first time bonding problems

[harriet]

I’ve had archie for 3 months and he’s is neutered. I felt he needed a friend as I work all day. I got pumpkin who is spayed from a local rabbit rescue. She is on trial to see if the bond works. I took archie to the rescue to meet her and first signs looked good. He was a little scared of her but all signs were positive. There cages are next to each other and the first few nights he would sleep by her cage even if out roaming. I tried a meeting in the bathroom (what I thought would be a neutral space) and they imediately started fighting very aggressively and had to be separated. I left it a few days and then used a meeting room in work. I’ve used this 3 times now it is slightly larger than I’ve seen some recommend. They generally ignore each other occasionally having a sniff and even wash next to each other but after about ten minutes will fight really aggressively again. I’m not sure if I’m doing something wrong or if there’s something more I can do? I’ve tried being in with them and away from them just watching (it’s a glass room) but they don’t seem to be progressing. To the point that the last meeting they just cowered in each corner. I know it takes time but taking them to work is a nightmare and worried there not getting anywhere. Thanks

[Pomandcourt]

Indifference is a good sign. Try shorter meetings at first and separating them before a fight breaks out. Since you’re bringing them to your office and presumably they need to be in a carrier to get there, have you tried bonding them on the drive? You’ll need a second person to make sure they don’t fight while in the carrier/box together. Often they’ll bond over the stress of the car ride.

Since bringing them to work is an inconvenience. Try the bathroom again after you’ve cleaned it well with vinegar to eliminate any possible smells from their last encounter there. Now that they’ve had some time away from it and the’re starting to be familiar with each other, maybe you can use it as neutral space. If you’re worried, you can simulate a car ride prior to putting them in the room by placing them in their carrier first then covering the front so they can’t see out.

Also try switching their litter pans. It made a huge difference for my bunnies.

Be patient. Bonding is a journey. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months (or more I’ve heard)

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