Activity

I agree 100% that the standoffs aren’t necessarily a bad thing, since they aren’t fighting.

I think longer sessions are really the way to go!

Also, if the bonding space is right in between their areas, but within smelling zone, then they may not perceive it as neutral. An area not within immediate smelling zone or sight of their home turfs would be idea.

That’s wonderful! I think just repeat exactly what you did for a few days, and then start bumping up the time if all goes well! Like you could do 15-20 min a day for a few days, then bump to 30 or 45, then an hour, etc. It’s always a good idea to repeat things that go well a few times to “cement” that behavior.

I wouldn’t worry about banana at…[Read more]

Great news!!!

We did a 15 minute session today after a few days of uneventful swaps. No more aggro at the fence since that last and only incident. Hopper’s old owner came to visit today so we did it together.

Well they were like old friends in the neutral pen!!!! Popped them both in and he came up to sniff Phil. Phil just sat up and groomed her…[Read more]

You have build a solid foundation which I also agree can now be pushed by longer sessions. Remember that non-interactions are still positive — there is no need to force positive grooming interactions, especially if there is no fighting.

Agreed that coordinating the interaction around his active times is best. I find holding toys is the best way to interact with my rabbits. You can also try some trick training with single pellets — that can be a great way to give your rabbit exercise, stimulate them, and give them their daily pellet serving!

Thank you for the advice! Oh and I forgot to mention that they are both neutered and spayed.

We tried a session for about 50 minutes last night in the hallway in between our bedroom and theirs. They were curious of the new surroundings at first but then it was just constant stand offs still. They don’t cuddle or anything like that. I try to d…[Read more]

So I think things don’t sound too bad at all (no fighting is awesome), and they are at the point where you should do longer sessions. They are communicating with each other, but just haven’t felt the need to fully sort things out. Sometimes they need to feel a bit of pressure when they are being stubborn. I would also ease off the petting at this…[Read more]

Each bun is different in terms of how much interaction they want. One of my buns is very needy and wants to be petted and played with all day, but the others are happy to just have a brief petting session each day. I do think it’s important for there to be activity around the bun so they aren’t lonely or bored. Does he get to roam around the house…[Read more]

That sounds like a very positive sign!

If swapping spaces fully isn’t possible you can also swap litter boxes (when they are sort of dirty). And letting them explore each others spaces separately is also good.

Thank you for your suggestions. I will try swapping their spaces. I’m not sure we would be able to keep Lily out without anyone here. She’s a little mischievous! I do have the ability to lock Rodders in his house in the living space. Would it be worth letting Lily have time to explore the living space with him safely away?

We had a lovely moment…[Read more]

I get bagged oxbow which is available always, so I just get more like 2 days before I run out. Also if you have your rabbits outside bring them inside rabbits should not be outside.

This isn’t unusual behavior for a young bunny. And yes, I have always interpreted it as some sort of game. Boop, “Hi”, runs away, “Ok, bye”.