Gaston and Nina’s bonding struggles

[Kelsey]

Hi All,

So I’ve had Gaston for about 2 years, and recently (after a long time searching) introduced a female to the house, she’s adorable and very gentle but I’m having trouble with my boy. 

We have their cages side by side and have attempted 3 sporadic meetings in new spaces. In each of their brief 10 minute meetings Nina is hopping around eating food and Gaston (who is usually very gentle and loving) jumps onto Nina and humps/ nips her, she immediately acts submissive, and lower her body and stays still, and once he gets off she will resume what she’s doing. 

The main issue I have is that when she is eating he will stomp and jump on her again until she stops moving. I assume this is a territorial thing?

We are going to attempt to introduce them again on the washing machine, which we have been told can help, but I wanted to know if this is something anyone else has experienced? Does he have the potentially to bond or is he too used to being a “single man”?

[radiatorbunny12]

Are they both neutered/spayed? It’s (apparently) best to attempt bonding with NO other distractions, including food, so that you can completely focus on their interactions. I’ve not experienced the jumping on her whilst eating thing, but my female bunny acted the same way about getting humped. A bit of humping was fine, the male stopped after a few tries and they bonded very quickly.

[Kelsey]

Yes they are both neutered/ spayed.

Thanks I will try bonding without food.

I attempted to bond them in a smaller space with no distractions and this time she rested her head into him but he just completely ignored her. There was been no fighting but no interest from his side. Can anyone recommend me a next tactic to try?

He occasionally stomps, is he being territorial?

Thanks

[radiatorbunny12]

Not a professional, but it seems to me him being neutral is a good sign. He’s not being aggressive or anything.

I’d say bond with no distractions as you say and if nothing is happening leave them to it until something does, then you can guage better how it’s going.
Stomping I’m not sure about, my rabbit stomps at the most random of things sometimes. 

[Vienna Blue in France]

Hi and welcome. I’m going to propose the opposite to what has been said – sorry – lol, but it’s what helped with my two.

I would try in a big enough space for them to have their own space if needed. Also lots of distractions ! (So they carry on with doing, sniffing, exploring other things (like a cardboard box!) rather than focusing on each other).

Any reason why only 10 min sessions? If the female resumes normal status after he stops humping (so therefore not too stressed), it should be OK to go for a bit longer.

If she is trying to put her head under him, then that is her attempt at being top bun, but with him humping her then that is his attempt at being top bun…
So a hierarchy has not yet been determined.

Give it time. Don’t rush. Give them time in a bigger space with lots of distractions each time.

I would try longer sessions and step in if he is nipping too aggressively or for too long.

Keep us updated, please (photos are always oo’d and aaa’d at ! )

[Kelsey]

Hi All,

Thank you for all your advice so far, much appreciated!

I have had a few more sessions since I last updated, mostly uneventful with no humping and Nina even groomed Gaston (for about 3 seconds). 

My most recent bonding session was tonight, Gaston suddenly wouldn’t leave Nina alone and keeps trying to mount her who is now running away when this happens, she is also trying to put her head below his and he always shakes his head and wanders off. I suppose they are both still fighting to be in charge? 

The good thing is that they haven’t had any fights, and Gaston has quickly settled to her being around, though he isn’t as happy as normal, I suppose it’s an adjustment when a girl moves in with you!

Any more tips for how I can keep this progressing?

I’ve attached a photo of their session in a small space. 

Thanks,

Kelsey

[Kelsey]

Didn’t include it – Here it is  

[Vienna Blue in France]

I did read somewhere that 2 sessions a day – one in close quarters and one with more room to run around and chase – could work too, so you could add that to your routine.

Let him hump a bit and let her run away – thats good. And one day there will be a change…. it will be almost visual

They have to work it out between them.

Mine took 18 sessions of intensive chasing around a biggish area…. so keep going but don’t force it. it may take time, but it will be soooo worth it.

[Kelsey]

You were right about being able to see the change!

He has been running around after her trying to hump her for days, but today he has been grooming her for 10 minutes and counting! He is definitely smitten.

The same can’t be said for her yet, but I’m giving her time to give in to his charm!

I have been getting them out together for a few hours once or twice a day and it seems to be helping.

I hope she likes him back!

How will I know when it is time to put them in a cage together?

[Vienna Blue in France]

The cutest pair – really… so funny – in that photo they are saying “OK, now we’re here, what are we supopsed to do now?” !!

They must not be left together until both buns are happily grooming the other and being groomed by the other too.
Just one bun doing it does not make a solid bond.

They BOTH have to groom – so still take your time…. it’s good that he’s stopped chasing her to mount her… and it’s good that she runs away when he does.

If they are calm now in each other’s presence, you could try a bit of banana mash or apple juice on their heads / side of body.
Maybe the banana will make her have a groom of Gaston and set off the luurve.

( It sounds as if Gaston doesn’t need help with grooming Nina, but it’s only fair he gets a bit of ‘narna too. )

So, both MUST groom (without the aide of banana (! lol) ) before you put them in a cage together unsupervised….

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