How to know when bonded?

[Aleece]

Hello all! So about a month ago now I adopted another bunny to bond with Addie! Her name is Esther and she is the sweetest little gal in town! In the beginning Addie was a bit unhappy with another bunny being in his house getting attention from his humans but they are now doing great! They can be out together all day unsupervised and there is no fighting. I am curious how you can tell when they are officially bonded? I still have been separating them at night because I do not want to risk anything going wrong since there was a bit of aggressive behavior during the first couple of bonding sessions. They have not yet done any grooming towards each other. Thanks so much!

[DanaNM]

Hi there,

It sounds like they are on track, but not quite there yet.

A bonded pair will groom each other (some it’s one way grooming, but in most both groom), cuddle, share food (often out of each other’s mouth), and just generally be unphazed by the other bunny being near them.

I would try a supervised over-night (or 24-48 hours) in neutral space and see how that goes. If by the end of that they are showing those positive signs, you can move them to semi-neutral space and continue supervising. The move to their final home together and supervise for another day or two, depending on how they do. Sometimes buns back track a little when you move space to space, so they need more supervision after each move. Other’s seem not to care at all.

Really it’s good to trust your gut. In my experience, when a pair is bonded, it’s like all of the sudden they “click” and I don’t worry about them anymore. They are just SUPER relaxed around each other and seem very happy.

. . . 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.  

[DarthVadar]

I agree with DanaNM. If you have doubts, they need more time. A pair that acts fine together (but not grooming or cuddling) one minute can be at each other’s throats the next. One big thing that sometimes gets overlooked with bonding is food and water. If the pair’s shared home was previously just one of the bunny’s homes, the resident rabbit may get territorial about food and water. This is more subtle than fighting or chasing, so sometimes gets overlooked. Putting in extra food and water until you see them sharing well usually solves this.

[Sirius&Luna]

The other important thing to remember is that the absence of negative behaviour isn’t the same as positive behaviour. It’s great that they’re not fighting, but are they grooming, snuggling, flopping together?

[Aleece]

Thanks for the responses all! They have been sharing food and water fine and are mirroring one another’s actions. Just no grooming yet! They do lay against each other every once and a while too. Sounds like we’re getting closer at least! Would you all say grooming is the final sign that seals the deal? Thanks again (:

[DarthVadar]

Grooming could be considered the “final sign”, but only if it is accompanied with a complete lack of negative behavior. No biting, no chasing (don’t confuse bunnies following each other around with chasing). Mounting is a sign of dominance and may continue even after the bond is complete.

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