Bonding journal - introducing two bonded pairs

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 2sd replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 10 months ago by Mutley.

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- 04/30/2014 at 12:51 PM
  Mutley
  Participant
  6 posts
  Previously we had to reintroduce two bonded rabbits to each other following a period of separation following some surgery to one of the buns. Momma (Chi) got grumpy and attacked Bandit (her daughter) after Bandit was spayed. That reintroduction went well thanks to this forum.
  
  Following a family emergency, we now find myself adopting Chi’s two sons (Bandits litter mates) Wily and Biff. They are both neutered and happily bonded with each other.
  
  Right now we have Biff & Wily in temporary accommodation with an eye to hopefully bonding them with Chi & Bandit. We have set them up in a hutch next to Chi and Bandits hutch so they can see and smell each other.
  
  So far, so good. The two pairs are sniffing at each other, no scrabbling or trying to bite. Tomorrow we will begin swapping each pair between the hutches to further get them used to each others scents, with them hopefully ready for a meeting on neutral turf in the kitchen after a week or so.
  
  Any tips welcome, and I will keep you posted on how we get on!
- 05/01/2014 at 12:38 AM
  LongEaredLions
  Participant
  4482 posts
  It’s not really much different from normal bonding. I don’t know much about this, hopefully TL14 or MD will post. Good luck!
- 05/05/2014 at 8:58 AM
  Mutley
  Participant
  6 posts
  After a week of swapping the two pairs between hitches to get them used to each other, we introduced all four to each other in the kitchen (neutral turf, slippery floor, perfect for breaking up fights).
  
  It went far, far better than we expected. The two boys got on well with their sister, and their mother seemed wary but dominant. After a few hours of this, they were introduced to their new hutch. There was a little chasing and grumpiness from Chi (the mother) but we were quick to intervene and break any scuffles up before they got out of hand.
  
  In the end, we had a pile of four panting rabbits snuggled up together and watching as I made some final adjustments to their hutch. They have been grooming, cuddling and being rather sociable and adorable.
  
  This morning, I discovered that Chi appears to have been bitten on the ear. We cleaned the wound (which seems neat and not torn) and set her back with the others. She seems to be a force for chaos at times, and will chase/nudge the other three to show who is boss. I can only assume that she irritated one of them enough for them to return fire and give her a bite. She seems happy enough now, grooming herself and eating. Hopefully this is a one off, but we are keeping a close eye on them all the same.
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