A Possible New Play Mate for Barney and Belle!

[AnnaW]

Hey guys!! Jeez I haven’t been on here in months, have been soooo busy. Just a small combination of moving into a house with my boyfriend, taking with us our 2 rescue cats, Barney and Belle (bunnies), gecko, tree frogs AND aquarium (not including our 2 horses!!). Phew! Alongside that I’ve been working clinically at a hospital that is a 2 hour drive each way from me to finish my degree whilst writing my 10 thousand word research proposal and working sundays for extra cash. 

So it’s back to BinkyBunny for me now for a bit of rest and TLC from life!  

How is everyone? Hope you’re all well  

We are considering adding a bun to our loving double act Barney and Belle. We have seen some continental giant babies advertised (I know I’m mental!) and have fallen in love a little bit. They wont be ready for some weeks so we’re in no rush to make a decision. Both Barney and Belle are fixed, and I will make sure I get a female bun as I’ve read that males dont really bond as easily?

Would appreciate any hints and tips as bonding my two was SO easy I haven’t really experienced it being difficult! This will also be the first animal I have actually ‘bought’ as such for many years, kind of feels weird to not be anticipated the arrival of a 3 legged/1 eyed/blind/deaf animal 

Anna, Barney and Belle x

[CooperLop]

Awww, good luck! I’ve never tried a trio but I’ve certainly thought about it before!

[JackRabbit]

I don’t know about the female bun thing — females can be pretty snooty and territorial. JMO, but if I added another it would likely be male. The only reason my pair and single bun aren’t a trio is that my girls can’t seem to work things out when my boy is around — both claim him. My boy, on the other hand, is happy to have extra company!

I know you’ve fallen in love with a baby bun, but if you want to increase your odds of a successful trio, you might consider bunny dating at a shelter or rescue with an adult bun.

[Sarita]

I’m inclined to tell you not to break up a good bond.

[Deleted User]

Hi Anna! So excited to see you back!!!
You know how I adore YOU, Belle and Barney, so I hope I can be honest with you….. I have to agree with Sarita. Your on such a good thing with Barney and Belle, I’d hate to see that compromised. My worst fear, what happens if Barney OR Belle take a liking to the new bunny and one gets left out? Or Barney and Belle don’t take to the new bunny and it gets left out? That would be my concern.
I know that sounds silly, but I hate when one gets left out.
BUT I am in no way saying NOT to do it – I’d love for you to give another bunny a new home! These are just the silly thing’s “I” think and worry about. And how lovely would it be if they all get along and live happily ever after – just wonderful! Happy face!

And well done for all your doing/have done – wow! I’m exhausted for you, ha ha ha ha!
PS – I missed you!

[AnnaW]

Hi everyone – sorry for the late replies I’ve been away on hospital shifts
Sarita – thanks, i appreciate your advice!
AndHenry – We missed you too!! Thanks for your advice, I do really appreciate it I am worried for that too, and whilst I think Belle would really enjoy a new play mate as Barney doesn’t really ‘play’ – she tries to play with our cats but they’re scared of her I would be worried for the same reasons as you are. Considering building a really cool C and C cage for Barney and Belle, would then have a spare large cage for new bun incase they didnt get on?

I do have a question though as I haven’t done much bonding before! If new bunny and Barney and Belle didn’t get along, and I just accepted that was that and let him or her live in a separate house, is there still the possibility even trying to bond them might break Barney and Belle’s bond?

Thanks guys, appreciate the help. I’ve also fallen in love with a litter of Californian Buns, they’re all seal point with red eyes (which usually scare me) but these rescue guys are just gorgeous. Cant help but be considering a sibling pair!

[NuggetBuns]

What exciting news for you and your buns! I love Barney and Belle <3 I also haven't been on BB forum for ages and gosh I miss chatting about bunny business. I was actually looking for some advice about trio bonding myself when I stumbled upon your thread! Think we should exchange notes? LOL.

It sounds like your new bun will be a baby right? You should consider waiting until they are old enough to be spayed/neutered before trying to bond them with Barney and Belle. I know it is easier for a baby rabbit to bond with almost any creature because they are young and haven’t developed a personality yet, but when they grow up, they might change and cause issues. Plus if you want a female, it would be healthier for them to be fixed (reduces risk of ovarian cancer, reduces aggressive behavior..etc). Sorry if you know all this already…

The fear of breaking up a happy bonded pair of buns is really scary when introducing a third bun into the mix. I’m in the same boat, scared out of my mind and hope that I don’t regret getting another bun. But we must stay positive because we’ll never know unless we try. And if it does work out, imagine 3 buns loafing, snuggling and kissing each other… my heart will explode with joy! If you have mentally prepared yourself for the worst case scenario and can provide a separate cage for the new bun, I think there is still a chance that Belle and Barney would fight because of the mere presence of the new bun. I know, it sucks. But again, you won’t know until you give it a go. Good luck and hope for the best possible outcome for your new bonding journey!

[Author]

Messages