Bad fit, first rabbit

[GoodBuns]

Hi, I’m new to the forum, I hope I posted this in the right place. 

About a month ago, I adopted a white American spayed female doe from the anti-cruelty center. The adoption folks didn’t have much info on her and she was a bit of a spaz at the Petsmart but I thought it was because of how busy and crazy the place was, not really a great home for a rabbit. I adopted her and took her home; she relaxed a lot and is very comfortable in my studio apartment but she is not friendly at all and mainly ignores me. It is near impossible to handle her, she hates any kind of prolonged touching outside of stroking her face (which only sometimes she’ll accept) and she’s just been more of a roommate than a pet for me. 

Fast forward, I thought getting another rabbit and bonding them would help the issue. If they could get along together, I could have a great situation for both of them and enjoy a more sociable rabbit. I adopted a young mini satin doe (spayed) at a different shelter. I brought my rabbit there to let them meet; they got along but the adoption lady said to take things slow and split their areas first to allow them to get used to each other’s smell before introducing them (in one week). 

I began moving them into each other’s territory, so they can adapt to the new situation. Of course, this kinda puts my apartment out of whack, but I’m making it work. 

I love the new bunny, she’s super happy, sociable, friendly, and easy to handle. She tolerates being picked up and binkies all over the place. Sometimes I’m afraid she’s gonna ram into some furniture. 

I know I haven’t gone too far into the bonding process, but I am already regretting adopting my first rabbit. I feel terrible because I have tried bonding with her and making it work but it feels like an uphill battle and if they don’t bond, I can’t keep two rabbits split in my apartment forever. And I’m definitely not returning the second, she’s been returned before (last home had a rabbit that wouldn’t accept her), she’s an absolute doll. 

I’m not sure how long I should wait to see if this works out. 

[Bam]

I do think you should try a while longer. It’s very wise to let them get used to each other’s smell before letting them meet. You can also swop toys between them and litter boxes. That way both buns can get really aquanted with the other before the meet “in person”. Let it take time, its better to go slow than to tr y and rush things.

I’m sorry your first rabbit seems aloof, but it is more the rule than the exeption that a bun needs quite some time to bond with its human. One month is a very short time. My bunny Bam needed a whole year before he warmed up to me. Then he became the very, very snuggly bun he is now.

That said, if you manage to bond these two, it’d be very good for both of them. So I think you should give it a good while longer.

[BinkyBunny]

I also agree. Don’t give up just yet. This YouTube video might be of help. This person had a tough time at first when she got her bunny. And now she has an amazing bond with her. I think you will relate to her story. It’s a great channel. Lennon the Bunny. https://youtu.be/rPWwJKRm1mQ

[GoodBuns]

I am going to wait a while longer. I just get so frustrated because I have to move her around and she does not put up with it, it’s a literal fight to get her out from under my sofa or into her carrier. I know this isn’t unusual for rabbits but I’m concerned that it will negatively affect our relationship.

The other rabbit is much easier to handle, she doesn’t try jumping out of my arms when I handle her, she’s just a talker.

I’m going to try moving them between the two setups every two days for pre-bonding for two weeks and hopefully, they will accept each other’s smells. I have a baby gate between and they can sniff through it but can’t bite each other (the holes are too small). My white rabbit was really aggressive and I think it puts the smaller one on edge, they seem to always be predicting a fight. It’s disheartening, because they were so good during their first meet up at the shelter but I guess that’s normal since they were in a neutral space.

When it comes time to actually bond them, I’m gonna do it in the laundry room of my apartment building. Kinda a pain moving two rabbits up and down but I guess the stress might help them connect.

[Azerane]

Some rabbits can take a year or more to properly bond with a human. They just need extra time to feel safe and trust. That being said, not all rabbits are going to be like your second rabbit either, some buns don’t binky all that much, and most do not tolerate being picked up (or you have to train them to tolerate it, something I had to do with my bun Bandit). In either case, I feel it’s definitely too soon to be giving up, she just needs more time.

[Boymom4]

I am curious to know if either rabbit is currently fixed? Bonding may be a problem if not, and you might not know if they are a fit due to hormones getting in the way.
On a different note, not a lot is known about this bunnies previous life. You may be the first person who has ever been nice to her, and if she is shy, it might take her a long time to get over her past enough to trust you.
In my experience with all my bunnies (who have not had bad pasts), it takes about 6 months or so before the rabbit will start to seek me out for pets and socializing of its own free will. Even so, each one is different in how they do it. Some are cuddly and others just like to sit nearby and be present. Getting down on the floor and just being near (without being invasive) while they eat their favorite greens and treats will move you towards positive association and bonding. Keep with it. She may surprise you.

[Boymom4]

Oh, I see now that you mentioned they are both spayed. I have never bonded females but know with any rabbit it takes some time.

I currently have a doe that is rather unfriendly/shy too. When I try to pet her she backs away and she wil thrash around if I pick her up. She is bonded to our much more outgoing friendly male who is a lot better pet, as far as pets go. He is the “dog bunny” and she is the “cat bunny” of the relationship. But she is still sweet in her own way and our family has a lot of fun running commentary on her odd behavior.
I do my best to never lift her and while it is a bit more challenging, her trust in me has increased. She understands certain words (like, oats, and greens LOL) and so I use little incentives to get her in her cage at night. Doing this has built up a routine over time and it has gotten to the point where she runs it.

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