help someone with bonding!
So I wore all the bunnies out before putting them in their bonding session which worked out a lot better! But we still had some nipping and scuffles ALL began by Fleury. So confusing since Fleury was the one grooming Simba soooo much in the beginning. Just goes to show how much the dynamic can change when put in a group and not pairs anymore! Thankfully, the other two are very good unless Fleury and Simba get going then EVERYONE gets going. Fur everywhere. And poos. Lots of poos.
Thankfully, now everyone is all settled down again. And hysterical side note, I saw Simba full out run for the first time today while he was having run time and OMGGGGGG. He looked like a short little stubby fat man trying to sprint. I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. The Tans are soooo sleek and perfectly formed when running. Little ole Simba, oh god… it was great and made me LOVE him even more. Here’s some pictures from tonights bonding session! : (PS. It interesting to see how the bunny who decides to sit next to him that day is very different from the beginning. Fleury was always the one sitting next to him in the beginning all bonding photos and now it’s Tanger.)
This picture I just thought was hysterical. Oh Tang Tang.
Another picture I thought was funny. Poor little Sidney girl flattens herself like a pancake against the wall every time the vacuum gets turned on. Poor baby.
I suppose I should be happy since at times the other buns CHOOSE to lay down next to Simba so there’s obviously some progress since his first night here. I still worry as the Tans get a little nippy with each other when they are all arguing with Simba. But it’s only been a week and a half so I feel I should be overjoyed that my little brats are doing so well.
(And for all of you using this as a thread to learn some bonding tips from — THIS IS VERY WELL FOR ONLY A WEEK INTO BONDING! So if you get this or better this soon on… be very happy! 
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Hey guys, me again!
So I went a few days as not a lot has changed within the past couple of days during bonding sessions. I did however begin swapping litters from Simbas litter box to their house and vice versa. I also took the towel Simba is always laying on and moved it to their house and did the same with towels from their play area. I spent the night out in the living room with the buns to make sure no fighting broke out with my trio as sometimes they have fought around him or just from seeing him. Everyone was fine though!! Fleury did spend a lot of time digging the towel though and peed on it.
I’ve been doing the switching stuff back and forth between both cages for the past three nights and no incidents to date! *KNOCKS ON WOOD* I also began letting Simba out in their play area. They were not very happy about it at first and Fleury kept trying to start scuffles with the other bunnies but I sprayed them every time they did or shook the cage and they stopped. Today is the third day of me doing this also and they seem to be getting a long a lot better with this. They have begun only noticing him for about the first 10 minutes he’s out then they seem to go back to whatever else they’re doing unless he gets really close to their cage then they all become on full alert again.
We’ve continued bonding sessions in the small area of our hallway. Last night I actually even made the area smaller as Simba was sitting on one side of the area and they created a separation between the bunnies so I made it smaller and forced them all together. The amount of scuffles and nipping has gone down tremendously and instead of breaking it up every 15 minutes it’s only a few times throughout the bonding sessions which have been lasting about 2+ hours. I really think the play time before bonding time has been helping as everyone seems more wore out and the Tans have been laying around more rather than climbing all over everyone looking for a way out. Last night I even put two Craisins on Simbas head and watched Tanger and Fleury look around sniffing and licking at his head to get to them! Haha! Since my buns have never been fond of banana yet I figured a Craisin was the closest I could get.
Anyways, here’s a few more photos of bonding time!!!!
Everyone in the house seems to use Simber bun as a pillow.
Sidney cuddling next to Simba — one of the reasons I also made the area smaller as she cuddled up next to him with the other two on the other side so rather than let them stay separated I FORCED them to come together and cuddle as a group.
This was the result. Not totally sure if that’s their doing or my doing — but I think it was pretty positive as all the buns are CHOOSING to face Simba instead of pointing away. Hopefully it’s good!!! **crosses fingers**
I’ll update in a few days if I have anything new to report. Would like to keep the thread going for any future bonders, especially for multiple bonding bunnies. I read one small thread semi-like this one and some of the parts proved useful! Such as bonding in a group rather than separately. (Although, I’ll point out that with bonding with my trio bonding in pairs worked better whereas now bonding as a group has seemed to work more in my benefit.)
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I’ve spent this past weekend taking a break from bonding — mostly for my sake, some for the bunnies sake! We had people over all weekend and so there wasn’t much time to bond. And when there was time — I didn’t want to stress the buns out more than they already were from all the hubbub. So we did a bonding session last night and right now we are in the middle of one! I will post the pictures from last night on this post and the pictures from tonight on a different post so you can tell the difference!
Well, everyone playing in the same area (at different times) has been going well. They obviously don’t mind using litter boxes with his scent in it and I think have gotten used to his scent inside and outside their house as I have been switching towels and litter daily between the two houses. The trio hasn’t been fighting like they did before when they would see him playing in their area so that’s definitely progress there! And they are beginning to ignore him instead of staring at him intently through the bars of their condo.
So last night I decided to switch them up to a different location. We had just finished a big 50 lb. box of Oxbow Orchard Grass so I begin by putting Simba in the box and then adding one bun every time the other ones looked like they were doing fine. It worked pretty well and there weren’t too many scuffles amongst themselves. They always lessen as the night together goes on. I’ve read a few other articles about when bonding a bigger group to stick all the buns together in one area for say 24-48 hours with supervision but keeping them together non-stop helps strengthen and cement their bond. I’ve been thinking about trying this scenario as they always seem to be getting along better towards the end but they ALWAYS seem to be scuffling in the beginning of the session! Like usual they have been doing sessions for about 2 hours together before going away for the night. But they have been getting an hour or two of play time before the session to help wear them out in hopes of them just lounging around exhausted together. It may/may not be helping but I’m going to keep doing it that way as I feel the amount of scuffles has decreased since I began doing it.
I really can’t seem to get Simba to stop thumping either! I don’t know why he does it to them. He’s literally doing it right this moment: everyone is cuddled up together in the box, no one is even moving, but every so often I hear a thump come from Simba! Now in the beginning of sessions this ALWAYS sends them into hiatus but right now they seem to be just ignoring it (which seems to be a constant the longer they are in there together). What is others opinions on doing a 24-48 bonding session? Even though in my opinion they aren’t even half way bonded. Obviously under CONSTANT supervision.
Here’s some pictures from last night:
Started out with Simba and Fleury: A few scuffles here and there but then Fleury began grooming Simba. I’m still confident that Fleury is fine with Simba by himself but when the others are brought in is when he switches gears and gets aggressive.
Simba, Sidney, and Fleury: Went pretty smoothly although whenever Fleury got aggressive towards Simba, Sidney would quickly intervene and become aggressive towards Fleury.
Simba, Sidney, and Fleury: As you can tell, Fleury calmed down and Sidney did also and went and lounged down next to Simba. Note: She does also cuddle and groom Fleury quite a bit when Fleury is in the box with Simba so I don’t think her and Fleurys bond has been affected much at all despite her always sticking up for Simba.
And Finally, Tanger is added into the group! As you can see whenever all three are in there they always begin by trying to get out while Simba sits quietly in the back. They usually get out a few scuffles and then move on to cuddling, grooming, and eating any stray hay they can find off the ground. Although Simba still seems nervous around them.
The sessions always seem to end somewheres around everyone being like this: which is the main reason I’m thinking about attempting a 24-48 hour bond as everyone eventually settles and seems fine but when I separate and add them all back in they begin scuffling in the beginning again.
Last night it ended with everyone grooming themselves, including Simba.
It still seems very obvious to me though that we still have some way to go with everyone determining what the pecking order is going to be. Although no one seems to want to take the REAL initiative to move it along! Bratty buns. Can’t we all just be friends?
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Well, I have two more photos to finish off the night!
They were just too adorable to not share. I also made the decision to put their houses right next to each other with about 2 inches of space in between them. Every once in awhile they have been sniffing each other through the bars and being nice. So far I haven’t used the squirt bottle and I’m, of course, sleeping out with them tonight for the first night of this to make sure everything goes smoothly. If there’s any fights, I’ll continue sleeping out here until they can get along with Simba next to them.
Thanks you guys! I’m keeping my fingers crossed it keeps going smoothly also!!! Send us LOTS AND LOTS of bonding vibes!!!!
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I have to agree — it’s insanely cute that Sidney sticks up for Simba!
And it makes me glad that he has someone out of the group. Soooo.. last night I did a 5-hour bonding session. Like I had hoped, this finally allowed them to start figuring out a pecking order!! Simba and Fleury were going at each other every while, maybe a few times every hour if that. Simba finally began relaxing more around the other rabbits and getting some courage. He started off by out of no where mounting Sidney and Tanger, neither of which fought him. And THEN Simba followed Fleury around demanding grooms. Fleury refused to give them but by the end of the night they were cuddling together!! Which is a definite step-up from all the nipping that has been going on!! We finally ended on a good note when it was time for everyone to go away for dinner.
They have also been spending the nights together (including me) with their cages next door. The first night resulted in some scuffles between the Tans (I think I mentioned that in the last post?) and the next night everyone was fine! No scuffles, no banging trying to get to each other, or anything!So finally, tonight, I had them in a 2-hour bonding session and decided to keep going! Like you guys suggested, I’m doing a 8-12 hour bond depending on how they do together. So overnight it is! They are all housed in the box together, they all got dinner together (and shared with no fighting), and right now they are all cuddled up in the box with each other. I’m sleeping right next to them with the squirt bottle in case I hear any ruckus or scuffles. I’ll let you all know how it ends up going tomorrow!!!
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And here’s some photos from last night and tonight.
As you can see, Simba is finally starting to relax with the Tans! He’s looking around for like the first time and not just sitting in the corner, huddled in a ball.
Simba is demanding grooms from Fleury.
Again, Simba relaxing. And coming out of his shell. He’s actually in the middle and not huddled up in some corner!! Sooo proud of him and the progress he is making with the others!!!
Simber Bun and Tanger huddled up together: Tanger flopped down in between Simba and the box to cuddle.
This is actually Simba and Fleury huddled next to each other, Fleury gave over and cuddled up next to Simba!
Simba making even more progress – he moved from the last picture and flopped on top of Fleury! MAJOR PROGRESS.
And then Simba moved and flopped next to Sidney!!
Ending result: Picture I took when everyone got their pellets and salad in the box together. No fighting or anything!
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All four bunnies remained together all night!!!
They only had two scuffles the whole night — although I’m not sure I would call them scuffles. Both times I looked in and Simba had mounted Fleury. The ruckus was the other ones and Fleury attempting to get away. But it looked like he allowed it for a few seconds as I had time to get up and look in and both times Simba was hardcore going at it!
I got like absolutely NO sleep though as everyone was pretty much shaking the box the whole night to attempt to get out in between cuddling. Like every hour they would wake me up.
So since we had a good night, I decided to continue the bonding session and moved them to a bigger area in the kitchen where they could move around more and see how that goes. They’ve been a little rowdy which I expected because they always seem to be when they first get put into any new area. So I’ll let everyone know how its ended when I separate them again in acouple hours.
New area:
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Soooo — We made the big decision to move everyone in together today!!!
We vinegared everything, cleaned everything, changed the carpeting, and then rearranged the levels a bit so it would look slightly different. ALL of the bunnies were confused when we put them inside (so I think that made the introduction of Simba in their house easier). They have been in there for about 12 1/2 hours now and everything is going pretty smoothly. Sidney is the only one showing any aggression, although she is persistent about it. Which is odd because before she was the one standing up for him!! And now him and Fleury have been total cuddle buns! Talk about a flip-flop!
Sidney has taken to nipping him whenever he gets close to her so I’ve been squirting her whenever she does it. She’s the only one that seems to be doing anything though as Fleury and Tanger have both been indifferent to Simba being in there with them. I’m sleeping out in the living room with them again tonight to see how it goes overnight and hopefully Sidney will stop her attitude. I’m not sure what I really plan to do if she doesn’t… as I don’t want to separate them as I have no other house to put the Tans in and I really don’t want them roaming around in there anymore without Simba since we made such an effort to make it non-territorial. Hmph.
We will see how tonight goes though! Wish us more luck!
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So everyone has been sharing a house for 26 hours straight!
Hopefully this means only good things. I don’t think they are COMPLETELY bonded yet as Sidney has yet to flop with him and groom each other. The other two both have slept and groomed him and vice versa. There was only one episode of chasing last night at around 3am which was Sidney. And they have been fine since. We left them all together while we ran to the store (we have had them permanently together for almost two full days now) to see how they did. They did perfect and everyone was eating hay together when we came back home. Sidney has seemed to have stopped her chasing so lets just hope it holds out like that. We have them in the house but wanted to leave them in there until tomorrow to see how they would do with play time in a big space together. So after they have successfully come out of that area, THEN we will declare them officially bonded!
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Way to go Tanlover! Fancy convincing my parents Apollo needs a friend? 
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