Bonding Questions:

[calipa_st]

I’ve made so many bonding posts lol.

First, tried calvin and lucky. Lucky hates other rabbits. Tried Calvin and Rodan, then they had a huge fight because Calvin jumped in Rodan’s side. Took months off trying to bond them, tried bonding Rodan and Dozer (Rodan is super easy going, likes all rabbits..except Lucky)

Dozer and Rodan had a falling out. Not sure what is up with Dozer, he’s a little jerk lately, being mean to Rodan. Calvin would always try laying next to Rodan when it was Calvin’s run around time in living room

 

Anyways!!

Calvin and Rodan moved in next to each other, divided xpen. I also had great bonding sessions with them (no fighting… no grooming either) I would then let them in the living room running around together, no fighting.Calvin is a spaz though, he doesn’t like being sniffed or anything, he doesn’t like being touched at all by anyone.

But, he likes being near Rodan. So, they are running around the living room, no fighting. I took them on a car ride today to move things along. Brought them home, changed their xpen completely… cleaned, new sheet took away the rug they shared.

They have been in there for a few hours together, no fighting!

So, when are they bonded?? I know I might have to sleep in the living room to get through the night. I have work tomorrow 11-3 though, should I not leave them alone by then?

I’m also concerned about dinner time for them. Rodan is much bigger, he is extremely greedy with his food, I’m worried he will attack Calvin when I feed them. They’re sharing hay just fine though.

[MoxieMeadows]

I’ve never bonded before, but I would think that when they aren’t trying to kill each other and you have enough confidence to leave them alone for a while, than they are at least somewhat bonded. I hope that made sense. Hopefully somebody more expierienced will reply to help you out. Good luck!

[MoveDiagonally]

For me, the last step of bonding is to put them together in a their new (neutralized home) and watch them until they have not fought for 24-48 hours. At that point I consider them bonded.

[calipa_st]

Just an update…
I tried sleeping downstairs with them, Rodan chased Calvin a lot. But, not aggressively, but I couldn’t sleep and so I put Calvin outside to run around all night and let Rodan be alone.
Next night: we went to the store and completely redid their xpen. I bought plywood, glued down some vinyl and use towels for traction.

They’re in LOVE. Apparently Rodan is the dominant one. He gets groomed quite often from Calvin. They did not fight the second night together, the next morning, my oldest son said he saw Calvin licking Rodan (I was skeptical)
But, that night and next day, lots of grooming. They snuggle often, but not all the time. Rodan enjoys the a/c vent more than Calvin, so they tend to sleep near each other, but not next to each other.

Only issue: I usually let Lucky or Dozer downstairs to have run around time, but Lucky’s presence causes Rodan to attack Calvin! I don’t know why it’s when they’re in their pen and Lucky is running around causing mayhem. Ugh. I feel bad not letting Lucky out because he’s lonely.

I think we shall have to move Rodan and Calvin into my bedroom, and I’m going to try moving Lucky and Dozer downstairs, maybe a separated xpen… they’re my “aggressive towards other rabbits” bunnies, but maybe they could fall in love some day?

[MoveDiagonally]

It’s pretty common for another rabbits presence to cause a bonded pair to fight. This could be especially true for your pair because they’re bond is so new.

[BunnyBrigade]

I agree with MoveDiagonally, other rabbits can cause issues within their new bond. I would keep your bonded pair away from the others for a bit to let their bond strengthen. I keep my bonded pair and my two single buns separate. The lovebirds get one half of the house while my single buns get the other half. This way they don’t bother each other and stress each other out. I wouldn’t give up on your other buns. Just give them some time and hopefully they will warm up to each other. =]

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