Baileys and Lemoncello: good mix.

[Bunstheboss]

OK. I’m exhausted! I spent all day working around the house, making it more suitable for the newcomer, AKA Lemon. I wanted her to have big running space in Baileys garden, making it safe for both buns. I want them to start getting used to one another. SO here’s how it went. I placed Lemon’s big cage in Baileys’ garden. He went over to sniff her. There was some friendly nose rubbing through the bars. Then Baileys mainly ignored her. There was some chinning in her cage but not as much as during their first encounter. After a while (an hour approx.) I decided to let Lemon out of her cage to do a little exploring. Baileys had shown no signs of aggression or discomfort at all, so I figured I could give it a try. It was a beautiful day and I’m sure she needed a good run. So I let her out and she ventured out of her cage immediately. No signs of fear or stress at all. Baileys came over to sniff her a couple of times. There was some more nose rubbing. I didn’t see any licking, but no signs of aggression at all. They would be each minding his own business, coming to inspect each other from time to time. She was not afraid of him and he showed no bad temper at all. Actually, I would say that Baileys looked happy. He did some serious running and binkying in front of her, flaunting his nimble movements. Is this a promising start, or is this what happens in most first encounters? To me, it certainly looks like this is a good mix!!!

[bunnytowne]

sounds like a great match  and for him to binky  he must be very happy with the arrangement

[rabbitsmba]

That definitely sounds promising! Usually I’d wait and do introductions on neitral territory first but I think you did some great bunny body language reading and this first encounter has gone really well! Remember not to rush things, patience and persistence are key.

But perhaps they are an example of love at first sight? That would be nice!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Heheh cute!! Great job!!

I read the title and I’m like “that CAN”T be a good drink” LOL

[Bunstheboss]

Thank you!!! I hope it is love at first sight, rabbitsmba! It would not be a good drink, now would it, K&K? But it looks as though it’ll be a nice (hopefully) sexless marriage!!! LOL!! Today I brought her out again, but for a short time, and I did not let her out of the cage because it was a bit noisy and she did not look as at ease as she did yesterday. So I took her back to her room. I guess I will leave her today, so as to go slowly, following your advice rabbitsmba. I’ll try again tomorrow. She is sooo different from Baileys! He wasn’t so timid. She is, poor thing, but she also had a different past, which has obviously taken its toll on her. Anyway, she has made big progress. She is also a lot more voracious (is that word ok?), I mean, to say it plainly, she eats like a pig! She has gained some weight already, she looks well rounded now. Her belly is cute! But, is it ok for her to eat as much as she wants? I put the bowl of pellets down and she simply forgets about the world!!! Should I limit the amount of food a bit?

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Umn…controversial about limiting food IMO some people do, some don’t. I think it depends on the size/age of your rabbit as well as their eating habits.
I free-feed all of mine (allow unlimited food) as they don’t pig out, in fact both of my girls are quite sleek and thin.

Rupert my newest addition ate like a pig when I first got him, I think as a result of stress and probably going hungry as a stray (he was caught as a stray) but I just kept allowing him as much food as he liked, keeping his bowls and hay racks full. He stopped over eating within a week. He now barely bothers with pellets and prefers hay. He’s lost some weight probably as a result of eating more balanced and having time out. That being said I’m sure there are rabbits who would eat themselves sick.

As well, animals that need to slim down need their food measured. You can click on bunny info and diets to get exact amounts according to weight on this site. If you decide to limit feed that should really help you out!

[Bunstheboss]

Thank you K&K> The truth is your answer with perfect timing. Since both yesterday and today, I have noticed that she has eaten a little less. I  am really glad, because I wouldn’t have felt comfortable with cutting down on her food. So, I guess she is slowly relaxing, since she is measuring herself now.

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