Bonding – will the aggression ever stop?’

[Ffionwillsx]

My bunnies have been making excellent progress – but my original bun Oscar is being a bit of a bully toward Lola my newbie AND. He’s twice the size of her!!

They currently stand at Oscar being the dominant, he will request grooming from her and will flop beside her and on her.

I feed them their pellets together in the evening – two bowls side by side and they often choose to eat from the same bowl together.

BUT my little baby Oscar will lunge at Lola if she does anything he doesn’t like, if she stops grooming he will intern lunge to remind her who’s boss. If she moves when he’s relaxing – hoping anywhere he will lunge at her. He doesn’t touch her so much anymore (nipping and paws on her has stopped) but the intimidation is still there. She will bow her head in submission and freeze. He will then flop or carry on as usual.

This evening though Lola has started requesting grooms and there have been a few standoffs where both are requesting eachother. Oscar is getting more agitated and lunging constantly.

Please help! Today was the first day I didn’t do a car ride as oscar gets extremely stressed and will dribble in the car – he is used to travel but the daily 20minutes is causing him too much anxiety.

Please see attached pictures of this evenings set up and snuggle initiated by Oscar – I don’t know if you can see but Lola doesn’t quite realax fully.

Thank you x

[Deleted User]

Head bowing is not submission. Head bowing means she wants him to groom her. Like I said in one of your other posts, she is still very new to you and her environment. I still suggest separating them for some time and doing pre-bonding activities so she can still get used to everything else without having the added stress of bonding. It sounds like it’s now stressing Oscar out too. Just let them be for a bit.

[sarahthegemini]

I checked out your previous thread and saw that you got Lola on the 31st July, so you’ve had her less than two weeks. You need to let her settle in and then do pre bonding for a while before actual sessions.

The reason for this is because a bun that isn’t comfortable in her surroundings could act very differently when she suddenly feels ‘at home’ This could potentially cause an issue in regards to bonding because she may decide she doesn’t like how things are a few months down the line which could then lead to a fight. Please be responsible and let her become accustomed to both you and her home before you try and put her with another rabbit. The consequences could be dire. 

[Ffionwillsx]

Hi, on following your advice I stopped with the bonding for a fortnight. During this time I swapped their living areas every day. I then did two days of stress bonding sessions (15 minutes in the car) then put them in a pen together for about an hour to eat their food together. They shared their food (using same bowl despite me providing two).

As they would groom and lie together, and on advice from a bunny rescuer and bonder here in the U.K. Where I adopted Lola, I decided to do marathon bonding – this started out with a 2 by 5 pen with a litterbox, hay and water. I did 48hours like this and they were wonderful together. The next 48 hours I opened the pen to a 5 by 5 and moved it into their would be room (which had been neutralised) all went well. After that I opened the pen and gave them part of the room day by day. Again all was going well they would choose to lay together, groom eachother (Oscar much less than Lola him being top bun). Once they had the whole room (three days of extending) I introduced toys such as boxes and tubes. Initially they just had water litter box hay and a platform.

Today they have had free roam of the apartment. They played and explored together all morning, during nap time they chose to go back to their room and weren’t out of each other’s sight for more than about 40 minutes all day (they weren’t joined at the hip either) so basically they had their room, the hallway and the kitchen/living room. Everything was going great they’d just cuddled and groomed and we’re both relaxing. Lola then went for a quick little explore around the area then started doing binkies. She was then running around super fast and they started playing together.

Things then got heated. They started chasing which turned into a scuffle. Fur pulling as they ran up the hall and to their room. I seperated them and out them in a pen again just to observe. They were a little tense to begin then Lola groomed oscar and he gave her two licks they lay down together. Then another chase happened. No nipping as I yelled to distract. They then sat together top to tail calm.

I’m unsure what to do. Maybe allowing them the hall and the living room was too much of a jump? They are currently snuggling in a small pen.

FYI Lola has settled extremely well, she will approach me for pets, explore, lay down beside me, binky and even climb on my lap for treats.

Again I would like to stress that after the two weeks I did ring Jai in order to ask her advice on the bonding as she is extremely experienced. I am confident that Lola is settled and happy. I just don’t know what or how this scuffle broke out today and how I should proceed. I’m nervous about putting them back in their room together incase they do scuffle.

What do you think? Hopefully you don’t think I am being irresponsible. Had they not been getting on I would not have attempted the marathon bond but over here in the U.K. Many bunny gurus and experienced rabbit rescuers and bonders recommend the marathon bonding wherever possible and if buns are getting on well.

[Deleted User]

Did you start marathon bonding and immediately leave them unsupervised (such as together overnight) that same day?

It’s great that they were getting along…but the thing is that they need a CONCRETE bond before they should be left alone unsupervised. If they don’t have a solid foundation, then I can see a number of reasons to suddenly want to break out in fights.

I have heard of people doing marathon bonding, but I thought that was supposed to be very long, supervised sessions over several days, still being separated in the beginning when they can’t be supervised.

Maybe I am wrong though.

Oh, I do want to add that it was wise of you to take the advice to let Lola settle in. Many times people ask for advice and then just get upset and leave when they aren’t told what they want to hear…

[DanaNM]

It does sound like everything was going well, and your instinct that you gave too much space too fast is probably right! Double check that no one has any injuries (broken skin). 

Assuming fur pulling was all that happened, I would restrict their space again, to the last area where they got along for over 24 hrs. 

Once they’ve been all good there for at least 2 days ((no scuffles at all), you can more gradually increase their space again. 

Chasing etc can happen whenever you change the space, so be ready to stop any chasing before it escalates. Sounds like one bunny was being playful, but maybe the other misinterpreted that and it turned into a chase. 

Each time you expand the space, be prepared to supervise them closely for a while to stop any chasing. 

All is not lost! Just take a step back and proceed again a bit more slowly. You may need to use the pen to slowly re-introduce the apartment to them. 

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Ffionwillsx]

for the first three days I was with them constantly – only leaving them to make dinner or get a drink (after the initial 24 hours where I got my brother to step in for me) I have done this is stages as advised to me at least 24hours in one situation gradually increasing space. For the big changes I was leaving them for 48hours -much to the frustration of my free roam bun Oscar.

My frustration now is that despite a couple of fur tufts from their scuffle they seem to be fine now so was it playing turned mean (started through a game of tag) unsure what to do. I’ve set up a 5 by 5 pen in my room with basics in there for them bit unfortunately I do need to pop out for a few hours tomorrow (3/4 tops) and have nobody to watch them. I don’t want to fully separate them as they’re getting along again now and it was just this five minute argument BUT I don’t want to be mistaken in that.

I am prepared to go back a few steps to pen then gradually increase space again (rearranging their room again) but I am going back to work on Monday. (After 6 weeks off).

I’ve read about cementing but Jai (the owner of the rescue I adopted Lola) said that that would be implemented through the marathon bond. She has told me not to separate them but just go back a few steps (after face timing she says she would be confident leaving them but I’m not prepared to do that yet – they have to earn my trust back now ?)

What do you think?

[Deleted User]

Oh thanks for clarifying

I do think that you should separate them for the time that you are not there to supervise. Better safe than sorry, right? And a little scuffle could turn very wrong if no one is there to separate.

Other than that, I think you’re right to just back track and make the space a bit a bit smaller and then try to gradually increase again.

[sarahthegemini]

I marathon bonded my two. Me and my partner did a 4 hour session initially but then separated them for the night because we were tired and knew we’d probably fall asleep. Next day we put them together and they haven’t been apart since. That was back in January. They had a love at first sight thing going on (they nose booped, Peanut groomed Buttercup, both groomed themselves, both flopped or loafed within the first 45 minutes) but they still had to figure out the hierarchy.

Me and my partner supervised them literally 24/7 for two weeks. There was a scuffle on day 5 I believe it was, but nothing after that.

I really wouldn’t leave your rabbits unsupervised yet. A scuffle could turn into so much more when you’re not there to break it up. You need to be confident that should they have a disagreement (it happens even in bonded pairs) that it isn’t going to escalate and you’re just not at that stage yet.

[Ffionwillsx]

I changed my plans today – all was well last night in the xpen I then rearranged their room today and took all toys out so it’s basic. They have been fine all day, laying down, cuddling, some grooming. I plan on leaving them like this with nothing extra in there for at least 48hours to assess. This is their main room and despite oscar being a free roam bunny this is his base and is plenty big enough for them to stay in. I do feel that it was my mistake to allow them out all day with triple the extra room, despite them getting along all day and spending the day together there was a huge digress in pooping (all over their room but not over the apartment) and a lot of chinning by both. I’m still confident in thinking that The playing turned to fighting and feel that it was too big a change.

I just feel so bad for oscar as he is used to having so many toys and free roam.

What do you think? Do you think it was me giving too much space too quick that may have caused it?

My plan is the next 48hours in the basic room. On Sunday then I will give them a few toys (arch/tunnel etc nothing closed) after 48hours I will then increase their space to the hall but sectioning off around a meter at a time (my hallway is very narrow but quite long) each move will be 48hours apart and hen gradually introduce to living room using the pen?

Or, when it comes to the time to open to the hallway should I only increase this space during playtime?

I feel confident that they don’t need to be seperated fully and go back to bonding sessions as their behaviour seems to be back to normal…..

[Ffionwillsx]

Okay so I think I have found the issue. Lola has been the submissive bunny grooming Oscar when he requests and when he doesn’t. Oscar has groomed Lola back on occasion but it isn’t often and not for as long. They have been well behaved and snuggle all day I just went to the kitchen to make dinner (within earshot) and heated a chase came back and clapped and they stopped. Again oscar chasing Lola. In the 20minutes unsupervised there has been lots of pooping marking territory all over the room I think mainly by oscar. I came into the room and sat down. Lola was on a platform and oscar came to say hello he then chinned my foot which he hasn’t done since he first went through puberty at 4 months old back when he was a single bunand thought I was his gf.

Anyway, Oscar then went to the platform and lay beside Lola. BOTH were pushing each others heads beneath the other one. Lola then hopped off and oscar followed her she then shot two hops away he hopped again and I thought it would be a chase and so called “be nice”. Oscar then went to groom himself and Lola put her head under him when he noticed this they both started pushing heads again requesting grooms. Lola submitted for a few licks then hopped off.

I am still certain that last nights scuffle came from play but maybe their dominance isn’t fully worked out?or is oscar trying to reassert himself following the scuffle? They’ve been fantastic all night and day but this pooping and what I just saw makes me believe that I’m missing something. I was thinking of separating them by a pen tomorrow while I go to the salon so will be around three hours. One in the hall and one in their room? Then when I come back putting both together again for supervision and the 48 hour plan I decided on above?

Is there anything I can do? They’re both flopped together now again fine so I am leaning towards thinking that maybe after yesterday’s scuffle they’ve obviously gone back a couple steps which is fine unless Lola does want to be top bun and if so how will they come to an agreement?

Any thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks x

[sarahthegemini]

I cannot stress this enough but please do not leave them unsupervised. Even just for 20 minutes. They are not okay to be unsupervised. As you have seen, there is still chasing going on. You need to be able to stop it but also see what is triggering it so you can work on that.

I wouldn’t put them together at all unless you’re able to watch them every second. There are a lot of good signs but until the chasing stops, you cannot go forward. That’s okay, just go at the bun’s pace.

[DanaNM]

Yeah, sounds a lot like how marathoning went with my two. They still both shove their heads under each other, and only groom when they feel like it, but the difference is it doesn’t turn into a chase or anything when one doesn’t. It just took time…. I think we spent about 4 days in each stage, probably about 2 weeks total marathoning (including once they were in their condo, and even then I increased the space gradually). They will eventually sort it out in their own way, they just need some more time and supervision. 

I have found that the banana on the head trick worked wonders with my two when they got to this point. I used to think it was cheating… but I found it has benefits lasting for days and weeks after. I put some smooshed banana on both of their heads, but mostly on Bertha, since she was more dominant and Moose hadn’t groomed her much. It can also help smooth out any hurt feelings…

I agree with Sarah, since they are still chasing a bit they need more supervision at this point. Don’t stress about separating them, it shouldn’t set you back if it’s just for a couple hours. 

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Ffionwillsx]

Okay great – I’ve been with them all day today and when I went to make dinner they were in constant earshot. I’ve sat with them all evening. I have a salon appointment at 1:30 tomorrow and so I’m going to pop oscar in the hall and keep Lola in the bunny room as she has been the most submissive. The current set up with their room has the corn in front of the doorway so I don’t have to shut the door I don’t have to be “in their space” then.

It’s frustrating as they still lay down together and explore together/dog the cardboard on the floor together. But it seems to be this grooming war setting them off. Lola usually always gives but when she does hop off oscar doesn’t care usually – all up until their tiff yesterday. Now oscar seems more demanding. From what I’ve observed, Lola will hop off oscar will follow. She’ll hop again he’ll follow then she’ll run away and he’ll follow starting in chasing. 9/10 it stops before I’ve had to say or do anything to intervene. There’s been no furoulling or nipping today. I’ve only had to call to halt the once.

Going to keep them together as much as possible over the weekend. Then Monday when I’m back in work Im not sure which course to take. My bunny rescuer has told me that they are fine to leave and if I’m apprehensive to put them in a pen while I’m out – polar opposite of the advice I’m getting here which is why I’m at a loss.

Also should I be concerned about the new found territory marking of pooping and chinning is this a sign of problems to come? They haven’t done this before.

I’m at a loss. I was soooooo hoping they’d have been bonded by school as the main reason I got oscar was so he’d have company during the day. He’s active up until 11:30/12 most days I’ve noticed when I’m off and I leave for work at 8.

[Ffionwillsx]

I am mainly concerned that this is a new issue. Up until I was silly and gave them too much space yesterday where their evening play turned into a scuffle this has not been an issue in any of the bonding stages. But I really do feel that it has now digressed into a battle for dominance or Lola is just fed up of grooming Oscar. I tried the banana trick during the first couple days and oscar was not interested in licking it off Lola. And Lola was already grooming Oscar.

[sarahthegemini]

I can understand your frustration at getting conflicting opinions. I must say tho I think it’s very irresponsible and dangerous for your bunny rescuer to say they’re okay to be left alone at this point. The way I see it, nothing bad can come from more supervision (aside from exhaustion perhaps!) But leaving them prematurely, well the consequences could be dire.

I do think you should try the banana trick, if anything it might make them both realise “hey this feels nice!” I do believe it was Dface that advised me on another thread that the act of grooming releases pheromones (I think?) So they might decide they enjoy grooming the other. They just need some encouragement to start

[DanaNM]

Sorry things seem to have plateaued, bonding (and marathoning especially) can be so stressful, but hang in there. My marathon with Moose and Bertha took longer than expected too. Have you tried stressing them at all? Maybe a car ride together in a bin or their carrier? Sometimes with two dominant personalities this can help them progress.

I think once you start work, you could have them spend every night together, and then full weekends together.

Another thing you could try is to change up the room they are in to make it more neutral. Clean items with vinegar, and lay down a plastic sheet or tarp covered by a blanket on top of the floor so it doesn’t smell as much like Oscar’s turf. I’m guessing he is remembering that it was his territory, and this could be causing his aggression. You can also sprinkle baking soda and rub it into the carpet, then vacuum it up to neutralize smells.

Hang in there, and don’t beat yourself up. It’s a good thing that their unresolved issues came up while you were still home, and not after you’d gone away to work.

Last thought….. don’t know what your work situation is like….. but when I was marathoning I actually took the buns with me to my office, and set up a pen there for them. I actually was awesome, as it was a completely neutral space and the stressful car ride really helped them. Plus my office mates loved it. I’m a grad student though, and my office is pretty casual… ha!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Ffionwillsx]

Before moving them from to the pen to the room I cleaned all the carpet (as I have done with the carpet in the living room and bathroom too ready for them) I also covered the rooms floor with cardboard and cleaned all the skirting boards with white wine vinegar. Ive also rearranged where the litter box is set up as well as water and there is a clothes rain and big bunny plastic box filled with their hay and litter) closed lid which they use as a platform. Other than that the room is completely empty. I was thinking of changing this around again tomorrow morning.

I initially did car rides during their first sessions 20minutes in a box (open) before going into the pen for their veggies/dinner. I did this because their initial meet was not good after oscar tried mounting Lola for the second time in the bathtub they had a fur flying scuffle and two days later he approached her and they retaliated. After advice from the forum I then took a two week break for Lola to settle only doing pre bonding. After that I did car rides again for two days then on the third day and first day before marathoning. After their recent scuffle I popped them in a carrier and walked around for 15minutes and then left them together in there for 45 minutes to settle.

That’s a good idea taking them into the office. Unfortunately I’m a teacher and as much as I’m sure my high school kids would love to see my gorgeous bunnies it’s not really a viable option.

I’m thinking of having them only seperated by the pen while I’m in work from Monday – one in the hallway one in the bunny room and alternating this every day. BUT I’m unsure where to put them together then in the evenings? I was also considering putting them back in a pen rather than the room but after a rearrange and removing the toys they seem to be settling back down the room is probably around 13ft by 7ft. One member recommended going back to the last stage both were happy and so I tried this. There was some territory marking yesterday and some chases that they stopped without my intervention. No nipping or fur pulling. They also have been playing together digging the cardboard and cuddling. Still tetchy occasionally as I do think Lola may want to be dominant BUT she is still the one submitting to grooming Oscar. Since their scuffle he hasn’t groomed her at all except for a couple of licks or so I’ve seen. I have another two full days off that I can supervise them constantly (I have set up a desk in the hall and their door is open for me to see (using pen as a barrier instead of the door as I don’t want to be in their space as me and oscar have a very close bond and he will come to me for attention if Lola doesn’t feel like grooming.

What should I be looking for now? How will I know when I can reintroduce some toys? There has been only one chase today and that was this morning about 10hours ago. By chase it is only about three or four high speed hops and when Lola stops oscar stops too usually about two feet behind. This was a result of both demanding grooms. Lola deciding not to and hopping off and oscar not being happy. But since his morning when she’s hoooed off he’s just left her be, usually going a few minutes later to flop beside her.

So where do I go from here? Sorry I have so many questions but as Jai has given me conflicting advice I’d just like to have a clear idea frombyou on the forum (the majority) on what I should now be looking for or doing to help them. I do think they are gonna be so in love as before he incident they were fantastic together I also think I moved them too fast with the big step to access to hall and living room which I am kicking myself for.

[DanaNM]

It does sound like car rides helped in the beginning, so you might take them on a car ride together again.

With my two, I waited for 48 hours with no aggressive behaviors to progress to the next step. The short chase sounds like progress. Eventually that should stop. That plus cuddling, grooming, sharing food without incident.

I didn’t use any toys, but I did make sure they always had TONS of fresh hay all over the place, and sticks to chew on. I also had 1 HUGE litter box, but have since switched to two smaller ones, which they seem happier with.

When you separate them for longer periods, i think it would be best if neither rabbit was in the area that they will be sharing. I’m not totally clear on how much space you have to work with in your home, or how many pens you have to work with… so just do the best you can. The rescue might be able to loan you an extra section of fence or a pen if you are in a pickle.

It’s hard to describe, but when they are finally bonded, they will just seem much more relaxed all of the sudden. For example, pre-bond, one bun might get tense if the other is hanging out by their backside. But, once they are bonded, they will practically climb all over each other without a second thought.

You know your two best, so trust your instincts. If they still seem tense to you, then they aren’t quite ready. But it does sound like they are very close to being bonded… it’s just up to them to decide how much longer they need!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Ffionwillsx]

Help!!! I’m really sorry but I can’t remember how to make a new post! I got my brother tot come up during the days and stay with my bunnies while I was at work so they wouldn’t need to be seperated. They were at the point that they were never out of eachother sights. One was always following the other. They play together, eat and sleep and I rarely saw them more than about two feet apart!
After a week of this my brother left to go to college and I was going to work. Everything fine. Space still big yet not completely free roam during the day when I wasn’t here.

I’ve just arrived from work to evidence of a fight. Checked my bunnies over. There are a few cuts and a ripped ear. When I came back they were sat about a meter apart. I am devastated.

They had a scuffle three weeks ago and I think it was due to me increasin their space too drastically too quick – giving all hall and living room straight away. Oscar has still blantantly been the dominant.

I’ve contacted my rescue lady Jai to say and she’s said I need to make a decision about Lola. I just don’t know what to do?! This one must have been vicious. I need advice!!

Please?

[DanaNM]

I’m so sorry this happened.

Since they were injured you will need to completely separate them and take a 3 month break, where they are out of sight of each other. They need time to forget the fight.

If you try to bond them again, you’ll basically need to start from square one… and there is a possibility this match just won’t work. With all of the pre-bonding and intense bonding you did with them, I’m inclined to think they just aren’t right for each other, given their history of fights breaking out when everything seems to be going well :'(

Again, I’m so so sorry, I know how devastating this can be (I had a bond break on me after 5 months, it was heartbreaking). Be thankful that neither bunny was injured more seriously. I do recommend having them both looked over by a vet to make sure there isn’t something you missed.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Ffionwillsx]

I have seperated them now. It’s just not really feasible for 3months to keep them out of sight and smell of eachother. It’s a two bedroom flat and quite open plan. I’m really inclined to think that they may not be suited but I don’t understand why they’re so lovey and then this happened seemingly out of nowhere. I’d like to give it another go but as I said the set up to keep them that seperated for three mo this is not that realistic. I was planning on taking them to the vet tomorrow. I have to go to work until 2pm but I can go straight down then.

Is there anything I can do in the mean time? Both seem fine in themselves but Lola is a little jittery.

I’m heartbroken.

[DanaNM]

It is so tragic, I really am sorry. Without seeing what started the fight it’s hard to know what really happened. You might search the bonding forum for similar cases and see if you can find some success stories where they were bonded successfully later on.

I do recall one member who had a pair that would not bond, so they opted to just keep them both separately forever. After a year of this, they found that the two were grooming each other through the fence and always laying near each other. They tried bonding them again and it was pretty much instant. But that is definitely not always the case, and with a fight this serious, it’s hard to know if they will ever be able to forgive.

What did the person at the rescue say?

In the mean time just give them lots of extra snuggles and love, as I am sure they need it.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Ffionwillsx]

She initially asked if I wanted to take Lola back as she understood it was stressful. But I’ve found it so difficult to decide to do that so I called Jai at the rescue last night to ask advice. She’s agreed to keep them seperate for now – she says to get a baby gate with mesh though as the more contact he better? But obviously this is co flirting with what the forum says about instances like this. She then said during half term I could start trying the bonding – this is in 7 weeks as I am off for a week. She recommends wholeheartedly doing intense bonding so the long sessions.

She also gave me personal experience with her buns (her personal pair) where they had ups and downs. Thy were seemingly bonded for a few weeks then a big fight. She said that it took 6 months with two big relapses and now they’re perfect but her female is nippy when something upsets her.

She said that about 4week of separation would be enough? I am really hoping this will work out now as they were so sweet together and I’ve also seen Lola’s personality blossom since being with me. I would hate her to go back to into such a stressful environment.

[sarahthegemini]

The problem with allowing them to see and smell one another at this point is they won’t forget each other and because they’ve fought, they could hold a grudge. It’s really important that they are given the opportunity to forget one another so it’s a fresh start for them when you start pre bonding and then bonding again.

Is it possible to separate them and use blankets or something as a barrier so they at least can’t see each other?

[Ffionwillsx]

I could put a blanket over the baby gate possibly? i have quite a heavy blanket I could use. Do you think around 6-7 weeks apart is okay? And should I not swap them at all in this time? My issue is that I don’t want one to be closed off from the area and not access as much social interaction. Jai said that I could change this living areas when I clean their spaces so every few days when I clean the area I can swap them? Lola needs the interaction and oscar is used to it.

Currently oscar is in bunny room and hallway and Lola is in kitchen/living room. My apartment is basically split down the middle.

I’ve noticed that Lola also has a watery eye and looks like fur missing from just under the eye. I don’t know if she had a scartach or anything. So I’ve just registered both with a new local bunny savvy vets as the one I usually use is about an hour away so we are off to the vets this afternoon just to make sure everything is ok with both.

As awkward as the living situation currently is I just want both to be happy and healthy as soon as possible. Even though they both seem fine with themselves. Eating, exploring, flopping. They are both very jumpy today. Bless them.

[DanaNM]

A blanket over the baby gate might work, maybe doubled up with some card board underneath. Ideally you might get a second baby gate, and cover both with blankets, so the hallway would be off limits to both bunnies, then you would have a true buffer.

7 weeks might be enough… but what I am more concerned with is then allowing only 1 week for you to bond them. With their history, I would think at least 2… my two, and Sarah’s took two weeks of marathoning, and that was without major fights.

Not sure about switching them…. but if you clean it might be ok? My understanding is that you should not do swaps while they are recovering, but i understand that the areas are unequal. That’s tough. You might just need to make sure you spend some time everyday in the bunny room with whoever is in there.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Ffionwillsx]

I think I may use the half term to donintense bonding – then if they aren’t settled when I’m back in work donlong sessions in the evenings about 4pm-10pm then seperate again when I go to bed etc. Then 24/7 on the weekends.

I just don’t understand what may have happened? I don’t want to believe that they will never truly settle as the last three weeks have been bliss so I feel they can obviously get along and enjoy each others company? Or I may be wrong.

don’t know if I can afford two baby gates. I need extra wide ones by the looks of things. I’ll keep having a look to see if I can get a cheaper one and maybe get two then.

[DanaNM]

It is really hard to know…. any new smells in the house? New people? New bonds can be fragile, and it sounds like they weren’t totally cemented yet. I really don’t know though, just guessing

It might be most cost effective to get a pack of the NIC storage grids and then zip tie them together to make whatever fencing you need.

Not sure where you live, but a large pack of them on amazon is $36. Probably cheaper than a baby gate, and more versatile.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Ffionwillsx]

As they had not been seperated during the whole bonding process I really don’t know what I can do to ensure it’s cemented next time? If I do the intense bonding what would the cementing entail. As far as I’m aware nothing new. There was a new candle but that had been there for about 4days?

I have just ordered the NIC storage grids on amazon – took a while to find a supplier to the UK so I hope they’re the right ones. They should get here Sunday. It was a really good idea thank you – as I can use them as storage then afterwards. The only problem will be ease of access for me to go room to room. I’ll see what I can do.

Both been checked at the vet – mainly superficial wounds. Have a few shaved patches just to be sure though and some drops for Lola’s eye – no scratches on the eye but looks as if maybe it was caught as it is swollen and a little weepy. So the drops are just to be on the safe side going back in a few days just to check up. After pouting for me putting them through the horrific vet experience both are happy once more in their respective halves of the apartment.

[Deleted User]

Good luck with it all!! I’m sorry this happened and that sucks! Although reading about such a random event after thinking they were bonded, I’ve successfully terrified myself into worrying about something like that happening with my two

[Ffionwillsx]

I’m not sure what set them off hat whybim so concerned. Been for the second vet visit today just to see how Lola’s eye is as it was watering Friday and all is well both of their wounds are healing nicely and Lola’s eye is much better but continuing with the drops until Friday.

I have one baby gate set up for when I’m here. It has netting around it and a heavy blanket over it. Just waiting for the second one to arrive as I had only ordered one that first evening. But I have had my prime suspect (instigator) flop on one side of the gate. Obviously I’m not going to move any quicker than my initial plan.

I’ve also been to speak with my local rspca to ask advice on how they would precede too. I’m just hoping that if we get back to bonded that it will stick. I’m just at a loss as to what happened.

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