How to neutralize the home before bonding?

[Priya]

So my 9-month old Dwarf, Binky, has claimed pretty much EVERYTHING in the small apartment. He has claimed the sofas, my 55g terrarium, kitchen, floors, every single furniture, our shoes, rugs, our limbs, every single corner of the living/dining/kitchen…you name it, it’s his. He chins things even before figuring out whether it’s for playing or eating! He also scatter his poop all over the place. He makes sure the world knows who owns it. Nothing and nobody (literally, nobody. He even claimed my sister’s legs and her laptop when she came over) is above his “ownership”.

Since he is a lone bunny who lost his bonded partner (a male Lop) when we adopted him at 5 weeks, we’re thinking of getting him a buddy around the same age. We have found a spayed female and now we’re waiting to get Binky neutered. Once that’s done..we will wait until he heals then bring her over around mid/late January. They will live in their separate cages side by side and spend playtime together (free range of the apartment. That’s our housing plan). Binky is very social, loves humans and LOVES affection. I’m not sure how he will react to a lady friend, who, as we’ve been told, is a playful and friendly bunny herself. I have a feeling they will get along. I’m researching bonding ahead of time and have gathered a few things (but need ALL the help I can because this is completely new stuff to me)..one of which is neutralizing the home with vinegar. Should I start with just one small area ( the bathroom? Binky’s only been there like once or twice. We have a deep soaker tub) or do the whole apartment? It isn’t big at all but you see…EVERYTHING is marked I’ll have tons of fun rubbing everything with and then inhaling the aroma of vinegar for days But I’d love to have one more bunny for us and Binky!

[tanlover14]

Having multiple bun buns is always a good time. And there’s nothing better than seeing them all snuggled together.

First off, once bonded you cannot separate them. They will need to live together all the time. Separating bonded buns can be extremely stressful and horrific for them – even causing some to refuse to eat and go into major depression. So, you will need to have a housing area set up for both to live together once bonded.

When introducing them for the first time – you will want them in a completely neutral area that neither can recognize. I would recommend the bathtub, taking them in a carrier on a car ride, or in a big box (I’ve always used the box for mine). As they get better in a small, neutral area you can begin introducing them to new areas but make sure to keep it smaller as first. Giving them the whole house (whether vinegared or not) is just asking for trouble! You will have a wild goose chase on your hands, that will most likely involve fur flying everywhere.

You can do some pre-bonding techniques such as swamping litter or cages daily. I would also recommend starting an actual bonding thread once you get going – the input of others to my specific bonding situations as they have progressed have been really helpful and insightful in the past!

[MoveDiagonally]

Great advice from TL as per usual.

I would also recommend doing some bonding reading. BB has a great article:
https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/tabid/53/CategoryID/9/PID/940/Default.aspx

TL’s blog is also a great place to read up on bonding:
http://www.wheekwheekthump.com/category/bonding/

And of course just reading through the threads in the bonding section of the forum is wonderful. I really have found some of the best advice and ideas from other member’s threads.

[Priya]

Thanks! Yeah we didn’t like adopting just him but man he was desperate to get out of that PetValu. They were not feeding him hay. He was about 5 weeks old, was only there for a week. We werent even looking for bunnies…went there to get fish food and he saw us and started hopping around and trying to come out. I lost my old bunny 3/4 years ago and it still hurts…but I thought about this baby bunny for 2 days and I was lik “dammit I’m bringing him home!”. I called the store and told them that bunny connected with us so we want him. They were happy about it and reserved him. We wish we could get the Lop but I guess someone already wanted him. 2 long days later, paid the adoption fee, bought supplies and brought Binky home. I was worried how he’d react to a completely different environment, new people, new smell…and no buddy. I was really concerned! But as soon as we let him out, he started absolutely racing around, jumping, hopping and did SO many binkies! We gave him Oxbow pellet and LOTS of Alfalfa (since he was a baby and no hay in him!)…he IMMEDIATELY started eating both. It was such a big relief…that’s when we realized he will be OK in here with us. All we have to do is feed him well and take care of him.

He is such a loving bunny..always happy. Loves interacting, loves being petted and talked to. He binkies so much..Binky just had to be his name! But you know..as much as we love him, it’s not the same as another bunny. We actually have 3 offers now (all adoptions from people and the Humane Society). We’re thinking of arranging a meet & greet with everyone after he’s neutered and let them pick each other! I’ll open a specific thread when the time nears

[tanlover14]

That sounds wonderful! And is definitely a much more promising bond when they have the ability to “choose” each other.

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