Deciding not to bond/maybe getting another bun

[Deleted User]

I love my boys to death, and I loved how they were inseparable before hormones kicked in. My husband and I were going to bond them in September and never did. My thing with bonding them now is that Asriel’s personality has really started to shine through lately, and it is honestly the most wonderful thing. It has taken months for this to happen. Bombur is one of those buns that constantly needs the love and attention on himself, and he would frequently mount Asriel when they were babes. It made Asriel pretty timid. With Asriel’s newfound confidence, I really don’t want to break that by bonding them, because I know Bombur will try with all his might to be top bun. I’m thinking about getting a girlfriend for Bombur in another year, when the time is right. Any thoughts?

[Oliver's Roost]

PREFACE: I am no bunny expert compared to others on here. I, myself, am going through my own bunny bonding issues right now.

How long has it been since they have been separated? I’m confident that you could probably rebond them. However, they are both definitely going to be neutered. From what I have heard, and from what I have experienced with my first male rabbit, neutering will definitely calm down Bombur. Hopefully, it will also take down his desire to be such a dominate “top bun.” In addition, I have also heard that neutering doesn’t have a huge effect on their personalities. Neutering will most definitely make them both more mild buns and without hormones in the way, I would guess that Asriel will continue to grow and be confident.

Regardless, neutering is good for the overall wellbeing of both buns no matter if they end up being bonded again or not. I would advise against getting a female though if you’re worrying about Bombur being over-dominating. I contemplated the same thing with my two boys. I believe that adding a honey-bunny would only increase the chances of them fighting if they are not bonded prior to the female bun’s introduction.

Again, I am no expert but I hope this helps. Best of luck!

[Deleted User]

I’ve been down all this road ages ago. They’ve been neutered for months. And they were separated 3 weeks after we got them after Bombur went a little to hump happy. Both of their personalities actually took a twist after their neuter, but for the better. This debate has been going on here for a bit. I did one bonding session in August, and Asriel took 5 steps back in all his progress on coming out of his shell. Asriel is a very independent bun. Loves to do everything on his own. Bombur definitely needs a friend though.

[Mikey]

Personally, I think that sounds like a lovely idea

My Blue sounds a lot like your Bombur in the sense that Blue constantly needs and wants attention. Blue bonded quickly with my Bombur though, who has always been very passive and timid. My Bombur really enjoys being Blues underling, and gets scared if Blue leaves his eyesight. Hes Blues little shadow, and of course, Blue loves that because Bombur constantly gives him attention when I cannot. I think if you find a very timid and submissive bun for your Bombur, it will work out to become a lovely pair.

[Deleted User]

Exactly Mikey! He needs a bun who will love him every second of everyday, and Asriel is far too independent to do that. He nips at Bombur’s nose through a the bars whenever Bombur gets too annoying with the groom through the bars requests.i think a bonded pair and a solo Asriel would just work so well. Someone suggested that i rehome Asriel just because I don’t think they’d make a good bond. I was mortified. I’ve had them since 7.5 weeks old, and I’ve been with Asriel this whole time getting him to come out of his shell, and it’s been so rewarding. I wouldn’t dream of giving him up, not now that he hops all over me for kisses, or ever.
Ideally the plan is to move back into our own apartment with lots of space, and then take Bombur to the shelter to speed date. There’s usually 3-4 buns in the shelter at any given time.

[Mikey]

Aw, thats sad someone would even suggest that! D: I have a single (Badger, disabled) and hes as happy as can be. Hes much happier (and healthier) being a single bun. Meanwhile, the other two are inseparable together. You can definitely have a happy pair and a happy single

I hope whenever the time comes that you and Bombur find the perfect bun for him to bond with

[Boston's Mama]

I think it’s a great idea

Side note : try not to be offended by whoever suggested that to you , the intentions may have been coming from a good place as a lot of people end up in the situation of failed bonds and the option to have 3-4 buns is not an option ( either for time , space , good of the bunnies due to damage from the bond attempt making one stressed being about to sense the other or constantly trying to get to each other by jumping barriers and baby gates etc etc ) so for some it comes down to that being the only option – I was one in that situation – not for space or time but for a very stressed bunny who ended up sick due to the stress despite not being able to see each other etc .
For others it may be time – 2 is the most they can exercise and clean and provide attention for – it’s two singles or a bonded pair and if one or bond would be better with a friend they miss that opportunity. In places where speed dating is available I highly recommend that to reduce the chances of that and the stress of being in that situation. And shelters who allow you to trial the bunny – coz It is hard and def not easy

Anyway I’m happy in your situation you have options and they are not stressed and space and time are not issues
I’m sure asriels personality will grow even more now he is a happy single and hopefully soon Bombur will have a happy marriage soon too

[Deleted User]

Thanks Boston! Asriel has actually been so outgoing lately. My husband and I frequently ask him what he did with the old Asriel xD He just absolutely loves to jump to high places and explore every inch of our place. When he’s done he’ll come lay next to me and put his butt in the air and plant his nose into the floor and makes me pet his nose for like an hour. If you stop he gets very fussy and will frantically sniff for my hand. Bombur is still Bombur, and sad that Asriel doesn’t love him. We say Asriel tolerates Bombur. They share hay through each other’s bars, they lay right next to each other through the cages, but when Asriel gets annoyed he’ll kick his feet at Bombur and go back to exploring. It’s really funny to watch.

[Author]

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