Help with bonding!

[Jazlyn]

Next week my rabbits will have been neutered for a month, and I’ve heard a lot of people say this is long enough before you can start bonding again. Should I try next week? Also, I’m very nervous about it because I don’t want either getting hurt, I was wondering if anyone had some tips they could share with me or what worked for them? It would mean a lot to me if I was able to read a few other bonding stories. They’re cages are side by side with a barrier to prevent nipping as I’ve heard that helps. I also switch out they’re toys and occasionally put them in each other’s cages so they can be surrounded by the other bun’s scent. I have never bonded rabbits before and any advice would be greatly appreciated! If you think I should wait longer, please let me know, anything for their safety.

[Deleted User]

Hi, I’ll be going through the process soon. Since you’ve been doing all the prebonding, you’re on the right track. One month is a good amount of time, some people only wait two weeks but one month is safer. The first face to face meeting should be somewhere that neither bun normally goes. I know some people use a bathtub or shower, which also helps because they feel less secure when they can’t get their footing in slippery tub, so that may reduce the likelihood of a fight. Some people do stress bonding sessions, where they put the buns together and go for a car ride or put them in a laundry basket on top of the washing machine with it on. This forces them to come together because they’re scared of something other than each other for the time being and they may find comfort in the others company. Of course, since I haven’t started yet I haven’t tried that technique, but maybe someone on here could tell you if that worked for them. I’ve seen some people just hold on to a dust pan and if nipping starts just quickly place it between the buns before it escalates to a fight. I watched a lot of youtube videos and read a lot of articles on bonding, but you can never be too prepared for what might happen lol.

[DanaNM]

Hi there, 

You might want to keep up pre-bonding for another week or two, since their smells change as their hormones drain, and I’ve heard females can take as long as 6 weeks for that to happen. Plus a little extra pre-bonding never hurt anyone.  

It’s good to swap them into each others cages every day or two, or switch their litter boxes, to really get them used to the fact that they will be sharing space with another bun. Try not to clean the litter box for at least a few hours when you swap. 

Have they gone on a first date yet? or will this be their very first introduction? 

I think the most important thing in the early stages is to make sure the space is VERY neutral. This sets you up for success. It makes sense when you think about it from a human perspective. You would be much more likely to become friends with someone who you meet out in the world, vs. a random stranger than comes in unannounced and says they are going to live with you now. 

If you search the forum for “bonding journal” you will find loads of accounts from BB members. 

Mine is here from my most recent bonding adventure: 

https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aft/158740/afpg/5/Default.aspx

. . . 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.  

[Mikey]

The recommended is two months as the bunnys’ natural scent changes after being neutered. Two months ensures that they are used to one anothers new smell through prebonding

[Jazlyn]

Thank you all so much. They were living together for almost a year before I noticed their hormones were setting in and I separated to prevent a fight. I’ll continue prebonding for a while longer before I start introducing them to each other for real, they still lay next to each other the in their cages but Zel will still nip at Benji’s nose if they manage to get to each other.

[Author]

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