day 6 of bonding what next

[Flakie]

This is day six of bonding my two new bunnies. 

day one – Basil the male chased nipped and pulled fur she’s only a baby (5 months) had to water squirt him twice and he stopped

day two – put them in carry case together close contact he nipped again but they stayed together side by side. after 15 mins transferred in to a small pen area and they watched each other a little nipping from him

day three – Basil grooming Holly a lot she just sits there

day four – they both grooming each other. he pushes under her face and she crawls slowly under his

day five – in larger pen eating together and mutual licking and playing with toys. She fell asleep beside him stretched out and they both lying together side by side totally relaxed

Today – ate greens together same as above times increased to 1.5 hours no nipping at all larger area together

what next??? we supervise them the whole time just in case as early days swapping them about their living quarters so they can smell each other. First time bonding

any advice appreciated thanks  

[DanaNM]

Is Holly spayed? If not, you risk fights occurring due to her hormones, and she is also at high risk of cancer. Sorry if you know that already, but it must be said.

Can you give some more info on whether you’ve done pre-bonding and how long the sessions are?

Things seem to be moving too fast. Now you would want to make the sessions in the neutral space longer, so work slowly up to 6 -8 hour sessions in that space.

. . . 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.  

[Flakie]

Yes she has been spayed. Basil was introduced to her after 10 days at the centre. We are at 1.5 hour sessions in neutral space in the kitchen at the moment.

She was put in the pen at the rescue to start the bond then I have been starting with 15 mins. Now twice a day with no fighting or nipping.

[DanaNM]

Ok great, yeah I would just work up to longer sessions!

Once you get up to 6 or 8 hours in that neutral space you can try leaving them together overnight in the kitchen. Can you sleep near them so you would wake up if they started scuffling?

The next step after long sessions in neutral is to move to “semi-neutral” space. Usually that means an area that is within sight of what will be their shared home.

. . . 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.  

[Flakie]

That’s great. Holly actually felll asleep beside him in the bonding pen and he went over and sat down beside her while she slept. They groom each other and theirselves in the bonding pen and share food and toys. He doesn’t like being taken out of the pen after bonding and runs to her side.

[DanaNM]

That all sounds very positive! Sounds like a very easy bond!

. . . 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.  

[Flakie]

Fingers crossed it continues

[DanaNM]

I’ve just come across your other thread, so sorry for your loss of Flakie, but happy you are giving a good home to two new buns. They are gorgeous!

I am sure it’s helping the process that they are both new to you and your home! Having lots of neutral space and a neutral perspective is always nice.

. . . 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.  

[Flakie]

Thank you DanaNM

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