Is it possible that my bonding bunnies will never groom each other?

[LilynJestersMama]

So, Lily and Jester have been having ‘dates’ almost every night. The locations vary but they’re always on neutral ground. They go in the bathtub, car rides, our front room, etc.

They’ve been doing really well- not showing any signs of aggression. They do chase each other but there’s no nipping going on and they do binkies while they’re running so I think it’s all playful. Perhaps there is a little battle going on for who will be the dominant one.

The other night after a back-seat car ride, we put them in the tub. They were both so worked up from the car ride, that they both laid down. I was able to pick up and scoot Lily over so she was laying right against Jester several times. I would pet them both and try to get their scents on each other.

I have them both downstairs now. They get nose-to-nose and just stare at each other like they’re both saying, “Ok, you can start grooming me now!!!” No grooming from either of them.

Is it possible that bonded bunnies will NEVER groom each other? I always hear how that’s a good sign but I am getting positive vibes with Lily and Jester and there is no grooming at all.

[Beka27]

If they start to have groom-offs where they both are demanding at the same time, and if you’re comfortable, reach down and rub their foreheads simultaneously. The forced snuggling is a great thing. With my two, I would lift them into a litterbox together, sitting side by side facing the same direction, and pet both of their heads with vigor. Don’t be too rough, but definitely let them know they are getting pet. After a few moments, switch your hands so their scents are getting all mixed up.

Grooming sometimes does not come until much later, even months after they are bonded. Don’t fret about grooming, or lack of, read the other body language to guage how they are doing.

[LilynJestersMama]

Thanks, Beka!

Good to know that grooming isn’t part of the criteria for it being successful…lol

I feel like they are making really good progress.

Today is the longest they’ve been out together. They did some chasing- most of the time, Jester initiated that. Lily was running huge circles around him, doing binkies- what a show-off! hehe They were laying down near each other- seemed pretty relaxed. They seem a lot more at ease around each other now.

I will try petting them they next time they have their nose-to-nose stand off.

The forced snuggling was a big step! It was so neat to see them right next to each other.

[MooBunnay]

The only thing I would be concerned about the “groom stand-off” is that sometimes one bunny gets fed up with the other bunny not submitting to their grooming demands, and will nip the other one. I had this issue with Henri and Amelia. They would both sit and demand grooms for at least 20 minutes, and finally Amelia would get mad and get up and bite Henri on the bum. If they both seem OK though with not being groomed, then it sounds like they are doing very well together. Hopefully some more of the forced snuggling will lead to some grooming!

[LilynJestersMama]

Wow, Moo- those are LONG stand-offs!

Thankfully Lily and Jester’s stand-offs last for about 30 seconds where they are nose to nose, staring at each other- then they run off and do their own things. We’ve had them out together for a few hours with us, and they seem to be doing pretty well. More chasing with Jester initiating it. They both were laying down with their legs to the side a few feet from each other.

I feel comfortable having them out with together when they are supervised and not showing any signs of aggression towards each other.

The car ride has brought us the most success though- that is on the agenda for tomorrow night

[Sarita]

One of my pair never grooms and the female pair rarely grooms.

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