First time bonding advice!

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 1sd reply, 2 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 10 months ago by Wick & Fable.

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- 03/13/2021 at 1:20 AM
  keara2000
  Participant
  11 posts
  Hi everyone!
  
  I am attempting a bond for the first time, i’m about 6 weeks in and things are going relatively well considering my first buns temperament towards most people/animals!
  
  Apple was my first, she is 1.5 and F, Cookie is my new addition, he’s about 9 months and M. (both fixed)
  
  We are at a weird intermediate stage, and I am just wondering if anyone has any good advice about how I can help progress the bond along.
  
  We do sessions twice a day. I have found the most successful sessions are ones where I put a giant box of hay on the floor and they both snack side by side peacefully for 20ish minutes. Apple is tolerant of Cookie, but does not like when he comes and sniffs her face. Cookie gets bored of the hay eventually and just wants to sniff his friend and probably give her kisses (he has kissed her nose a couple of times through the x-pen), but whenever he gets up in Apples face she gets annoyed and grunts and occasionally paws at Cookie, which makes him get angry and leads to a bunny scuffle.
  
  Do I just need to let them continue this pattern until they figure it out? Or should I be mildly attempting to prevent Cookie from getting in Apples face? Is there anything I can do to try and prevent apple from getting upset when Cookie is close to her?
  
  I know bonding is a timely process, but if anyone has any tips that would help them along I would much appreciate it!!
  
  thanks everyone 🙂
- 03/13/2021 at 5:32 AM
  Wick & Fable
  Moderator
  5831 posts
  Hi Keara! We are happy to provide information and suggestions. On the plus side, the fact that there isn’t immediate aggression and they are able to eat side by side is a positive sign.
  
  There is a Bonding template with questions that would be helpful for you to answer in a reply. It will give people more information!: https://binkybunny.com/forums/topic/bonding-template-read-me-for-bonding-help/
  
  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.
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