Bonding

[April]

I am aware that for best results it is better to introduce two altered rabbits than any other combination but in some cases I know it to have worked so just looking for thoughts or suggestions….

Today I took in a Spayed female lop rabbit, 6 months old. I already have a unneutered 3 month old lop who will be neutered as soon as he matures. Upon bringing her home he was immediately intrigued. He wanted to get through the bars I have dividing them. He seems to be obsessed with her although still will run and jump on me etc. He has always made a happy buzzing noise and he still continues to do so around her. At first she seemed uninterested in him at all but now is starting to touch noses through the bars and will lay close to him as well. 

I want to start the bonding in neutral territory but don’t want to rush it (and yes I have read up alot on it and not just today but previously as well). I’m looking for any thoughts, opinions, or suggestions to this situation. Thank you

[Mikey]

Your not yet neutered male can easily become aggressive with her or anger her should he try to hump her repeatedly. I really would not chance it by letting them both out in neutral territory since fights can break out if he is too persistent with her. Wait until about 2 weeks after your male is neutered to have them meet in a neutral space. Until then, letting them sniff through the bars and lay by each other through the bars is a great sign!

[tobyluv]

Do not attempt the bonding until your male has been neutered and a few weeks have elapsed (2-4 weeks). You want the bonding to be as easy as possible with the least amount of trouble and problems, so you should not put them together until he has had surgery and recuperated.

I know that you have read up on bonding, but here are 2 good articles that you may not have seen yet.

http://rabbit.org/faq-bonding-multiple-rabbits/

https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/tabid/53/CategoryID/9/PID/940/Default.aspx

[April]

Yea, I have decided to wait it out. We had one attempt at a bond but she quickly became the dominant one and humped him repeatedly while he just sat there and did nothing. I’m wondering if her hormones haven’t settled just yet, I’m not sure how long its been since they spayed her to when I picked her up. He still wants to play with her though and they didn’t fight at all and don’t seem to have a problem grooming each other through the bars so I’m glad no negative feelings really came out of the experience. So hopefully in the next few months he’ll be neutered and ready to go as well as bigger in size. Having them in together I could see she is a lot bigger right now because of her age comparison so I’ll just keep doing the scent introductions and cage switches until they are really ready. Thanks guys

[Author]

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