Bonded behavior

[Miap14]

Hello everyone!

I am new to having rabbits and still learning a lot. I have 2 female 13week old babies that are from the same litter. I have had them about 6 weeks. They were bonded when I got them and they absolutely love each other (they are inseparable). I do know there is a possibility of fighting when they get a little older and hormonal, and I’ve already looked into getting them spayed when they are a little older. I have not noticed any signs of fighting yet.

My question is: is it ok to have them together in the same pen 24/7 when I’m not home to watch them? I’m asking because someone told me I was absolutely doing the wrong thing by having them together until they are spayed. They made it sound like I’d come home to a massacre. Now I’m stressed and freaking out about it. I feel like at this point separating them for no reason would be mean and break their bond, but do I wait for signs of fighting and take the chance or should I take them away from each other until they are spayed (which will still be months from now). Also, could this cause them to become depressed or not bond again after spaying?

[Mikey]

You could come home to a massacre if they both have raging hormones when they are older. Right now they are about 3 months old? You should be fine for a little less than a month, but then you should really consider buying two separate cages for them. Keep the cages close so they can see and smell one another, but cannot nip (when their hormones start). That way, you dont have to worry about them losing their bond and dont have to worry about fighting

[lunavenus]

I think it depends on the bunnies because my bonded pair never fought. It’s two potential scenarios. Either you can come home to an absolute mess with them fighting or they won’t fight and be friendly even with hormones like mine. I had my bunnies since they were 8 weeks old. I always kept them together (they are both female) literally. I always brought them to the vet together no matter what, I always traveled them together in the same carrier, etc. They never really showed signs of hormonal aggression towards each other even when they were already like 4.5 months-ish, which is when small breeds start getting hormonal. I had to get them spayed around that time tho because I had to travel and the place I was going to had very strict laws on animal importation. After I got them spayed, the skinniest one that I was most concerned about finally started gaining weight which was terrific because the vet was concerned about her too!
In the end, they never fought despite being ALWAYS together even during their hormonal stages.
BUT, I’ve heard about bunnies who were so sweet and loving as babies then turn into absolute enemies when they get older…

[Miap14]

Thank yall for the information! I’m just having a hard time with this because I’m afraid of them becoming depressed and also don’t want to cage them, but I think it’s better to be safe than sorry! I’m working on a different set up for them to stay in for when I am away and can’t watch them! I’m also afraid they will become unbonded and never bond again after getting spayed! I hope they turn out like yours lunavenus!!

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