*FAILED* Bonding Journal: Thor and Boo

[ThorBunny]

Starting a bonding journal here to keep track myself and pick up on any tips you guys have! This is my first time bonding so I’m sure I’ll have lots of questions. 

Here’s our new addition to the family, Boo! I told a bit of his backstory in an introductory post in the lounge. Short version, he is neutered, 1.5yrs old, rescued from a slaughterhouse and needed to have all his front teeth removed due to malocclusion. 

I’ve had my eye on this bun for a while, but we were totally undecided this morning when we came to the shelter since it depended on who Thor liked best. 

None of the dates were outstanding, but by far the best one was with Boo! They spent about 10 minutes together at the shelter, and had no major incidents or aggression. In general, they were curious about each other but spent most of their time ignoring each other and pretending to explore. They were a bit nervous but there was no chasing or nipping. Once, they came nose to nose and Thor presented for grooming. Boo did not groom her yet though. At the end of the session, both flopped at opposite sides of the pen which we took as a good sign, at least they were relaxed!

Since coming home, Boo has been set up in a pen in the living room. Thor came to investigate a few times and they sniffed at eachother through the bars (don’t worry they are separated a couple of inches so they can’t bite!) She doesn’t seem too perturbed so far that she has an intruder in her area. Tonight, I’ll keep her in the kitchen and let him roam the living room. My plan is to switch them every few days so they get used to the scent of the other. 

I’ll update this when we have had our first at-home date! Fingers crossed, I really like this guy. 

[sarahthegemini]

How exciting, good luck! And what a gorgeous boy Boo is. So lucky to have been rescued

[Bam]

Really exciting! Many bonding-vibes for ((((Thor and Boo)))) ??

[Q8bunny]

Can’t wait! This is more exciting than Game of Thrones!

[ThorBunny]

Oof well that could have gone better, but I’m sure it could have gone worse as well

On the advice of the shelter people, we started bonding today. They seemed to think it would be best if we started right away since they had already met once for their speed date.

First date: 15 minutes. Neutral territory (bedroom)
Surprising to me, Boo is trying to be the dominant bun. He spent a lot of the session humping Thor. She seemed to take this OK, but got annoyed and gave him a little nip and grunt twice. I immediately stopped any humping that was backwards and broke them up after 20-30s other times. Is it common for buns to be that humpy on a first (or second) meeting? Thor seemed pretty stressed out by it all, but not too aggressive. She didn’t groom Boo, although he presented several times. When they came nose to nose I spend some time petting both and they both snuggled into each other. We ended the session on one of those notes, with them both snuggled next to each other and me petting them.

They still seem very nervous, man bonding is stressful! I’m going to do another short session this evening after letting them have some time to calm down. Any advice?

[ThorBunny]

Date 2: 30 minutes

Ugh this afternoons session did not go as well… Much initial fighting (boxing grunting and scratching, no serious biting) that I managed to break up with a squirt bottle. Before I discovered the squirt technique was the best, they boxed at each other a few times. I put a gate between them to calm them down for a few minutes then let them back in together. After I broke up a fight with a squirt, they finally settled down. Both groomed the water off, then they kindof flopped and loafed on opposite sides of the pen. I pet them some, and they stayed pretty calm. After 30 minutes I ended the session like that.

Is this a really bad sign? They don’t seem to like each other at all…

[DanaNM]

Males will usually try to be dominant first, but usually the female will end up being dominant, so that’s not too unusual.

I’m really surprised the shelter told you to start sessions right away. I REALLY recommend letting the new bun settle in for at least a week, and doing pre-bonding as you had planed, especially since they are acting crazy when you first put them together. Meeting once for the speed date makes no difference.

It is also very important that you do NOT let them fight. You must anticipate their behavior. Loafing at the end is good. But yeah, I think you need to do the pre-bonding as you planned to!

Also, what is your bonding space like?

. . . 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.  

[Q8bunny]

It really depends on the type of fighting, though. Buns are like kids – they need to be allowed to establish hierarchy via some scuffling, even if it’s terrifying for us (since fur tends to fly very easily in these situations). You would want to step in before it turns vicious, obviously, though.

But I agree – settling in and pre-bonding are highly recommended prior to having them meet again.

[ThorBunny]

Thanks guys!

Yes it was definitely not an all out fight from what I’ve seen in bonding videos, more of a grumpy tussle. But I figured it was best to break them up as soon as possible! I’ll give them a few days of settling before trying again, we’ve already been switching them every day so they’re getting used to the scent of the other. They eat meals peacefully next to each other on opposite sides of the fence. Boo already seems pretty relaxed, which is nice . I’ve actually been seeing a ton of binkies from him, and more than usual from Thor.

Sigh I guess I’m just so nervous! It’s much more stressful than I thought it would be. Hopefully worth it in the long run!

Edit: Dana – my current bonding space is in a room neither bun has been before, hardwood floors. I put a towel down in the area so they have a place with a little traction, but most of the space is slippery (on purpose, I heard this helps mitigate fighting?). There’s nothing else in there, it’s about 16sq feet I’d say. I haven’t tried feeding them in there yet, but I may do that once they are getting along a bit better…

[Luna]

I agree. Even with the positive speed date, there should still be pre-bonding time . When they are ready for sessions, maybe stick to 15 min ones for a while? It seems like they did better together on the shorter session compared to the 30 min one.

[DanaNM]

Posted By ThorBunny on 7/31/2017 7:24 AM

Thanks guys!

Yes it was definitely not an all out fight from what I’ve seen in bonding videos, more of a grumpy tussle. But I figured it was best to break them up as soon as possible! I’ll give them a few days of settling before trying again, we’ve already been switching them every day so they’re getting used to the scent of the other. They eat meals peacefully next to each other on opposite sides of the fence. Boo already seems pretty relaxed, which is nice . I’ve actually been seeing a ton of binkies from him, and more than usual from Thor.

Sigh I guess I’m just so nervous! It’s much more stressful than I thought it would be. Hopefully worth it in the long run!

Edit: Dana – my current bonding space is in a room neither bun has been before, hardwood floors. I put a towel down in the area so they have a place with a little traction, but most of the space is slippery (on purpose, I heard this helps mitigate fighting?). There’s nothing else in there, it’s about 16sq feet I’d say. I haven’t tried feeding them in there yet, but I may do that once they are getting along a bit better…

Ah gotcha. Yeah, it’s tough to make the call when to intervene! Early on, things can escalate quickly, and I probably tend to intervene too soon at first…. Basically anytime they circle or chase for more than a couple seconds that should be stopped. 

I found that pre-bonding really helped mine. I feel like it lets the “OMG A NEW BUNNY” energy die down a bit, so they can actually get to the business of sorting out dominance. The first speed date (where they hadn’t met before), Moose humped Bertha somewhat relentlessly. But, after pre-bonding, they approached each other much more cautiously, and Moose didn’t just run up and try to mount her as much. 

Bonding area sounds good. You might remove the towel for now, and then later, once they are doing well, add something to cover the full floor. Buns also tend to behave differently when they can see you, so you might try to cover at least one of the pen walls with a blanket or cardboard so you can hide behind it. 

Last thing, there is a chance that the room still smells somewhat like Thor’s territory, since it’s the same house and all and you likely track in odors. You might want to clean the floor with vinegar, just as a precaution. I’ve also heard of people putting a little vanilla extract around to make it smell more foreign. 

. . . 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.  

[ThorBunny]

Well I’m about to try to put them together again tomorrow!

After a week with us, Boo is super comfortable now He’s been flopping against us for pets, and even groomed me once. He is quite the lovable goon and seems to have settled in well. So I think I’m ready to try bonding again.

Have a question about putting them in the bonding space: Is it ok to lure Boo in there instead of picking him up? He’s not comfortable with being picked up at all. Before to move him, we would get him into his carrier but that too is fairly stressful as it involves restricting his space then pushing his butt in the carrier. We don’t pick Thor up either, but she is trained and is good about getting in her carrier on command. Since we haven’t had time to do this with Boo yet, which do you think is better? Stressing him out (and potentially harming our new bond with him) by getting him in the carrier or letting him walk into the bonding space?

[DanaNM]

He sounds like a love bug!  

I would pick him up or get him in the carrier. I think letting him walk into the bonding area might make it less neutral, as he will realize it’s connected to his other area. He might not be happy with you during bonding, but he’ll get over it. 

You may be able to train him to get into his carrier with treats quicker than you’d think. 

. . . 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.  

[ThorBunny]

Today’s sessions went better than last week (I think). We did 2 20 minute sessions, one in the morning and just finished up one this afternoon.

We had no fighting today! Although I did have to re-direct an aggressive looking bunny a few times. Mostly they were fairly chill, looked at each other from across the pen. Ate some salad. Both full on flopped at the end of the afternoon bonding (it’s sleepy time). I’m feeling pretty positive about it! I think I’ll keep being in the pen for a few more days to make absolutely sure they don’t fight at all. I think my mistake before was allowing small nips, which tends to escalate with these 2. Hopefully this will help build the trust. Both of them really want to be dominant, so I’m letting them do this slowly.

Sound good?

[ThorBunny]

Things went ok again today. Although we did have a b**** of a time catching Boo to put him in his carrier  I usually put an x-pen around him and then scoot his butt in, but he figured out this morning he can hide under the couch. I’ll have to be craftier in the future… sigh. 

No fights or nips. 30 minute session today. I again had to re-direct a few aggressive looking moments. 

There was one grooming stand-off:

And at the end they both flopped, but closer to each other than before!

They still haven’t decided who is dominant. And seem slightly nervous. Sigh, these buns. 

[DanaNM]

Sounds like things are coming along nicely! 

At this point, I would try to not be in the pen with them, and see how it goes. If that goes OK, it’s even better if you can be out of their site (but positioned so you can still see and hear them). Be armed with a squirt bottle, and have the vacuum cleaner plugged in and ready to go in case they start chasing or nipping. 

As much as you will want to stop them nipping at all, a bit is normal and necessary for them to sort out dominance. Now that they are calmer, you should hopefully notice that the nips don’t develop into a scuffle. Circling, chasing, and very hard biting should be stopped though. 

. . . 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.  

[ThorBunny]

Just a quick update on the *hopefully soon to be* happy couple. Today after 5 days and 7 dates with me in the pen keeping them from fighting, we had a date today where I started them side by side for pets, well it was more nose to nose. Neither of them can be easily picked up, so it was stressing them out way too much to maneuver them into position. But they seemed peaceful about that. Afterwards, they spent 1 hr in the pen together with me on the outside.

They didn’t display any affectionate behavior, but when they came close to each other they would only sniff nervously or occasionally Boo would box and grunt at Thor. She would retreat and he would not chase. There were a few flops. Seem like progress? Should I force them to snuggle more? I take it as progress that they didn’t need me to break up any fights today, even if they haven’t learned to like each other yet.

Dana: Unfortunately the vacuum won’t work for me as Thor is not afraid of it at all I think she may be a little deaf, cute lil lop. They both HATE cooking smells, but I can’t very well start frying garlic on command when they are acting aggressive, lol.

[DanaNM]

Definitely sounds like progress! I would just repeat that again! And if they seem relaxed after an hour you can start increasing the length of time they are together. 

Mine didn’t actually groom or seem to really decide they liked each other until we were in marathon territory. At that point they had been spending 4-8 hours together with no chasing or tussling, mostly just lounging. 

Lol about cooking garlic! Mine HATE the sound of onion sizzling! 

. . . 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.  

[ThorBunny]

I’m sorry to report that things have taken another step back, if we were making progress at all before. I have continued with the pattern of previous dates, starting in the pen with them then letting them have some time alone. After the first time I tried pushing them together for pets (my previous post) they haven’t tolerated it at all and always try to fight when they get close, so I let them back off. They try to fight right away without even presenting for grooms. Today they had a big blowout fight when I first attempted to pet them next to each other. Lots of fur flew, although luckily there were no injuries

In general, in all bonding sessions, they won’t greet each other without trying to start a fight or grunting and lunging. Even after all this time they spend together with me preventing any aggression. Unfortunately I’m starting to lose hope that they will ever work as a bonded pair.

[Bianca]

Don’t give up yet, even if you have to take it back to shorter sessions for a while. I have heard of rabbits taking months to bond, but it can still happen!

I’m still laughing at the garlic frying! All you need is a portable gas camping stove set up next to them, garlic at the ready!

[ThorBunny]

Thanks Bianca!

Update on bonding: I’ve talked to the shelter we adopted Boo and Thor from and they have agreed to help us by sending them to “bonding boot camp” They have an expert bonder who volunteers there who will take the buns for several days and bond them in neutral space for us. I think this will be really helpful since I’ve just been an emotional stress ball trying to bond these two, taking me out of the equation for a while will probably help, plus I have no idea what I’m doing! We’re on the list and should be able to send them to “camp” in about 2 weeks. So in the meantime I’ll continue pre-bonding by swapping them every other day and doing very short, (hopefully) positive sessions where they are not allowed to fight.

Feeling very lucky we have this resource available, fingers crossed!

[DanaNM]

Reading your last post, this sounds like a great option. Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery and a bit of stress to move things along. That’s awesome that you have that resource available!

And second not getting discouraged. It can feel like it will never work, then 1 week later they are madly in love, so patience is key. Glad you are getting an experienced bonder to help. Bunston and Bertha were a very difficult bond (3 months), and my first foray into bonding, and I had to get step by step advice from someone who was experienced, because it’s hard to know when to push harder and when to back off.

. . . 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.  

[joea64]

If you lived in my area, I’d put you in contact with my local rabbit rescue (Friends of Rabbits). Their head lady is REALLY good with bonding bunnies, too. Good luck and keep it up with the pre-bonding!

[Deleted User]

That’s too bad!! ….I feel like I am going to be in a similar situation…. but that’s a matter for another time!

You have a neutral territory for them right? I asked my local rescue about help with bonding and they told me that I have to make sure I have neutral space at home, because they can be friendly at the shelter but turn back to fighting when introduced back at home. I was pretty sure you said you had neutral space, but I wanted to share that little bit of advice that I received!!

[ThorBunny]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone, I’m trying to be more hopeful. They would make such a lovely couple I don’t think they HATE each other but they sure are scared and defensive. I feel like they need to get over a major hurdle before we can make any headway. If they can get past outright aggression I’ll be happy to take up the rest of the bonding from there.

And yes I have a neutral space for them, its an x-pen in a room neither have been before. I even put down a tarp on the floor in case it still smelled like Thor’s territory because we might track scent in from the rest of the apartment.

[Dface]

From what I read and have seen its harder to bring a male into a females territory than the other way around. My house that I lived in for bonding was huge, and had rooms that even I didnt go into, so when I used them for bonding and the aggression was still horrendous I felt pretty hopeless.
The big break for us was when I had to move house!
The rabbits were seperated from me and each other for a week. Im not sure if the week away from everything they knew helped, or the outdoor bonding sessions stressed them enough but they did bond.

Sometimes I think as owners we make it worse than better because rabbits view us as part of the bond, whereas being with a stranger in a w’weird’ place helps them to just think about each other

[sarahthegemini]

If any of you are worrying about your bunnies never bonding, I urge you to read Vienna’s thread about Zou and Henry <3

[Dface]

If any of you are worrying about your bunnies never bonding, I urge you to read Vienna’s thread about Zou and Henry <3

Yup!
Hers was a great example of ‘non-conventional’ and the need some rabbits have for space over confinement!

[Vienna Blue in France]

OMG. I absolutely, definitely, surely, positively and HIGHLY recommend the “easy option” of bunny bonding camp, if you have the possibility of doing it with a known and trusted bonder. WHY would you put yourself through that IF you have the choice
Some bonds take a weekend, some a month.

You absolutely cannot push these things faster than the buns characters will let them…. be patient.

Message over. Full stop.

[Vienna Blue in France]

double post

[joea64]

Agreed with @Vienna. If I hadn’t been lucky enough to find an already closely-bonded pair, I’d have selected two likely-looking (spayed, neutered) buns who seemed to be receptive to one another and turned to the local bonding expert at Friends of Rabbits to take them through the process. She’s so good at it that she’s gotten the nickname “the bunny whisperer” among local house-rabbit fans in the Washington, DC area.

[ThorBunny]

Vienna, I read your post on Zou and Henry! Thanks for documenting your whole process. I’d say we are in a similar situation, I definitely feel they do better with more space rather than less.

We’re all set with bonding boot camp, they’ll go right before Labor day weekend (August 31st). Hopefully we’ll see improvement!

[Vienna Blue in France]

Are you leaving them there for as long as it takes…. or is it day release…. lol??

[ThorBunny]

Ha! They’re going to sleep away camp. I’ll be such an empty nester with my little babies all grown up and off on their own

The woman said she’ll keep them up to about 10 days, depending on how long it takes they may be home sooner! I know I’ll still have to do quite a bit of work here, but oh its so nice to have someone take over this first stage.

[Vienna Blue in France]

The best thing for me, was the day i went to pick them up, they were still chasing and nipping, but she let them, and that gave me an idea of what they could and couldn’t do, so i let them continue that at home. This was when we knew Zou had turned though. And instead of attacking Henry when he chased, she ran away from him.

I only had a few days at home with them afterwards and Zou threw in the towel, waved her white flag and gave in.

The only diff in Zou’s behaviour is that her litter habits are not as perfect as they were…
Oh, and that she’s in luuuuurve.

[ThorBunny]

I dearly hope that will happen for us

I think they would both be happier, and I so love this new white bunneh in my life <3

[ThorBunny]

They’re going away to bonding camp tomorrow. Things have been good and peaceful here, no aggression during pre-bonding, and they like to hang out at the fence near each-other Boo is really coming out of his shell, so I hope this will work out!

Getting them all packed up to go, will be adding updates from the bonder soon on progress!

[Q8bunny]

Woohoo! May the Force be with them

[Vienna Blue in France]

Fingers, eyes, legs and arms all crossed

[DanaNM]

Hopefully it will turn into their ….. Bunny Moon!
Eh? Eh? I’ll see myself out.

. . . 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.  

[ThorBunny]

Bunny Moon… 

They’re gone! Apartment feels weirdly empty now  The bonding lady was very nice and seemed on top of things. They already had a little scuffle while I was on my way out the door though, sigh. She says she’ll have a good idea if it’s going to work out by Monday or Tuesday, fingers crossed! 

[Vienna Blue in France]

COME ON BUNNYMOONERS !!!!!!!! You can do it !!!!

((((( peeeeaaacccceeeee vibes )))))

[ThorBunny]

Update from the bonding lady:

We don’t want to jinx things but may be making a little progress! She says that yesterday Thor actually gave up fighting pretty quickly, but Boo was still being aggressive. Luckily he can’t bite! LOL Doesn’t stop him from trying though. She says it is normal for the first day to be eh. Silly buns, at least there’s someone less high stress watching them, I would have been a wreck!

[Vienna Blue in France]

Yep. Don’t jinx things.
The power can change balance several times in the bonding process and Boo obv feels that Thor is just faking it (rofl!) , or he wouldnt chase so much still….
So it sounds as if its going well, and yes, “what you cant see, won’t hurt you…. ”
((Come on guys!))

[ThorBunny]

Sigh, bonding lady doesn’t think they’re doing very well, they’ve been fighting

We’re going to be giving it a few more days at least, but I’m preparing myself to take home just one bunny if need be.

The bonding woman thinks that Thor is willing to bond, but Boo is being too aggressive still. Hopefully they get over it soon I’d love to have her bonded, but I’m not sure I can convince myself and my husband to try again anytime soon if this doesn’t work out…

[ThorBunny]

Sad to report that Thor will be coming home today alone…

I’m really heartbroken that we have to leave Boo behind in foster care again I just feel like I’m betraying him and have grown to love him so much in the last month or so. I won’t go on a rant about it here, because I really do think that people should try bonding their rabbits! It would have been so worth it if they had worked out, but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be. Hopefully Boo will find a loving forever home soon <3

I’m also a bit worried about Thor, I hope we can make her a happy bun as a single! I may try again at some point, but I cannot imagine I will be ready anytime soon.

[joea64]

Sorry to hear that it didn’t work out. I guess this particular pairing just wasn’t meant to be, but you did your best and you shouldn’t feel bad about that at least. I do think that you should try again once you feel up to it; it’s entirely likely that Thor’s soulmate is right out there but you just haven’t found him/her yet!

[Bam]

I’m so sorry =(

Some buns just don’t match. Nobody could’ve done more than you. I never managed to bond my Bam and Yohio. They had to live in separate parts of the apartment and it wasn’t ideal. It was stressful for them, especially for Bam who was the more submissive and the older of them.

[DanaNM]

Aww, I’m so sorry this didn’t work out, that’s so tough. I know the struggle. When Bunston passed, it took over a year and two failed attempts to re-bond Bertha. It was really stressful and sad for all of us, as we got attached to the two that didn’t work out, only to have them go back to the shelter.

I wonder if Boo’s missing teeth made him more fearful and aggressive? Maybe he felt too vulnerable to trust another rabbit? Who knows… try not to feel guilty about him. You gave him a loving home for a while, and I’m sure he will find a good home, as he sounds like one of those rabbits that loves people, just not other bunnies.

Our rescue here has noticed that rabbits that have either grown up with siblings or are bonded tend to bond more readily to other rabbits. They usually aren’t as aggressive, because they can communicate other ways. They already “speak rabbit”, so to say. IF you decide to try again some day, you might inquire about buns that have lived with other bunnies before.

But for now, take plenty of time to de-stress, give Thor extra snuggles, and enjoy only cleaning one litter box for a while

. . . 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.  

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By ThorBunny on 9/06/2017 9:33 AM

Sad to report that Thor will be coming home today alone…

I’m really heartbroken that we have to leave Boo behind in foster care again I just feel like I’m betraying him and have grown to love him so much in the last month or so. I won’t go on a rant about it here, because I really do think that people should try bonding their rabbits! It would have been so worth it if they had worked out, but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be. Hopefully Boo will find a loving forever home soon <3

I’m also a bit worried about Thor, I hope we can make her a happy bun as a single! I may try again at some point, but I cannot imagine I will be ready anytime soon.

Aw that’s such a shame but I think you gave it a good bloody shot! I’m sure Boo will find a loving family with the bunny partner he’s meant to be with. Focus on Thor for now, until you’re ready. 

[ThorBunny]

Thanks for your support everyone! I’m happy to be getting at least one adorable fluff back, I’ll shower her with love for a while, maybe try again the next when I have more free time off work…

Dana – The funny thing is, Boo was specifically recommended to us because he has spent his entire life with other bunnies before he came to the shelter! I guess that was before he had his teeth removed though. He used to spend tons of time grooming his stuffed bear and generally seemed like he would make a great bond-mate. You could definitely be right about the teeth, maybe even mild scuffles were scary for him since he can’t defend himself

He does love people so much, he would be a great pet for anyone, snuggly, perfect litter box habits, incapable of chewing and destroying anything, a funny smart goon **If anyone is looking for a rabbit in Massachusetts! Come get him ASAP, he is the BEST!**

At least I don’t feel crazy or incompetent for not getting them to work when the expert couldn’t even do it. She told me that it often takes a long time, but as it had been many days of a marathon bonding attempt with lots of fights and no positive interactions at all she had to call it.

[DanaNM]

Aww, poor Boo. Who really knows what’s going through those tiny little bunny brains. Maybe Thor smells like one of his ex-girlfriends!

And yes, don’t beat yourself up. It’s nice that you had an expert that could make the call sooner than later!

. . . 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.  

[Vienna Blue in France]

So so sorry TB

[Luna]

Don’t feel bad that Boo had to go back to foster care. You at least gave him a chance, and did your very best to help bond him with Thor. I’m sure Thor will continue to be the happy, lovable fluff that she is. And hopefully Boo will find his forever home too .

[ThorBunny]

Final update on the bonding saga.
After a few weeks of feeling sad I am less broken up about having to give up boo. The big news is that Boo was adopted and found his forever home a woman adopted him who has no other bunnies but a nice big house for him to free roam and a dog friend who he already loves! I miss him, but I’m happy he found a great family!

Thor is settling in well back at home, she pouted for a few days but is now back to lots of binkies and eating like a horse. I honestly think she is pretty happy on her own, though I still will probably try another bonding attempt in the next year or so. Today she came over to me and flipped all the way over on her side, then for the first time ever she let me pet her all stretched out she closed her eyes all the way and fell asleep,little dumpling.

[DanaNM]

Awww that’s so lovely to hear!

. . . 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.  

[Vienna Blue in France]

Yay for happy endings… but do try again as sometimes animals and hoomans who say they are happy single, would actually be even happier with a mate….

[ThorBunny]

Yes I agree! I need some time to chill and also to convince my husband we should try again… but I will definitely make another bonding attempt

[Q8bunny]

Not Chewie. I have never seen him more depressed than when we have other rabbits in the house (including his IKEA one, which we had to get rid of because it would get viciously attacked – alternating with emphatically ignored / made jealous with flops and binkies etc)

[Lily]

Hi all! This thread has really helped me learn a lot. I’m at the pre-bonding stage. I hope Thor and Boo are doing ok! I have so much hope for them!
Pepper is seven and spayed, been a house bunny for years ( didn’t go on tile) which she does now (got some courage) since we have thunder (neutered and 2yr)
They have been co habitating between the barrier for a few weeks now and doing great with no signs of aggression. They eat, groom themselves and overall relaxed except she will chin the bars and try to assert her territory. We are trying to figure out the swapping because she is so territorial and loves the bookshelf with blanket and chair in the corner is her ‘huctch’. He being new is adapting well, litter box trained and they eat together along the barrier – sniff noses ( I didn’t realize I needed to have that separated a bit but they have been fine). Pepper does mark along the divide both pee and poop pellets.
Any thoughts on swapping? I’m worried she will ‘go to town’ with marking his area and she will be super upset seeing him in her space.
Thanks! I want to submit a pic to help and need to figure out how to do that.

[Author]

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