bonding my bunnies, am i hurting the process

[sarah]

Hi, I have 1 neutered male and 1 neutered female who were both done over a month ago. There cages were next to each other beforehand so they know each other.  I left it 1 month to start the bonding process and its going well. They sit next to each other and wash, groom each other, eat in front of each other etc BUT he will not stop humping her. I allow it for a about 5 seconds then push him gently away but he’s like a boomerang and goes straight back. He only stops when he’s exhausted. She has tolerated it well but now very quickly she gets fed up and turns on him. No real aggression other than a nip that drew blood on the nose and the odd tuft of hair and i assume warning grunts to back off which he does seem to listen too. My query is, am i harming the process by seperating them shortly afterwards just to give her a break. Should i just let her firmly put him in his place and is this ever going to work. He seems to be quite distressed being apart from her and she seems throughly relieved. Thank you

[Mikey]

If their cages are next to each other, do they lay against the sides together? Sniff and/or lick each other through the bars? Do they nip through the bars?

I would keep them in their own cages for a week if you saw blood, so the one who got hurt can heal. Do not allow fights, as it could end in them hating each other, severe injury, or possible death

Have you done any stress bonding yet? After the one is healed, stress bonding might be what you should start with

[sarah]

They are the perfect pair in all manners, and I did the stress bonding in the bath and all went well. Its just the humping that causes the problem. It wasnt a big nip on the nose and has already healed but im afraid to leave them alone for any length of time. Maybe its justs too soon after the castration. Im at a loss.

[Mikey]

How long did you try bonding them with their cages by each other, and how long did you try bonding them outside of their cages together? Were there any fights in the tub? Its possible you just need to continue the same bonding routine for a little while longer so they get more used to each other. Allow humping for a few seconds, then pick the male off and put him next to the female. Keep them apart and pet them both. If you notice your female getting irritated with your male, remove him asap. Any sort of irritation can lead to fighting which has the possibility to end terribly

It could still be hormones, but if its been a month, that seems unlikely. I would give it another month of bonding and see if that gets any better. You can also try the tactic where each rabbit gets a stuffed animal toy for a few days, then swap the toys between the bunnies. Your male might hump the one that smells like your female which will get it out of his system, and your female will get used to the smell of your male being close to her

[sarah]

I was thinking about trying a stuff toy so will try that. There in together at the moment and she is completely indifferent to him although he’s trying his best. I did the hoovering whilst they were together and so far no fights or nipping. Thanks for all your help.

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