Bonding The Trio…. ***BONDED***

[mrmac]

So we got a new bunny! Well were trying…We put Davey and Delilah into the kitchen (neutral) with him and it went ok, Davey liked him she didnt pay to much attention to him until we tried to put the new bun into their pen, his new name is Dexter!, Delilah FREAKED!!! We expected her to put up the most fight and she did just cause she is the dominant one. She nipped him and he squealed it was kinda scary, he is soooo friendly and social with people.

[jerseygirl]

Gorgeous! Congratulations of bringing home Dexter. The females do get pretty territorial about their space don’t they?! Stick to neutral space because the interaction you described there sounds positive. Early days – so best of luck!

[mrmac]

Yes the kitchen was good, but we are just going to ahve to clean and replace things in their pen so theat it becomes more neutral and they have to start over marking things…She was so mean, I knew she would be but I wasnt expecting that! We will start trying again late tonight or maybe in the morning.

[mrmac]

Is it normal for the old bonded pair to fight?!

[jerseygirl]

They can if a new bun is introduced into the household. Or any new pet for that matter. They can also have falling outs regardless. A little drive around with them together in a carrier might help.
Are you housing Dexter nest to Davey & Delilah? Is there any other possible areas you could do bonding sessions in? Laundry, bathroom?

[mrmac]

After seeing her attack him today I want to aviod that at all costs!!! It was just so unlike her and I do realize that her world turned upside down but still! Delilah is the dominant one, she never would let Davey mount her…ever, but she would do it to him but today Dexter mounted Davey and her which was really odd that she actually let him do that to her. It was quite odd. If I would take them in the car should I put them all together (eek scary) or separate? We did the first meeting in the kitchen this afternoon around 4-5ish and we’re going to mix it up between there and the bathroom, and try the car at some point. How often should I be doign sessions with them and how far apart? We put Davey and dexter together in the kitchen at about 8ish and Davey just wants to be friends…he snuggled and cleaned Dexter a little and Davey even flopped with him. I’m kinda nervous to even put Davey back in the cage with Delilah, they had a fight earler when I think he smelled like Dexter.

[jerseygirl]

Looks like Davey & Dexter made fast friends.

Personally, I would not start bonding sessions just yet. As Dexter is so new to the household, perhaps let them get used to each others presence from afar. Bonding can be stressful to the rabbits and Dexter has not likely had much time to settle into his new home. Testing them out in neutral space as an introduction would be ok but I would be hesitant to go straight into full bonding sessions.

I was suggesting only Davey & Delilah having a car trip. It may help strengthen their bond if you believe it has been compromised. I believe you were looking at rescue buns (youngish). Is Dexter young? Is he neutered? If not, this could cause part of the reaction from Delilah. I cannot remember, are Davey and Delilah siblings? They look so alike.

I’m not sure if you’ve already seen it but there’s some bonding info under Bunny Info tab top of page. This may give you tips on how to get started.

[mrmac]

Dexter is about 4-5 months old, he has been neutered. Deavey and Delilah were together when we got Davey then all the other buns in the cage with her were sold and she was the last one so we took her! We think they are related, or at least that is what we were told. I think Davey would bond with anything he is so friendly with Dexter and this is how he was with Delilah when we introduced them.

[mrmac]

Davey we think has turned into the protector…Since he and Dexter like eachother he seems to be like staying between Deter and Delilah. Davey and Delilah were in their pen and Dexter went up to the outside of the pen and sniffed Delilahs nose then it looked like she tried to nip him but then Davey started chasing Delilah. He almost seems like he want Dexter to be with him but he wants Delilah to calm down. Since Delilah is dominant could she be freaking out cause she may not be the dominant one anymore and has to re establish herself under Daveys rules?

[Sarita]

Well I think if Dexter and Davey seem to be getting along that is good and honestly I would not wait – the best time to start for all is right away since all are altered. It sounds like you will have an interesting bonding.

He is very cute – he looks to be a rex mix to me.

[mrmac]

Yeah Davey and Dexter want to be buddies but Delilah just keeps pushing to hard. Sher sticks her little nose through the bars and nips at him so we are trying the spray bottle, but she doesnt seem to phased by it unless you get her really good. She is curious about him but just dosent want to give in so easily…I trimmed Dexters nails to day and he is the best nailtrimming bunny I have ever seen! He is already purring and flopping when we let him out.

[mrmac]

Well…things arent going as planned. Davey and Delilah havnt been getting along too well, Davey has been chasing her and they got in a big scuffle today and now she has a boo boo on her eye. Delilah is just being SOOOO aggressive. We took them into the bathroom today and she like attacked my husbands hand to try and get to Dexter. I keep getting more worried though cause she isnt letting up and Davey is trying to make Dexter groom him and Dexter wont but Davey is at least attempting and he licks him occasionally too. I dont want to risk any of them getting hurt. That is fine if we have a lone bun, but the goal was to have 3. Whenever she sees Dexter, she just goes for him, her tail goes straight out and she is just fixated on him. This is the set up we have them in right now, all are separated, Delilah-white cage, Davey-back left and Dexter-right. Should I just bond Dexter and Davey and keep Delilah separated since they’re getting along?

[Sarita]

Well aren’t Delilah and Davey bonded? It would not be fair to break the bond for Delilah if they are.

[mrmac]

Davey and Delilah ahve been together still, and Dexter is seperate. Delilahs nipping at Dexter through the bars isnt quite as much but is still there. We are dealing with the poo war as well…little poos everywhere! We have also been trying to sit in Davey and Delilahs side of the pen and if she goes for him, we tap/poke her side to snap her out of her Dexter fit, and she has also now learned ‘stop’ and ‘no’. If I tell her to stop she does, and she will turn around, go back in her house, and lay back down, then I give her a good pet and she comes running out and licks my face. Hopefully she is getting a little better.

[mrmac]

I took them on a car ride today…it went I guess how its supposed to go?! The poo wars are still going on and it needs to stop! There is sooo much poo! Now Delilah has started peeing outside the litter box, and Dexter also. I just wish everyone would get along!

[mrmac]

We’ve been taking them all on car rides during the day. This morning I put Dexter and Delilah in the bathtub for a little while. Dexter was just neutered in april, are his hormones still going? He would honk then try to hump her, which would make her all jumpy and wierd. Sometimes when he would squish next to her to try and hump her she would nip at him. She did this a few times. I tried to smear banana goo and peanut butter on their heads but nothing…but when Dexter got back in his pen and stuck his nose through the bars Davey licked his head so I will try Davey and Dexter a little later.

[Deleted User]

I meant to say the entire time that Dexter is sooooooooooooooo gogeous, I love him — does he have rex fur or what? lop-eared rex, how cute!!!
it will be so worth it all the stress of bonding… once it’s done! Your post reminded me, I wanna try the banana-on-head thing today with my bonding as well… btw, if he was neutered in april, that’s a long time gone by. his hormones should be settled down. My Lint was neutered in February but has been very humpy since I brought Deirdra into the home.

[mrmac]

He is such a sweet bunny. He is a mini rex. Thats why we want it to work so bad cause all three cuddled up and triangle grooming…it makes me so happy to think of the possibilities and great pictures! I tried Davey and Dexter just a few minutes ago and it went ok. Davey seemed to be more nippy with him but the nipping also started once Dexter honked and tried to hump him and then went on from there…Davey did not approve. Davey asks for Dexter to groom him alot but Dexter refuses, he just wont lick him! So annoying cause then Davey gets frustrated and offended that he wont groom him and then gets nippy I think. I tried banana, and peanut butter…again nothing, but I did smear raisin goo all over Daveys nose and then Dexter finally licked him! But I had to put Dexters face right on the goo spot for him to notice. Dexter is very honky and humpy with them, Davey and Delilah dont really do the humpy thing anymore, on rare occasion, so I think they get annoyed with it.

[mrmac]

Well things are going well. they do quite well outside on the patio, but once inside that a whole other story. Outside only a few nips if Dexter gets too close but he doesnt seem to mind. Dexter has groomed both Davey and Delilah, but no reciprocating yet. I have to keep trying to tell myself that it might work!

[Deleted User]

More time! It will resolve itself!!! Sending more bonding vibes….

[mrmac]

Well I am out on my patio as I type, I have been out here with them for 3 hours so far, luckily I have some reading to do, they have been doing good. LOTS fo Dexter cleaning both of them and…Delilah groomed Dexter! Ahh I got so excited, but then Davey got jealous and nipped him, but he settled down and has started laying down with Dexter near him. They are doing good out on the patio! Maybe theres hope!

[mrmac]

Here are some pics from today, they seem to be kind of sticking together now…weird. Oh and I had to throw in a cute pic of Dexter too! hehe

 

[mrmac]

Well yesterday they were toegther for 6 hours out on the patio, today isnt going quite as well, much more nippy today. They dont want Dexter near them, but only nips, no fighting.

[MarkBun]

I know it can seem like you take a step backward when you have a great day one day and then a fight happens the next but it is typical.  You’re doing great.  If they’re letting him groom both of them, then they’re beginning to accept him in his new position beneath them – and he’s accepting it too. 

All the photos actually look like you’re making great progress – sharing a litter pan, him animated in front of them without them attacking.  All great.

I hadta do this picture though…

[mrmac]

HAHA! Thats so cute! Currently they are all flopped/loafed out on the patio, Davey and Delilah on one side and Dexter on the other, but they are all together and relaxed and not fighting! Our apartment buildings are getting painted, yesterday and today, so theres lots of ladders banging and generators running, lots of stressing noise, but they dont seem to mind!

[Deleted User]

oh, wow! You’ve come so far already! I had a not so good night yesterday, I had them free-range indoors and Lint just got so territorial. i can’t see Lint ever grooming Deirdra… but I will pretend like I believe in it for now. Congrats to you, I wouldn’t worry too much about the occasional nipping.
–Your rabbits are one unique trio to look at!

[mrmac]

I have tried, when they come in from the patio, to let them come in on their own and go into their cages, but anything indoors Delilah goes nuts over. She instantly chased him when she thought he was near her cage. We havnt tried indoors yet. Next will be to scrub EVERYTHING inside soon! Oh yay, cleaning! They will be a very odd trio if all goes well, 3 very different bunny personalities!

[MarkBun]

I don’t know what the weather is like near you but the next ideal step would be to leave them out on the patio 24/7 for two weeks.

That amount of time in neutral territory helps to cement the bond so when you do go to un-neutral space, they’re friends and not just aquaintances.

[mrmac]

Thats a good idea…It can get warm during the day, thats all I worry about. Maybe some frozen water bottles and a fan would help that. That would give me time to un-scent everything and re-configure a new cage suitable for all three! I worry that they arent ready for that yet though, maybe I am just being a nervous bunny mom.

[MarkBun]

EVERYONE here is a nervous bunny mom. Even us guys.
The thing is that if it goes on for another week with nothing but nips and no real chasing going on, I’d say that you’re ready for the 24/7 2 week deal. But you’d better know than me.

Just realize that there will be altercations, even after they’re bonded. I still find a tuft of Dono fur about once a week in the pen – and a tuft of Maryann fur about once a month.

[mrmac]

I will give it a few more days and see how their moods go…then, *bites nails*, I will put them together. Eeek I cant believe it might have worked! Oh no I shouldnt have said that, Ill jinx myself!

[Beka27]

THEY LOOK SO GREAT TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so jealous that you’ve been able to get them together in such a short time!

[mrmac]

They are all so different, yet so similar! hehe They were outside together for 12 hours yeaterday, and thats the first place they go in the morning, right out on the patio until almost bedtime! Still some nipping but they really just leave eachother alone. A little chasing here and there, a few hair tufts, but no ‘fighting’. Me and my husband are traveling in July so it would make it so much easier on a pet sitter if they were all together! I still do the occasional car ride, but there has been no more mutual grooming, only Dexter grooming them once in a while. They lay completely apart on the patio, one on one side and two on the other side. I also noticed that they fight (well not really fight) over the bigger litter box (the one in the picture above). It is the biggest one and Delilah does not like Dexter in it! They take turns sitting in it! Hopefully things keep going well, and I can redo their cage soon!

[mrmac]

They have been on the patio all day again today, some nips early in the morning, but then they seemed to settle down. Davey and Delilah now know the morning routine, so when I go into their cage to take them out to the patio the thump and run away. Smart buns! This is where they have been most of the day. I am surprised Delilah has let Dexter be in the litter box this long, usually she kicks him out of it!

[mrmac]

We have been continuing out on the patio for the past 2 days, they just lay out there, a few daily nips but nothing else. Tonight we decided to un-scent their rug and area and try them inside. We also put Dexters cage inside the pen as well but we cleaned it off too. They explored the new set up and then we opened the door to Dexters old cage and they all went inside but thats when it started, the nipping chase. Delilah nipped Dexter, Davey nipped her, then Davey and Delilah just went on the nipping eachothers butt circle, and just bounced and nipped like crazy, but not meanly. Afetr that we took teh cage out, cause obviously that cage triggered something! They were some nips lunges after that, Delilah attacked the oven mit, ended with treat time and mutual pets, then we put them back outside. Davey and Delilah flopped right away and were so relaxed, Dexter came up and groomed her and they have been fine ever since. The only space they get along/co-exist is outside. They are so confusing.

[Deleted User]

I believe it. Definitely territorial disputes.

Maybe Markbun has made the best point: they first have to cement their bond in that area where they first peaceably coexist for a few weeks before you can move them along.

[mrmac]

I know I just wish it wasnt outside…Lucikly we have blinsd up on our patio for now but with recent painting of our apartment buildings I have to bring them inside for like a week. We are trying a new cage/pen setup, now that its somewhat clean, and continue to do car rides and such. Hopefully that goes ok then I’ll move them back outside and really do the two week 24/7. Stupid painting is so inconvenient! hehe

This is how it is now, and I am going to alternate times out , switching them in between pens every day. This way they are all in the same ‘area’ but cant get at eachother.

[Beka27]

You’re doing great! Just don’t become discouraged. They need to learn how to work out their relationships in different situations and locations. They will get there!

[mrmac]

Ok so this morning is weird. Got up, put them outside, but then it all got weird. First, in the entire year and however many months we have had Davey and Delilah, I have never seen, and I mean NEVER, her let him mount her. Dexter started getting really nosy around Davey and was getting really gutsy, and getting nipped because of it. I actually saw Dexter chase Davey. Davey asked Delilah for grooming after all the humping, but then Dexter started grooming Delilah and Davey went crazy. My husband was sitting in there to monitor so he got the oven mit and had to like hold Davey back from going for Dexter while he was grooming her. Its was like a battle between Davey and Dexter with Delilah still being pushy too. But it was weird, the mounting thing was very weird, I cant believe it actually happened?! odd things are going on.

[Deleted User]

Establishing a hierarchy, I’d say. Davey might feel the need for a display of dominance toward Delilah because of Dexter, I’m sure that’s what it is. Good thing, she let him!

[MarkBun]

When Dexter chased Davey, Davey needed to try and show Dexter that he was still in charge (and feel it for himself as well) and that’s what caused the mounting and the demand for grooming.

I think that Dexter is now no longer ‘afraid’ of the pair of them and is now becoming comfortable and actually seeing the place as also his.
There might be a couple more dust ups like this one in the near future but they need to happen. Break it up asap, use a lot of “NO!” shouts and pull them apart if the shout doesn’t work, pushing down the head of the aggressor to the ground and reciting “No!”  Now that the heiarchy ladder is up for grabs, you should try and establish yourself as alpha bun. It rarely works of course but you should still try.

I think this is it – this is the top of the hill and you’re nearing the ride down.  I’d say that by the end of this week, if nothing out of the ordinary happys, you should have a set of buns that for all intents and purposes are bonded.

[mrmac]

I do the head thing with Davey and Delilah, and they follow it! They know that I am on top and they dont try to resisit it they just melt into a puddle of bunny. If I am near them and dexter is near me they wont try anything, I can see it in their eyes they are trying so hard to resisit, “but hes just right there! c’mon mom!” I hope this is it, but unfortunately they are starting painting, so the patio will be out of use till theyre done. So inconvenient! The next step will be moving them indoors. I cleaned thier cage out, but the last incident happened, so I dont know if I should clean it again? With the set up we have now Dexter is in the middle, and Delilah and Davey doesnt bother him at all in there, but if Dexter is out in the living room and goes near the outside of the cage Delilah still growls and charges. She knows shes not allowed to do that cause when we point at her and say no, or take a step near the cage she runs away after she did it. She gets it, just cant contain it. I hope it is the top of the hill!

[mrmac]

Well tonight we decided to put them in the living room, lots of nip[ping and chasing. They immediately take claim to a spot and dont let Dexter near it. We moved the into the kitchen, a nip or two. Then we tried to put Dexter and Davey together and have them be allowed in both sides of the pen, Davey chased Dexter out of ‘his’ side of the pen, and Dexter ran back to ‘his’ side. We put both of them in Dexters side and Davey went for him, lots of nipping and chasing. Poor Dexters reaction is to always run the wrong direction and trap himself more. Dexter groomed Davey a couple times almost to butter him up and then he tries to hump him and that makes Davey mad. Its just the inside! They just bully Dexter. I am not feeling optimistic at all right now, and they cannnot live on my patio. It just seems like its going in the wrong direction.

[Deleted User]

Who gets along better with Dexter, Delilah? If she does, why don’t you try giving Davey a break from Dexter and put Delilah with Dexter and let them bond well.

Do you have a tarp? Tarps smelll very strongly and you could put one under their pens to de-territorialize the space.

[mrmac]

I dont reallt know?! Dexter I think likes Delilah better, he grooms her more, and Davey gets jealous if he is grooming her and will chase him away from her. But Daveys nips arent as bad as Delilahs, he does more of the nipping hop. I wish my patio wasnt occupied of else I would leave them out there for a week or two. I dont have a tarp, I moved their pen into a circle and off the rug a little and put them all in it and Dexter is so afraid that he is going to get nipped so he like zipped laps around the cage. Thye are all just acting really weird.

[Deleted User]

When will the painting work on your building be finished?

[mrmac]

Hopefully in the next day or two. I put Dexter and Delilah in the kitchen, they are ignoring eachother in there, trying to find an escape route.

[MarkBun]

How are each of the rabbits about you holding them? Something that was suggested but I never did was to hold both buns close to your chest at the same time. The idea is that if they’re with their owner, they accept that the other bun is okey.

[Deleted User]

oh, two days isn’t so bad. Maybe you can get back to the positive streak on the patio and cement the bond there.

[mrmac]

They are ok with being held, Dexter loves being held but the others it just depends on thier mood. They are all in the kitchen right now and doing well. Dexter groomed Davey when he asked for it and he licked her a few times the Davye chased him away. They are kind of ignoring eachother, chasing eachother out of the litter boxes. I came in and sat down and they all asked for pets together. I dont know what is with them?! One day theyre happy the next the hate eachother! So hard to figure out! BTW Petzy, I love your new avatar! hehe

[Deleted User]

I think, congratulations are due! I think, things will settle between them. Chasing out of the litter boxes is ok at this point, totally normal, to be expected.
Anyways, you win the tri-bun bonding contest: i only got butts together you actually got the heads….

[mrmac]

LOL Yes I got heads, but at least you can bring your bunnies inside! I hope things settle down, I was hoping to have this accomplished by the end of July, thats when we are traveling for like a week and a half and I dont want the sitter to have to deal with tempermental buns!

[Deleted User]

End of July? That’s still plenty oof bonding time. If you can have DDD back on the patio by the end of the week you should be fine by then.

[mrmac]

That is my goal! Hopefully they will work with me!

[MarkBun]

mrmac – with that latest picture, what would happen when Dexter would move after that? If Davey didn’t immediately attack when Dexter began to move a bit, things are going good. Maryann will automatically lunge at Dono to this day if he runs by her while I’m coming with breakfast – eventhough I’ll catch them both lying down next to each other after they’re done eating.

If you have someone to help you, I’d suggest trying to pick up and hold Davey.  Then, while petting him and softly talking to him, have your help hand you Dexter and begin petting them both at the same time, your helper can help with the pets.  The idea is that normally if you’re busy petting their heads, they’re too occupied to do any sort of fighting.  Then, after about 20 seconds or so of that, stop petting their heads and see what happens.  If a nip occurrs, say “No!”, push the offender’s head against your chest and then pet them both again for a few seconds, then take Dexter away.  Remember, you don’t want them to think that a nip equals the other guy leaving.

Try holding them like this:

[mrmac]

It depends, sometimes he goes for him but other times he doesnt. When holding, he doesnt go after him at all, he just sits there and enjoys the pets and then wants back down.

[BinkyBunny]

That’s a great photo MarkBun – it looks like you are at work or something though with cubicles. If you get to bring your bunnies to work, I think everyone will be very jealous!

mrmac- IF aggression continues after trying what people have advised, you might try the stress methods, like car rides. Now with that said, some bunnies actually do react more aggressively after stress or do associate stress with bonding, but for the most part it can help settle things down (IF you haven’t already tried that – I am having a hard time keeping up with who has done what tonight)

[mrmac]

Last night we decided to re arrange the living/dining room, and we moved the bunnies pen and rug into the dining room and cleaned it again. They had been in the kitchen up until then and we put them in the pen toegther and there was a little chasing and a couple nips but mostly exploring. I kept them seperated overnight but still in the kitchen, that way their empty pen (theres 3 litterboxes, hay and water) is their bonding area and hopefully they are able to relax in there. That way they would all be together in thier final pen and then I would just be able to add new things into it. It seems like Davey is getting jealous of Dexter because he likes Delilah. Today will be a full day trying in the pen, I am keeping my fingers crossed. We have done car rides, they get all tuckered out and usually just lay around after a ride so maybe one is in order today.

[mrmac]

Today is off to a bad start, I put them in the new pen and Davey and Delilah will just claim one side of the cage and if Dexter gets within like 6-8 inches of ‘their’ side they lunge at him and try to bite. Then Delilah actually turned on me and started lunging growling and boxing my hand. Not a happy moment. I took Davey out and put him in Dexters old cage and I’m going to Dexter and Delilah for a while then switch and do a car ride today at some point. But now that Davey is out of there all she is concerned about is how to get out. They are just a nasty little team together. This is not feeling good.

[Deleted User]

I would leave Delilah wiith Dexter even if it makes her unhappy. She has to bond with him to break up that ‘nasty team’ they form against Dexter. Maybe, don’t even bother switching, just leave these two guys together, do a car ride with only the two as well. Then, when the patio is open again, re-introduce Dexter and Delilah to Davey outside.

[mrmac]

Yes that team must be broken. I cant look at Davey and Delilah the same, they just look mean to me now. They are ALWAYS watching where Dexter is. I need to get at least one of them to like him!

[Deleted User]

When I recorded the scene, I held my breath and I didn’t even expect part two to happen where D comes back to arrange herself tete-a-tete!
It will a long time before I bring them upstairs. To the patio, yes in two weeks, but the room maybe at the end of summer during the day…. I kinda like this set-up for night time. They can have all their noisy toys and I am getting great sleep!

[Deleted User]

ooops, mrmac, I posted in your thread about my bonding… so sorry!
(can a leader delete — I will repost in my own spot)

[mrmac]

No biggie!

[mrmac]

Well yesterday, Dexter and Delilah were together all day, today the same. It went ok, chasing and a few nips and tufts of hair but Dexter is very pushy. He will ‘groom’ her but he only grooms the ears then he pushes his head over her and tries to mount her. That obviously doesnt make her happy! This is so frustrating!

[Deleted User]

I had a similar situation when I was bonding Lint and Mops back in March. Lint would nudge around him a bit but then only had humping on his mind and Mops usualy ran away. In the beginning he would sometimes nip at Lint for it. It resolved after a time. I had them together f/t already when this was still going on. Lint would also try to corner Mops when Mops was using the litter box (I hated this as it made a mess since it sent Mops running out of the box and $%^% flying everywhere). This is a phase. I passes.

[mrmac]

I hope it does, she just needs to relax around him. She is always on alert and watching. While they are in the pen I have been letting Davey run around the living room.

[Deleted User]

Deirdra was very alert and always watching, too, up until a few days ago. Even inside the condo, or especially inside it, I should say. I think, it is less stressful, though, for everybun, for now, that you separated Davey out.

[mrmac]

Davey just does his own things in the living room, trying to sneak into the bedroom if I forget to shut the door, he just wanders around and flops in his little cat tunnel. Delilah is still growling and lunging but doesnt seem as tense as she did yesterday. I plan on keeping them like this until they will at least tolerate eachother more and maybe even like eachother a little then I’ll bring Davey back in. I’m afariad that when he comes back in Delilah will be all over him instead of Dexter, and Davey will still be nasty. They’re just rotten! hehe

[Deleted User]

shouldn’t have to be like that, going nasty again. Give Delilah plenty time with Dex first.

[mrmac]

Oh yes lots of time! Should I be keeping them together at night in the pen too? I get nervous about it…

[Deleted User]

hmmm… your call! if they don’t fight now in that space I personally would give it a try. being tense and a little on guard during bonding is ok. it’s the time spent together that will mellow them out. — where is the pen in regards to your bed? could you sleep by it for a night or two?

[mrmac]

I could if need be. They dont fight, just chase occasionally with a tuft or two. They kind of just stay on opposite sides, but are flopped, in a litter box or loafed somehwere.

[Deleted User]

Try it tonight, but sleep there for your own peace of mind.

[mrmac]

Well they were together last night all night, I am assuming it went ok cause everyone was alive in the morning. A few tufts but no boo boos or anything! Since Davey has had the run of the living room while she is with Dexter, he was out until we went to bed and I went to check something on the computer and…hmmm wait theres no screen picture? hmmm…turns out Davey decided to chew through the monitor cable, mouse cord, and printer cord. Grrr…Rotten boy. Delilah and Dexter will be together for a while! Its calmer but she still doesnt accept it when hes in her spot! Overall, I think a good night.

[Deleted User]

Oh, no ! What did your husband think of Davey’s dealing with the computer cable jungle? In my house all tech stuff belongs to my boyfriend…

well, but on the positive: YAY for Dexter and Delilah’s ‘first night together’!!!
–did you even sleep??

LOL: you know you are committed to rabbits when you call it an “overall good night” after your rabbit’s teeth shut down various computer applications…

[mrmac]

My husband wasnt too happy at all…to say the least. I slept in bed actually, but I kept the door open, but no I really didnt sleep! I would think that Davey got a shock from the wires, the computer was plugged in too! At least I have my laptop! This morning when I got up I made my bday cake, Davey is still in the kitchen (he’s banned from the living room now), while I was baking he just sat at my feet and looked up at me like what are you doing up there?! Very cute moment. Delilah and Dexter seem to be laying near eachother more, not close by any means but closer.

[Deleted User]

Is it your birthday today? maybe Dexter and Delilah can bond instantly today as a surprise gift! And your husband can quickly get over the cable episode as a gift…. but I’m glad Davey didn’t get hurt.

[mrmac]

It is my birthday! That would be a great surprise gift if they all decided that today was the day! haha yeah right.

[Deleted User]

[mrmac]

Haha adorable!!!! If only they would stay like that!

[mrmac]

Night all night #2 went good too! She was trying to hump him but he would run away cause he thinks if he gets near her he will get but she was following him. I think things are getting better! Whenever Dexter approaches she put her nose out like shes going to nip but doesnt nip. Dexter still runs away when she puts her nose out, he thinks hes gonna get bit everytime! She seems to be relaxing a bit!

[Deleted User]

Oh, good! Bonding is usually a gradual process for the most part, so little by little is the way. I see it, too, with mine, every day more familiarity and less hostility!

[RabbitPam]

Petzy, I love that!

[mrmac]

Well last night Delilah and Dexter decided to be sneaky and break out of thier pen and go and poo all over the living room, of course where Davey is. We have this chair that sits in front of Daveys cage and he decided that that was his new throne last night. He even flops in it, very cute. So you know since Delilah and Dexter got out they had to see it now and they decided to poo and pee all over it! GRRR!!!!!! I have to wash it for Davey now…They gradually seem to be getting more and more used to eachother! What a night!

[Deleted User]

Bonding in crime… that’s a new thing.
 

[Deleted User]

wait… where was Davey when this prison-break happened?

[mrmac]

He was in his cage in the living room, he was the only witness to it all.

[mrmac]

I caught them laying near eachother today. Last night she even groomed him (VERY weird to see) but then she like went after him once she was done licking, aparently she had had enough! Slow but some progress.

[Deleted User]

well, she is a bunny lady… she can’t make it too easy!

[mrmac]

Today…the escaped again last night. When we woke up we found Delilah and Dexter under the chair flopped by Daveys cage. Dexter just tags along! Then all of a sudden I heard this grunting…so I turned around and there Davey is loafed next to Delilah through the bars and even had his head down like he wanted a groom from her. I am surprised Davey went over there cause he had to cross the wood floor. It seems now that since she knows he’s over there she doesnt pay any attention to Dexter now. Grrr they are so frustrating.

[mrmac]

No escaping last night! They are having poo wars inside the pen even though theyre together. Is that ok/normal? They always pee in the litter box but just the amount of poos in the morning is crazy! They are getting so much closer! I find them laying closer more often. I have noticed though that when I feed them their pellets at night she gets nippy and chasy with him, she has to be the one to get the food first. Delilah groomed Dexter this afternoon!!! It was a good 5 minutes of constant licking!

[MarkBun]

Poo wars have no known boundaries nor intensity. They were left out of the Geneva Convention for a reason.

[MooBunnay]

hahahaha

5 minutes of grooming? that is great! Has Dexter returned the favor?

[mrmac]

He does occasionally, I have only seen them do it a few times.

[Deleted User]

I didn’t realize how tiny Dexter was in comparison to Delilah… what is he, mini rex with half-lop ears?
Poo wars for now are acceptable. They will serve you as an indicator too when it’s time to re-introduce Davey. They should die down considerably.

[mrmac]

Yes he’s a mini rex, the picture really does show their size difference! His year are uppy but they are so big that they tend to fall forward a little. We had so many good grooms from her and a few from him, which is weird to see but its good to be able to see a progression. I tried Dexte rnad Davey out on the patio for a short meet and greet and this time Dexter actually went for Davey a little then they did little nipping chase thing. It was so weird to see Dexter try to be the boss though. Who knows how this will all turn out?!

[MarkBun]

Actually, it is quite often the smaller bun that becomes the dominate one as the larger rabbits just don’t care. Meanwhile smaller buns have the nepoleon complex.

[Deleted User]

I want to change Lint’s name to Napoleon.

[mrmac]

Davey doesnt seem to accepting of that, thats what scares me.

[Deleted User]

As I understand, you have just re-introduced Dexter to Davey, right? Just the two of them? It has been a while since they were together, correct? They’re going to have to work it out between them.

[mrmac]

Yes its been a little while since they have been together. Davey never really liked to be near him, even on the patio Davey would avoid him and would be on the opposide side/end of the patio from him. Last night we put them together and Davey just tries to go for him. How do you do one on one without ruining what what Dexter and Delilah have formed? I want to put Dexter and Davey together, like I did with Dexter and Delilah, but dont want to ruin how well they are doing. Or is it better to just put him in their pen and see what happens? Dexter and Delilah are grooming eachother quite often now, but havnt layed with eachother, and the poo wars still continue with them too.

[Deleted User]

Sorry, I didn’t see this post for some reason but I began to wonder how things were progressing for you.
You know, if Dexter has had enough time with Delilah (you the judge of that!) they will remember that they were friendly. I believe it will be much harder to achieve the three-way bond if Davey never gets paired up with Dexter alone, especially they are both males. I know this is a touchy issue, many believe not to split up a bonded pair like Davey and Delilah ever, but that’s just what paired bonding of multiples is. Already it has helped you in breaking the ice between Dexter and Delilah this way. You would know if Delilah gets depressed alone, you might even give her an hour or two with Davey in between his sessions with Dexter. Post how it goes.

[Deleted User]

duh! what I mean is give her an hour or two with DEXTER!!!! So their new friendship will cement.

[mrmac]

This is how I found Dexter and Delilah tonight! And they continued laying there even after eating, went right back to the same position. I keep doing sessions with Dexter and Davey on the patio, the like touch noses (but nobody reacts) and then Dexter gets freaked like Davey moved and bounces away. Kind of funny, but Davey still gets a little weird.

[Deleted User]

I just saved the second picture into my computer. So cuddly, makes you want to be a rabbit and befriend them! hey: what kind of rug/mat is that?
–Freaked out is OK. Sounds all very promising. Just don’t rush them into the three-some, give Davey time to really connect with Dexter before adding Delilah.
You know, I just cleaned my condo and I found Lint in the litter box with Deirdra grooming her. That’s like a two-for-one.

[mrmac]

It’s just an indoor/outdoor rug I bought and they didn’t really chew it so it worked well! Definitely going to keep doing patio sessions with the boys in the afternoons, but then letting Dexter and Delilah spend nights together. Lint has warmed up to ehr so much! hehe

[jerseygirl]

Oh wow, I laughed so hard at that 1st pic!

It’s funny how much the dynamic can shift.  Dexter and Davey were chummy right of the bat and Davey had to protect him from Delilah.  Now…

[PEPPA GEORGIE]

Your bunnies are gorgeous and so cuddly looking xxx

[mrmac]

Dexter lays in the weirdest positions! When he flops he really flops! He doesnt have a care in the world! I cant beleve how much they like eachother now, but the test will be with Davey. Dexter and Delilah just lay and groom all day now!

[Deleted User]

Have the poo wars calmed down?

[mrmac]

Ehh kind of, its all overnight though, no poops really during the day. Well Dexter and Delilah are in bunny love! hehe They cuddle and groom all day! I would have never saw it coming! On the other hand, Davey still doesnt like Dexter, but they will approach eachother and Davye shoves his head under Dexters, but he wont groom him. With Dex and Delilah though he seems to be in charge but she still tells him what she wants him to do and he does it whether it is a lick or a ‘move get out of my way!’. Still working on the boys!

[Deleted User]

The boys haven’t had much time together lately, so that’s probably why.
Congrats on the Delilah and Dexter friendship!

[PEPPA GEORGIE]

They really are adorable, i love the way his belly hangs at the side when he is flopped with his legs are just hanging at the back sooo cute. Have you had the terrible thought of getting another girl so they are like a foursome? lol might not be best idea but might equal things out abit . x Can we have more dexter pics please

[mrmac]

He just lets it all go when hes sleepy! hehe Oh yes we have had the thought, but I dont see Delilah being particularly welcoming to another girl, I would love to have more bunnies but cant imagine starting all over again! And finding someone they all ‘like’. I would love to have a large group someday! I always have some Dexter pictures!!!

 

I thought he was going to fall off!!!

[mrmac]

Today…we added Davey…He has been seperated but next to Dexter and Delilah for a little while. They did great and were together all afternoon in the same pen before Davey started getting really possessive of her. Dexter groomed both of them, Davey just seemed happy to have her back. Dexter seemed kind of shunned away at times, but when Davey got to much for her she would run to Dexter (yay). Davey went on a frenzy humping her face then she’d move and he’d chase her in circles…Sigh…They are doing better, but Davey is still just so “on” her all the time! “ooh ooh ooh I missed you I missed you, let me hump you, lick me, no I’ll lick you!” Will his obsessivness of her die down or is he just a crazy boy bunny? Ahh she’s just so in demand! Then we put Devay back in his side of the pen, and Dexter immediatly ran to her and snuggled and they both groomed eachother.

[Deleted User]

At this point, I would first give Dexter a few nights with Davey together, at least one week, until their own bond forms. So far, from what i remember, you have done only daytime patio sessions between Davey and Dexter, right?

[mrmac]

Thats a good idea, I will plan on doing that. Should she go in the pen next to them or some place out of sight? Davey and Dexter do well in the pen alone (took her out for some living room alone time), they are flopped on opposite sides.

[Deleted User]

I would leave Delilah by them within scent and sight to make the transition of her joining them at some point smooth. Plus, Delilah is already bonded with each one of them. Observe closely in the beginning, though.

[Deleted User]

Those photos of Dexter — hilarious!!!

[mrmac]

I think I am going to try Thursday night with just the boys and I’ll put her in Daveys old side of the pen, and tomorrow just do more or the boys one on one and maybe some 3 time. We were so shocked to see how ‘free’ he was when we got him! He is still so much more relaxed than Davey and Delilah ever were and are. He just doesnt have a care in the world! He thinks nothing could EVER hurt him! I cant help but laugh when I look at him sometimes!

[PEPPA GEORGIE]

Oh dexter is soooooooo gorgeous i really want him, hang on there that must be the solution, lol i will have dexter then they other two will be happy lol xxx
You will be glad i am so far away it is not possible lol xx I am sure you will get there in the end they just need to come to terms with it all xx

[jerseygirl]

Haha! They sure are! Even the stunt double has flopped in the 3rd pic.

[mrmac]

Dexter and Davey have been spending the last two days together all day then Delilah and Dexter pend nights together. I must say that Delilah is loving her time out in the living room! She is constantly up on the couch, runniong laps around the coffee table adn sleeping under her new claimed chair! Davey is…just odd. He tolerates Dexter but not to the point of liking yet. Dexter wont really go near him during the day, except when me or my husband walks into the pen. The instant we go in he goes to Davey and starts grooming him, but he only feels like its safe enough when we are in there with him, kind of pitiful…Davey doesnt even care that hes getting groomed, he just sits there and then will sometimes chase him off when he stops. Daveys has even been a little wierd towards us lately, he’s going through a shed so maybe thats adding to his mood. Were only on day two of the boys so this will continue for a while until they (hopefully) warm up to eachother a little.

[Deleted User]

Good set-up, split shifts for Dexter! Tolerance usually precedes acceptance… which, in rabbit circles, precedes love!!!  — Lint was the same way… only without the grooming in my presence.

[mrmac]

He just always is in a nasty mood! If I touch his butt accidentally he will flip around lower his head, put his ears back and grunt. He has been very grunty and squeaky lately, which he has never really been. Dexter can’t even eat in front of him without him chasing him away But whenever I touch Davey, Dexter comes right over and starts licking! Its weird! The closest they get is maybe 10 inches from eachother. He has also gotten in the habit of chewing the xpen bars that go to his side of the cage, always in about the same spot. I just cant figure him out!

[Deleted User]

Sounds like Davey is on edge. Lint required 3 feet distance from Deirdra during his pre-bond phase… as long as Davey doesn’t fight with Dexter, it’s still positive. Chewing the bars, as a new behavior, is likely displaced aggression, which Lint displayed also. It’s too early to really make an appraisal of their possibilities together… it’s only been a couple of days, right?

[mrmac]

Yeah its only been two days so I’m not expecting a whole lot out of those two days, but he’s just acting nutty! Today will be a patio day with all three (eek!) cause of them spraying the apartment. He doesnt attack Dexter though which is alway good and shows that he really trying not to but is dealing with him.

[mrmac]

Dexter and Davey have been doing ok during the days so I tried them all three and they are doing good but Davey and Delilah cuddle and Dexter is on the opposite side (). I tossed some pellets in and they all went and ate….

 2AM UPDATE: We decided to stay up and watch them all three for a while and we caught this……..Davey  and Dexter together?!?!?!?!?! They stayed like that for a little. I couldn’t believe it!! They seem to just rotate between cuddling time between all three of them! We are going to leave them all three for the first time all night tonight!

[mrmac]

Well…I think it went well! No tufts of fur, no cuts/nips, and everyone was alive when I woke up! I think it might be it! (keeping fingers crossed!) The next issue to tackle though is the living room! Delilah now has ‘her’ spot under a chair in there and we’ve tried putting one of them with her and she lunges but then sniffs like “oh it’s just you” and backs away, but she went after Dexter the other day when he got too close. I dont think it was meant to be mean though more of a ‘get out of here!’

[Deleted User]

[mrmac]

They have been together all day today too, and I opened up their pen more so its big and their final cage. I put a cardboard box house in the pen and they all go and cuddle in it!

[Moonlight_Wolf]

Im so glad that it’s going well mrmac! Hopefully those issues will get solved easily.

[Beka27]

You’re going to want to keep them confined together for a solid two weeks now. That will help to cement that bond. They look awesome together.

[mrmac]

This is where they are staying! Luckily they are already in their final pen so It will just be a matter of adding houes and toys and things to it.

[mrmac]

Well I will officially say THE END to my bonding, they are successfully bonded!!!!  They are all lovey dovey all the time and Davey and Dexter are now the best of buddies and follow eachother around most of the day! Who knew?! They escaped last night once again, they just wiggle in between the xpen and the wall! Some final pics!

He’s gotten so much bigger since we first got him!

[Deleted User]

Here’s a proof for patience pays off! — Your trio looks tired….

congrats!

[mrmac]

They always looks tired! They sit in their house all day sleeping!

[jerseygirl]

Congratulations! Those picture look wonderful. The first reminds me of parents protecting a little one, the second one make me think Dexter is being protective of them. Well worth the effort, well done!

[Moonlight_Wolf]

Nice job! Isn’t it so nice to see them all snuggling! I can’t wait till mine do.

[Beka27]

I am still so JEALOUS! LOL! I added the ***BONDED*** to your thread title and if it is not already, I’m going to add this thread into the BB FAQ section for easy, future reference since this question comes up a lot!

[mrmac]

Thanks! I think it is in the the FAQ but the link doesnt work?…I still cant believe their are all together!

[Moonlight_Wolf]

Yea good job with that, you must be so happy!

[mrmac]

Just a little update…

Sorry no videos, they are too boring! My trio just sits all day in one spot! They occasionally have their little tiffs, Delilah still occasionally goes after Dexter leaving me findin a little tuft every once in a while. They are getting better, the pics are from within the last week or so. Delilah let Dexter mount her face (something she NEVER lets even Davey do) the other day. The trio is still enolving!

 

 

 

 

 

[mrmac]

And more…

[mrmac]

And more… (Sorry!)

 

Davey grooming Dexter…

 

 

Ok now I’m done… *walks away*….. hehe

[luvmybunny]

That’s great! They are so cute together! I bet you are happy they are bonded and living together happily! Cute cuddle buns!

[mrmac]

They are happy. They have their moments but mot recently I have found Delilah and Dexter cuddling together and grooming eachother more and more. Their relationship varies upon the day!!! Silly buns!

[Deleted User]

The California Department of  Transportation is implementing a new Blood Alcohol Content Calculator. Motorists are required to look at this photo and answer the question “how many rabbits do you see?” 

[Deleted User]

Mac, these are beautiful photos you posted. I think Dexter is bigger than I thought. He’s bigger than a regular mini rex (no more than 4 lbs), is he? Is this Davey grooming him in the one picture? Are there any two out the three that are closest? In the photos it looks like a perfect three-way friendship. Their pen is very nice, too, one day I want a pen like that attached to my trio’s condo… –how are the litter habits at this point?

[mrmac]

I’m not sure exactly how much he weighs. Last time Davey and Delilah were weighed they were like 6.5 ish but they have probably gotten a little bigger since then. He has gotten bigger. Yes Davey is grooming Dexter in a few, and there’s a couple where Delilah is grooming him too. Davey and Delilah are the absolute closest. They are joined at the hip. Davey and Dexter are buddies too, and cuddle and Davey grooms Dex alot. Their litter habits are getting better, especially now that I have gotten an extra large and large square box and they also have one smaller triangle one.

[Deleted User]

Interesting. So in your trio the original pair (Davey and Delilah) stayed close. In mine, Lint is a little bit third wheel. He is not broken up with Mops, his original buddy, but Mops and Deirdra are very much alike and spend more time with each other than with Lint.

[mrmac]

I think Davey and Delilah are completely in love! When they first met it was in instant bond! Within hours of meeting Delilah had already moved into Davey’s house. Dexter is a third wheel sometimes though.

[Monkeybun]

Sounds like poor Dexter needs a love bun all his own

[mrmac]

Me and my husband have been debating a little bit but have decided to wait a little while. Delilah is very “different” I guess I would say. She is protective of food and her things and is not very accepting of anybun new. I would like Dexter to be more of a part of the group and to have a buddy, but I keep seeing little signs of progress still being made. They still have their off days…

[Deleted User]

The resident xx rabbits are the tougher bonds. But Delilah has such an air of innocence about her with that milk spot on her lip, how deceiving

[mrmac]

Yeah you’re telling me! She has a white chin too, it’s is adorable! I love watching her drink just so I can see her chin!

[Author]

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