Can size affect a healthy bond?

[Kiwi]

Around 2 weeks ago, I got a second rabbit (Mango) from my friend because she couldn’t care for her anymore. I waited awhile before starting the bonding process because of how timid Mango is. Mango weighs I’m thinking around 10 lbs and I’m not sure her breed. Sweetie Pie weighs barely 2 lbs and is a Netherlands Dwarf. When you compare their sizes, Pie is clearly smaller than Mango. I’m afraid Mango may hurt Pie trying to play. I’ve begun the bonding process, is this a good idea or should I just keep them separate?

[Deleted User]

You should let Mango settle in. She’s timid because it’s a brand new environment for her. So how she acts now in bonding sessions could change a lot once she settles in and feels more comfortable. She should be allowed to settle for at least a month, then you should prebond for the next month after to get them used to each others’ scents, then you can begin short (10 minutes or less) bonding sessions.

[Vienna Blue in France]

Are they both spayed/neuteured ?

[Kiwi]

Both are spayed, yes. Just began their first “date” in a neutral area and put out some hay. Mango is very sweet and has gotten used to her new home. I put them on some carpet together and Pie went straight for the hay. Mango was keeping alert and neared Pie, and Pie went bezerk! She began scratching and grunting while Mango ran. Pie wasn’t chasing, only when Mango got near her did she go crazy. Pie has a very aggressive personality so I separated the fight and watched them a little longer. Again Mango came to sniff Pie and a fight broke out. I’m not sure why Pie is like this, maybe because hay was present and she thought Mango would steal it. The territory was neutral and kind of near my dog’s scent. Thanks for replying above!

[Deleted User]

Did you do any prebonding? This ne da to happen for at least a month for them to get used to each other’s scents. It’s so so important.

[OnyxMoon]

I agree with Asriel and Bombur, Pre-bonding is so very important. I know it can be a lengthy process and people get impatient but it will be worth it in the end when you have a bonded pair of bunnies. I had the same issue with my bunny and a bonded pair that my sister has. 

Pre-bonding could be just switching their pans around, so that Pie has Mango’s litter box or cage tray and Mango has Pie’s. I would highly suggest and urge you take your time and not try to rush the process. Lots of people overlook the pre-bonding process and just want to dive into it, i did before Asriel informed me that i was skipping a step! 

Bunnies are naturally territorial and Mango is now in Pie’s territory. So Pie will get upset with an unknown bunny in her space, so getting them used to each other’s scent would help a lot because then Mango becomes a familiar scent to Pie and it wont make her prone to getting aggressive.  And always start out small, and then get bigger. Sessions should be small at first. 

When you first meet someone you aren’t going to get married right away, and when bunnies see each other they won’t either. That how i liked to think of it anyway! lol 

[Deleted User]

lol That’s a great point I never even thought of before xD

[Kiwi]

Oh thanks so much! Many sites do not explain pre-bonding, and this is my first time bonding rabbits. I’ll wait a while and see if I will be able to move their cages near each other after things have settled. I’ve noticed that Pie is staying near me a lot more than she used to since I got Mango. I’m wondering if she’s nervous but she seems very relaxed, even after fights. I’ll keep updated about what’s going on with their progress!

[Deleted User]

Buns show nervousness in different ways, so I think it’s good if you just keep monitoring her. Moving their cages together is the best idea. They’ll be able to see each other, and eventually they may even start to mirror each other. Just keep switching stuff around every few days and it’ll really get them used to the idea of potentially meeting again.

I feel like so may people and vets are unaware about proper bunny bonding because it’s just so unfamiliar. With cats and dog you can just put them together and they’ll do great, but with bunnies everything needs to be just so for each pair.

[Kiwi]

Update: I’ve moved Pie next to Mango’s cage and it seems like everything’s going great. They enjoy watching each other. Pie’s been moved to the garage with Mango (don’t worry, both tolerate loud sounds very well) and the only thing that’s amiss is the hot weather. I’m currently doing a bonding session with Mango since she’s still a bit skittish of me.

One thing I’ve noticed is that Pie’s urine is redder than usual. It’s not blood but I’ve heard heat stress can cause it to be red. Pie’s always has had darker urine, so I’m wondering if this is a problem or not. Thanks!

[Author]

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