bonding rant

[Deleted User]

Please list your bonding woes here! Your complaints, your hardship, your personal bonding rant — it can all go here. Don’t hold back, I won’t!

I hate about rabbit bonding

that it eats up all my free time and more

that it makes SUCH a mess in the house because of setting up temporary pens and sessions… not to mention hay in the bathtub, who needs that?

being bit by rabbits which is a given in many sessions.

poowars and skunky marking stench.

worrying about rabbits taking ill from stress put on them during sessions or getting injured

that it never goes as planned

 

 

 

 

[Sarita]

The humping! I know it shouldn’t bother me if it doesn’t bother them and it’s part of the bonding but I still don’t like it.

Also the circling.

[kralspace]

the never knowing when the ‘looks like they’re getting along’ turns nasty and one of them gets shredded

[mrmac]

The nipping, and big fights (Delilah attacking Dennis), HUGE boo boo’s!
The chasing and circling.
The endless set-ups and struggle for more ‘new’ space.
Finding a big enough area for the ‘final’ set up, which usually involves rearranging entire rooms in my case!
The “COME ON! PLEASE LIKE EACH OTHER ALREADY!” phase. When you are riiiiiight there and it is just that last little conflict to get over.
Sitting with them for HOURS watching nothing. This is not particularly awful, just annoying when you have things that you need/want to do.
Worrying about their first overnight together.

Oh bonding! I will add to my list as I think of more things!

[Deleted User]

I like the rant! It brings out the truth, the ugly face of rabbit bonding, LOL

[Deleted User]

another one:
when you had an easy bond and get another rabbit thinking it will be easy again and then all hell breaks loose

[mrmac]

The bonding can be hard but it is SO worth it in the end!

[Deleted User]

Bonding is nasty…
the other thing I’d like to complain about is that on the internet you hardly see bonding sessions with biting etc. so everyone thinks this is the exception when I think it’s pretty standard.

[mrmac]

Biting and nipping is in almost every bonding, it is kind of unavoidable unless you have and instant bond. I hate it how other bonding ‘help’ never shows or talk about this aspect.

[Karla]

Posted By Petzy on 10/29/2010 10:53 AM
another one:
when you had an easy bond and get another rabbit thinking it will be easy again and then all hell breaks loose

That’s me! Oh, I could go on forever in here.

Worst part:

• The obvious continious stress you put your bunnies through that make them avoid you and run off as soon as they see you
• The worry that the stress might make them sick
• The fact that the concept free-roaming bunnies is no longer existing in one’s household
• The biting
• That worry that they will never get along
• The endless frustration and feeling of not getting closer to the goal
• The smell of territorial marking
• The fact that no one understands why you spend so much time on bonding bunnies
• The frustration that there is no one right guideline you can find on the internet to help you through it

[Sarita]

Karla, I agree with the no right guideline – I think some there are lots of suggestions that have worked for different people and so they do work but no magic guideline which makes it frustrating. It’s always worth trying – what works for one person may work for another – then again, it may not.

I think also, the idea of bonding rabbits as pets – heck even have rabbits as pets – is still fairly new. It’s like rabbit medicine and illnesses – still alot for vets and owners to learn.

[Deleted User]

the fact that nobody gets why you spend so much time doing this — excellent ranting point Karla!

[Karla]

I have been looking at cat forums lately and I can see that it is completely normal to have bonding sessions that last about 6 months for cats. And all the cat owners were prepared for it and fine with it. It is acceptable. Somehow, I think it is not okay to talk openly about the trouble with rabbit bonding because so many people still have the idea of bunnies as solitary animals that must not be kept together with other rabbits or they will fight each other to the death. And nobody wants to encourage these people. I cannot share my trouble with other bunny owners here where I live, because I will then just encourage the group of people who want bunnies to live as solitary hutch animals.

[Deleted User]

What techniques are used in cat bonding?

[Sarita]

I never realized you actually had to bond cats like you do rabbits. I suppose it makes sense since they are territorial animals as well. What do those owners do that have 2 unbonded cats…doesn’t seem like you can contain a cat as easily as a rabbit.

Interested in their techniques as well.

[Karla]

They cheat They use different calming remedies like Zylkene and Feliway (which I have copied, so mine are fed large doses of dried chamomille and will soon be given some homeopathic calming remedies for pets), and then basically, they seem to let them fight it out to a certain degree. I know a lot of them use a distracting approach, so if one is about to go at the other, they throw a ball or a play with a feather. Actually, I have not been studying it that closely but maybe I should and I will get back to you

[Sarita]

So what happens when the drugs wear off?

[Karla]

Feliway is something that is used all the time – it is an adaptor you plug in. As far as I know they do like we do – keep the cats away from each other, when they cannot be supervised. They try to let the cats meet for short positive encounters with play or nice food.

[kralspace]

Regarding the online videos not showing the possible viciousness of bonding—-Markus should post that one of MaryAnne snakebiting poor Dono when he was trying to bond them, it still scares me!

[jerseygirl]

– the monotony and discomfort of spending hours on the floor rabbit sitting etc
– the endless set up and dismantling of bonding areas
– WITHOUT A DOUBT TERRITORIAL MARKING (and the fact it never did cease 18 months down the track. *cries*)

But we continue to bond rabbits as the end result is worth it. I want to do it again someday. Remind me of this thread if that ever eventuates will you? ;o)

[jerseygirl]

Ooh, those cat bonding techniques reminded me of a novel rabbit one I came across recently. It doesn’t involve chickens Karla, sorry. :p

It’s to rub garlic over the non bonding rabbits, particularly near their scent glands. It’s supposed to make them smell the same.

I can’t help but think that all you’d end up with stinky and more stressed, fighting rabbits!

[Karla]

I’m desperate enough to try it out! If I had space for chicken, I would get those as well.

JG: You don’t think it would work? When I got Molly, the owner told me that she had been told you had to rub perfume or perfumed oil on both bunnies, so they smelled the same. Just not sure if I know exactly where all scent glands are – and won’t it sting? Perhaps just ffeeding them garlic?? So they smell the same. Why is garlic considered bad for bunnies?

[jerseygirl]

I can’t vouch for whether it would work or not. I just thought it’d be just my luck to end up with garlic scented rabbits and nothing more!
There was mention of doing this with vanilla also. I think I could handle that more. I like garlic but I don’t exactly want garlicky bunnies.  Jerseys poop already smells reminiscent of garlic already!

[Karla]

As I wrote yesterday : “The fact that no one understands why you spend so much time on bonding bunnies”…that was just so nicely proved by my boyfriend who in an argument decided that he did not want any bunnies outside the bunny room, so he THREW all their stuff back into the room and let Karl into the room as well. I honestly thought he was bluffing until I could hear Karl and Freddie fighting.

Afterwards, he said that he had no idea that they would fight?! Sorry, but have you not paid any attention to what I have talked about for the past 5 months and the sessions I do with them?! People just don’t get the seriousness in it.

Not in a good mood right now!

[Karla]

Vanilla? Hmm, just the powder? Because that sounds easy. I just turn them upside down and pour some vanilla over the private parts and that should be it? I am willing to do anything. Heck, if you say that there is a special dance I can do which will bond them instantly, I will dance it

[jerseygirl]

Lol! No don’t do that! I might cause a skin irritation or something. You can go ahead and dance though of course.

Better yet, get a chicken. Put vanilla on it’s beak and garlic on it’s tail feathers. Put chicken in front of bf and proceed to dance with the chicken around bf.  In 2 days your rabbits will be bonded.

I’m not going to suggest anything further…I don’t want to be held responsible. :p

[Karla]

I’m going to google it now that you won’t help me I like the ideas.

[jerseygirl]

But I gave you the solution.^ heh heh. I was editing my post when you posted.

[Karla]

According to House Rabbit Society, if we struggle with bonding, we should just add another bunny:

“The More the Merrier?
Will adding a third (or fourth) bunny help a rocky relationship? We have found it does, if the added rabbit is the right individual. Ideally the peacemaker would be a calm adult rabbit who has been with other rabbits. This rabbit may set an example, and/or deflect the intensity between two conflicting spirits.”

Interesting. And if that doesn’t work out because it was the wrong bunny, you can always add another one…and another Hey, and I remember somebody in here who said that the larger the group, the easier it is to bond them. So problem solved. Get 8!

By the way, here is what House Rabbit Society says about vanilla in regard to bonding:
To mask a strange smell, dab both bunnies with a scent such as vanilla.

There is vanilla perfume. But do you think that the scent they produce when they are not getting along really has an influence on how they see each other? I mean, would they actually be friendlier towards each other, if they could not smell the scent the other produces?

[jerseygirl]

What I’d give to see your bf’s face if you annouce the solution to your bonding woes is to get another rabbit! lol

I have actually heard something like that before though. I suppose if all else failed you could try bond the 2 new rabbits together and have 2 pairs. But what if you end up with the original pair plus 2 new rabbits not bonded to anybun?! !!

[Karla]

It could be an interesting experiement…to see if another bunny would help, that is. Not how my boyfriend would react! That does not sound fun at all :S

Imagine if that would be the solution to all my troubles.

[kralspace]

oooooooo, I live in a small town where rabbit is very much on the menu, I think mine hopping around already garlic scented might be too much a temptation for some neighbors

instead of scenting their bodies though, with horses you can put a dab of vicks vaporub under the nose so the studs can’t smell the mares. I wonder if a tiny dot under the bunnies nose would work the same?

My poo/pee marking has been so bad since Charlie arrived that I’m ready to put the vicks under MY nose! and NEVER walk barefoot in the house

[Deleted User]

You already have that ‘other’ rabbit to help with your hard pair, Karla. Once your boys stop fighting, Molly will really help things along between the boys because they are bonded to her already. Can you imagine bonding Freddie and Karl just to be a pair? It would be an even more daunting task, just like I would have taken much longer if I had had to cement Neigey and Duffy as a pair. The reason for this is that in a pair situation the rabbits are solely focused on each other. I saw this too with Deirdra and Lint last year, when Lint hated her so. The fact that Mops was there helped mediate their bond.

This only works though if both rabbits are bonded well to that third.

[Deleted User]

I really think for me the hardest part in bonding rabbits is the space sacrifices I have to make: gates here and there and everywhere, rabbit clutter blocking my way.

[Deleted User]

Did anyone mention bonding injuries on humans yet? If yes, I will point it out again. It just stinks when you get bit by a rabbit in a bonding session. I was bit on my leg as well as on my back on separate occasions. It bled and bruised. A friend of mine had her figer nail bit clean off in a rabbit introduction session.

Here is a new item idea for the BB store: Rabbit Bonding Protective Gear Kit: consisting of long heavy gloves, thick rubber boots, bite-proof gaitors, a steel colander…– please list your ideas, folks!

[mrmac]

don’t forget the squirt bottle! Most rabbits aren’t like Dennis and actually attack the squirt and the squirter! *eyeroll*

[Deleted User]

a mini rex thing maybe? Duffy did too!

So we should have a squirt bottle with shield, yes?

[Karla]

I’d just like a whole bonding outfit, please. I have bite marks all over my body. Today I was putting my head down to Karl when Freddie approached and I just remember thinking “Oh, will I go blind now” – so I think we should wear glasses as well!

By the way, I was thinking today. Someone on the forum asked a question about chlorofyl and how it removes the smell of hormones. SO… I thought it might work in bonding IF in fact the smell of the other sets off some of the fights. I guess the smell does matter and that is why the bunnies lift their tails when they are looking for trouble. Isn’t it to spread their scent? Do you think it would make a difference if we could reduce the hormonel smell? Though in my case, I think it is personality and not hormones that causes the fights.

[Deleted User]

I don’t know… but I bet it woud not help much because rabbits are so smart too, they just know the other bunny by the faintest scent.
Have you tried a stunt double with their scent on it? That’s something you could do now while you take the bonding break.

[mrmac]

Yes a squirt bottle with a shield!

[Heather&BabsyBooboo]

We used the same sort of thing as Feliway for our 2 male dogs (both neutered- AAAARRRGH) and I wouldn’t be without it! As far as I know it’s a pheromone that calms them for dogs at least in the UK it’s called DAB it’s like a plug in diffuser

[Karla]

I need to vent…I hate the fact that bonding stresses out the bunnies so much. This week, after the fights between Karl and Freddie, Karl has had poop problems and he refuses to leave the cage. He is out in the early mornings (he jumps in my the bed and wakes me up) and if I sit by the cage, but otherwise he is living his whole life in the litterbox now. Whenever Molly is let into the living room to him, he humps and chases her and she doesn’t want to be near him.

Aaargh, and I hate the fact that I am so desperate that I have spent $150 now on all kinds of herbal remedies which should be good for nervous and aggressive pets and I have no confidence that they will work..but I am desperate!!

[Deleted User]

Karl needs some serious TLC. I would spoil him and shower with one-on-one human-to-rabbit attention. He will recover and getting closer to you may help him feel safer in the future during the sessions at your new place. At least, this worked with Neigey.
Can you put Karl in your bedroom away from everybunny else?

[Heather&BabsyBooboo]

As to gear what about chain mail and a shark cage rofl hehe

[FluffyBunny]

Posted By Petzy on 11/02/2010 12:51 PM
Did anyone mention bonding injuries on humans yet? If yes, I will point it out again. It just stinks when you get bit by a rabbit in a bonding session. I was bit on my leg as well as on my back on separate occasions. It bled and bruised. A friend of mine had her figer nail bit clean off in a rabbit introduction session.

Here is a new item idea for the BB store: Rabbit Bonding Protective Gear Kit: consisting of long heavy gloves, thick rubber boots, bite-proof gaitors, a steel colander…– please list your ideas, folks!

 

OUCH!

I still have fresh scars on my hands and legs from a rabbit fight that happened over a month ago. I was sitting between the bunnies when they had a fight, and Mr. Bunny latched onto my leg. I could tell that he realized that he had made a mistake, but the fight came on so fast, nobody/bunny could think straight. I started screaming at the top of my lungs while madly trying to pull him off my leg – it hurt too much to try standing up! I had to bandage that cut for 3 days, and because of its placement, walking was mildly painful for a week. I had bruises there for about 2.5 weeks.

For all those who’ve never been bitten…

BUNNY TEETH ARE SHARP!

(Reminds me of a bonding story I read on the national HRS site about a year ago. Some lady got bitten on the hand so hard in a bonding session, it damaged some nerves – she had to be in the hospital for a few days!)

[Deleted User]

Rabbit bites are nothing to sneeze at.
I saw a pair of chain mail gloves to buy at a beads store once and they might just be a good addition to the bonding kit we were talking about

[kralspace]

that’s not a bad idea, Petzy. or maybe include links to the youtube videos that show bunnies in full yawn and you get a look at those really big sharp teeth!

[Monkeybun]

Oh hey. i could make my own chain mail gloves. lol. i know how to make chains

[Deleted User]

You could make Monkey a chain mail suit and then cement her with Moose! She should feel safe that way (I am kidding)

[Author]

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