How long to wait to bond after neuter?

[royalrabbits]

Hi everyone,

I recently ended up with a third rabbit in my hands, Rowan. He was brought to my door about two weeks ago by a father and his two young daughters thinking he was mine, and no one has claimed him I assume he is an unwanted easter present. Rowan is booked in to be neutered this coming Tuesday. Once he is neutered I am going to try bond him into a trio with Ralph and Rosie. My main concern is how long I should wait after his neuter before starting the early stages of bonding.

Many thanks,

Royal Rabbits

[RabbitPam]

It is usually 4 weeks from the day of the neuter for the healing to be complete and the hormones to die down for good. Often, later in that month, there is a final surge of hormones before they stop flaring up. That won’t cause a pregnancy in your female if she is not spayed, but will cause potential aggression in his behavior. If your female is not spayed yet, keep her away from him for 4-6 weeks to be on the safe side, but I’m assuming she is already if she’s bonded to Ralph.

So, one month is the waiting time. But meanwhile, I’d suggest using surrogate toy bunnies, one for each of them, during that period. You can set each one in their habitats to get the smell of each on them. Then put Ralph and Rosie’s surrogate in with Rowan, and Rowan’s in with Ralph and Rosie. If any have an adverse reaction, they will take it out on the surrogate, and then get used to the others’ smell. I’d say leave surrogates in for a week, then start switching.

[RabbitPam]

P.S. don’t get toys with beans in them. If a bunny chews a hole, they are bad for a bunny to swallow. Just a floppy toy bunny or bear with soft stuffing is fine.

[royalrabbits]

Thank you RabbitPam! The toy idea is so smart I will find some bunny safe toys for them. Also thank you for the help with how long I need to wait after his neuter to bond them.

[LBJ10]

I think some scent swapping is a good idea for the “waiting” period. As Pam said, one month is the general recommendation.

[Author]

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