Is it safe to let my bunnies stay together overnight?

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Hi everyone! I am new to the forum, currently with 2 bunnies, Russell and Mellow. Russell has been in my home for more than a year, and Mellow is new to my home. We are working on bonding the 2 bunnies for the past 3 weeks and they have progressed to be staying in pens next to each other, with the fences close enough for them to groom each other through the bars. They also have their dinner together almost everyday and share food with no problems. At the same time, they have no issues sharing litterboxes. We also allow them time to roam each night (a few hours each night) and they do not fight, although on occasion, Russell will demand to be groomed with some fur pulling from Mellow’s rump (never broken skin and never intensive nipping, it is usually just a quick nip). After a while, they lie down next to each other (like in the photo) and usually Mellow would groom Russell for a short period (about 30 seconds to a minute), although on occasion Russell would groom Mellow as well. They have also been in each others pens (with the other bunny around), with no signs of aggression. In fact, sometimes, one bunny would lie down while the other explores his/her pen.

It seems like they are on neutral terms at least, and we hope to allow them to continue to bond, but we don’t want to take it too fast so we are wondering at this stage, in most cases would it be safe to let them have some time together overnight? Any advice or sharing of experience would be much appreciated!

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Unless you’re staying up the whole night to supervise, then no.
How long have they been spending together per day? Sometimes longer times can spark fights (I’ve had fighting after 7 hours together for example.)

Generally you gradually increase their time together until you can do a 24 hour stint no fighting before you can start leaving them alone (witht hte 1st 48 hours being fairly important) and then keep a close eye on them for about 1-3 weeks before they can be considered bonded for sure.

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Also, how long have you had Mellow? Mellow might not feel comfortable enough yet to try to be territorial or assert dominance. But when he does it might not end well.

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Thanks for the replies! Mellow is a girl, she has been here about 3 weeks. Russell is the boy who has been here over a year. Both are adopted from our local rescue so we don’t know their exact age, but it is estimated to be about 3 to 5 years of age. Of course Mellow has been spayed and Russell has been neutered before coming to stay with me. We will take things slow and gradually increase the time spent as advised. Thanks again!

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