Bonding Update

[Thumpers_Mom]

This is quite nerve wrecking but I am on a mission…this is what happened last night:

 I had them in the pen area for about 10 min. At first they were calm then Thumper came her way, of course to mount and she was again not having any of that, so I put a stop to the aggressivness by sitting down and petting both of them

I then brought in their greens and they ate on opposite sides while glacing at eachother. After a while, they started to get near eachother again (peaches ears were not in attack mode but she looked like she was going to lunge) and I started petting them and they switched places and started to eat where the other was eating before. When they finished, I gave them each a treat and more pets and then took Peaches out first to put her in her cage and am giving Thumps some free time before I give Peaches some free time.

They also spent "time" together when Thumper is out. He was hanging out by her cage. They ran around (him outside, her in) around the cage and occasionally groomed and sometimes nipped (not hard though, I was watching). They were both doing body shiver and head flick type motions and Peaches just flopped to the floor a couple of times (quite funny to see).

I’m sure that if I left them on their own, Peaches would most likely attack Thumps, especially when he tries to mount her so I am far from that, but I think that it is not going too bad. I am trying to end all meetings on a good note and think that I might be doing a car ride sometime in the near future.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Sounds like it’s going not too bad! I think I’ve heard you can use the vaccum cleaner to stress them a little too (you probably know that though )

[Thumpers_Mom]

I did hear about that and wish I had one to use…but I only have a small hand held vac and they are sooooo not scared of it in any way!

[Sarita]

Well humping is okay as long as their’s no fighting. They do need to determine who will be alpha bunny.

[Thumpers_Mom]

Thing is that when Thumper tries to mount Peaches she goes to bite him. She never tries to mount him though.

[Thumpers_Mom]

Here is what happened today:

I again took them to the pen with their greens ready. This time, they went straight to work on eating. Mainly ignoring eachother. When Peaches had enough, she went over to Thumpers side. He continued to eat for a bit then he scurried over to her. I pet them both and they just lay there side by side while I talked to them and continued petting.No grooming though…(I’m not trying to rush things either)

Then he tried to mount her, I pet her and talked to her (I was told not to stop the mounting but to not let it go on for more than 10-20 sec.) and pushed him away after about 10 sec. After that, she turned and met him face to face and nipped him. She was going to go after him so I just started petting and talking some more while they both just relaxed.

Then Thumps went over to the other side. I gave them both a papaya treat, some more pets and called it a day. From what I read, mtgs should end on a good note and that definitely was a good note.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

[(dig)x(me)x(now)]

It sounds like you’re really dedicated to bonding them and are doing a good job

Hope things continue down the right path!

[Gravehearted]

honestly it sounds like it’s headed in the right direction, since you’re seeing a lot more of them getting along than aggression.

Humping isn’t a sign of aggression, it’s about figuring out who’s in charge. It generally takes a while to negotiate that. Are Paches’ bites more like nips or an attack? Nips are a form of communication, so aren’t always about the lead to a bunny brawl. have you tried swapping pens or litter boxes?

[Thumpers_Mom]

Thx guys. I haven’t tried the swapping litter boxes because Peaches’ box is too big for Thumpers cage. I do bring her box and his box into the pen and they both use both the boxes and I switch toys too. I thought about switching cages but I am not sure Peaches would be too comfortable in Thumps smaller cage.

As far as the nipping, I am not really sure if it is turning into an all out brawl. She has pulled out some fur of his and I just didn’t want to let it keep going.

Thx for the advice. I will keep you all updated and hopefully get a pic of them if they cuddle again today!

[Thumpers_Mom]

Yesterday I did a session that lasted 40min. They scuffled twice but were pretty good for the most part. Well, except that Thumper finally got tired of being nipped by Peaches and he started acting out! All in all, they ate, ignored eachother, then sniffed eachother and ran passed eachother a few times. Thumps again, went to mount Peaches as I pet and talked to her (didn’t last long and I think he might be getting over it).

Now I just feel bad because I have class tonight and won’t be able to do a session. I hope that won’t affect the progress in a negative way. Who knows, maybe I’ll squeeze in 10-15 min.

[Scarlet_Rose]

You’re doing a great job! It sounds like things are moving along and at least no injuries and major fur has flown.  Kudos to you for ending it on a happy note, that way they aren’t stewing on the ending negative one. The car ride sounds like a great idea given how things are going and it might even get them to groom on each other a little too. I do not think not being able to try a little bonding time will adversely affect the forward direction you are heading with the bonding process and even a little time would be good though.  Were you able to give them a little time together today and how did it go?

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