fighting rabbits

[kdesmara]

Hello I’m having a horrible time trying to bond my two bunnies. one is four, the other is a year old i recently rescued. they tolerate each other when there is a gate in between. But fight viciously when together. Ive tried stress bonding several times, I put them in a laundry hamper that i pulled across the floor, then put them in the bathtub. The whole process was incredibly stressful for my 4 year old. Recently the baby knocked his gate over while I was at work and my four year old ended up with a bad bite on his ear. Should i keep on with the stress bonding? Or is this a hopeless case? Any advice would be very much appreciated

[Little Lion Head]

Hello! Are you bunnies spayed/neutered?

[kdesmara]

Yes, they are both fixed. My little one i just gOt done in February

[Little Lion Head]

Here’s my thoughts, but they are solely based on my experiences and what I’ve read.

It might make sense to take a small break (maybe a week or two) and give your buns a chance to relax for a bit. Put them out of sight from each other. Then go back to square one with stress bonding.

Were they fighting in the bathtub? While we were bonding, if Pumpkin started humping and Rocky started chasing, we would pull them together face to face and smoooosh their faces together and pet them while they got calm. Sometimes they would continue to lay like that for a few minutes after and we would end the session that way. Always try to end on a good note.

I’m sure you’ve checked out the bonding tab on here (which has excellent tips!) and you should also check out http://www.thebunnychick.com. It’s ran by member tanlover who has successfully bonded two sets of four! She has some great pointers as well!

Remember if you are stressed they will sense that. It’s ok for you to take a break too!

[kdesmara]

They would attempt to fight in the tub yeah, but i had a towel I’d throw in between them to stop it and id pet them till they were calm again. I think starting from square one is a great idea. Im giving them time apart before i start again. Should i give them treats while they are together or will that incentivize more fighting?

[Little Lion Head]

Starting with a small treat will be a good way to see how they handle food together. I would only do it during a calm moment though! Good luck! ! Let us know how it’s going.

[kdesmara]

Just found out my little guy has an ear infection so I’ll have to post pone any bonding even more…

[Little Lion Head]

Hope he’s feeling better soon!

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