changes after bonding

[msbunillathumperton]

I had Bunilla for a little over 2 months before we decided to add a friend for her to the household. Before adding the 2nd bun, she was very affectionate, would come over to us and lay down for pets, loved having the top of her head kissed. She would jump around on the couch if we were sitting on it, periodically perch on one of us and would go up to the back of it to gaze out the window over the neighborhood. Since we brought her home with her new companion, she wants nothing to do with us, won’t even stay still for 2 seconds for pets. I also have not seen her do a single binkie since she got back, either. The 2 definitely get along well but even more sad is the new guy is positively terrified of us which breaks my heart. Any thoughts?

[The Law Bun]

I do not have a bonded set of bunnies, but I can speak from what I have read. Some people have said that bunnies who are bonded are less interested in human companionship. Some bunnies I have read get more confident and thus are more open to human touch than others. However, it seems to vary pretty wildly.

Hopefully someone with actual bonded pair will come along but until then, to me it seems like par for the course. You could definitely try spending some one on one time with the new bunny to try and gain trust. Just send and let him get used to you. Good luck!

[Draco Bunny]

I have a Brown Lop named “Pebbles” (14 weeks) my wife’s pick and a Blue Eyed American White Dwarf named “Stewart Little” Dead ringer for the name too. (16 weeks) my daughter and my pick.

I have had buns in the past, so I knew it would be best to bound with mine before the other. I asked my wife to do the same. But sadly, she did not take the time before hand.

So Stewart and I are bonded. I then allowed Stewart more access to Pebbles. They took a few days to determine the “Top Bunny” Status. Stewart took that honor. So, once Pebbles accepted his place on the rabbit chain, he’s been pretty laid back and not very active.

I’ve asked my wife to give Pebbles more time and see if they can form a bond as well.

The interesting thing is that Stewart will pick me over Pebbles when it comes to grooming and attention. However, when I am not available, he will groom Pebbles and give him more attention.

I would suggest separating them for about an hour a day. During that time, each human picks which bun they want to reconnect with. Spend that time 110% with that bun. I think bunnies are quite capable of having both a human and an animal bonding.

BOTH are lickers, but Pebbles will only lick me after I’ve given him at LEAST 10 minutes of grooming time.

[msbunillathumperton]

Tomorrow will be a week since we brought Cornelius home and as of this morning, still frantically scatters away if we try to pet him I hope he will just take time to get used to us. Maybe I was spoiled Nills was very confident and not afraid of us since the very first day we got her?

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