Hello, this is my first time bonding rabbits and am concerned with any issues I might come across due to having trouble picking up one of my buns (female). I am doing a female/male bonding, both are the same age but we have had the female for 2 years and just adopted the male a couple weeks ago. Ever since she was a baby she hated being picked up, we always tried to approach it slowly and give her time but as soon as any level of lift happens she struggles and runs away (I promise I know how to pick up a bun; bum support and chest support). We decided to stop trying, in order to earn her trust, but really any time a second hand comes down she is not having it. It’s become a whole thing whenever we have to bring her to the vet (also had to move with her a couple times). Unfortunately I think this has rewound any progress because now her only experiences with it are negative… she isn’t the most snuggly bun but she is a happy one who enjoys pets and attention, just only on her terms. We sort of accepted this as part of her personality but now that we have gotten her a friend to bond with, we are foreseeing some issues when it comes to bonding. All the basics we read up on – stress bonding in a car ride, bringing them to a neutral location, putting them in a box together, etc. – all start with being able to just scoop up the buns and put them where needed.
We did the first real bonding session today and we first lured her into the bonding spot with treats then brought the male in. I’m thinking that won’t work more than once unless I use a cheat (banana)… Would really appreciate any suggestions or advise on the matter 😕
For reference, the first session went pretty well. He has always seemed quite fond of her, when she is out and pays attention to him he does little binkies. She also always seemed very curious about him and sometimes appears to put her nose down to him through the cage although backs off when they touch noses. For the session we built a faux neutral space by making a small cage out of those wire cube shelves, putting it on top of a clean towel and covering the sides with a blanket. We lured her in with treats (in her usual hallway, not a new room) then plopped him in there. At first they were ignoring each other and both just like “what’s with this small space” sniffing around, passing by each other. Eventually they started checking each other out. The male eventually started humping her and she didn’t get mad so we let him for a few second before pushing him off. He was persistent though and she was starting to grunt at him (she’s always been super vocal) so I tried pushing him off and just petting them both to calm him. Back to chill for a bit then back to humping. Eventually she started getting peeved at his advances and did one single lunge at him that didn’t even connect (he seemed unfazed as well), we pulled him back and pet them again for a bit before letting them get a few more sniffs in and ending the session and both got some treats. Even with the lunge she didn’t appear to have any desire for further aggression and well he seems to only be interested in humping.
Spay/Neuter
Are your bunnies spayed/neutered? Yes, both are
If so, for how long (for each)? Female for a year and a half, male for 6.5 weeks
If not, why not?
Are you aware of reproductive cancer risk in females? If not, please read about it here.
Housing
Please describe your bunnies’ current housing set-up (living together, as neighbors, etc.).
They are living in a room together in xpens side by side but with about a half foot gap between, they can see each other and the food bowls are on the side closest to each other. They both have out time in a separate room at separate times every day.
Bonding background
Did you allow the bunnies to “settle-in”? The new bun has been settling in for just over 2 weeks
How would you describe your bunnies reactions towards each other (answer for each bunny): shy, scared, curious, calm, aggressive, excited, affectionate, etc.?
Female: curious, somewhat wary but definitely interested
Male: curious, excited, very interested, already in love?
Have you done any “pre-bonding” (cage or litter box swaps, etc.)? yes, they each have a hand towel sized blanket I switch every couple days. I did one full litter box swap but mostly just exchange one scoop between them also every few days. We also sometimes let her out in the room while he is in his pen (I know it’s not ideal to do that but he is a very easygoing bun and seems like he’s just happy she is willing/able to touch noses)
If so, for how long? A few days after the new bun moved in
Have you started sessions yet? Just today
How long have you been working on bonding your bunnies? I guess technically since the new guy came home, so a couple weeks
How frequently do you have bonding sessions, and how long are they? This first one was maybe 5-10 minutes (I wasn’t timing it). Was hoping to do it daily if we get a technique down for the issue we are having.
Have you tried any stressing techniques? No, was considering it for next time though (just to have the vacuum on)
Store
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