Minerva got a new friend! (bonding after loss)

[ohbonobogirl]

After our dear little Bandit crossed the Rainbow Bridge, his friend Minerva seemed to be missing him, staying in her cage much more often and really just not being as lively as usual.  She didn’t make it into a full blown depression, and her eating habits stayed the same, but she just seemed to miss having a pal around.  So, we went bunny dating this morning at the local humane society where she and Bandit came from originally.  We initially went in to meet a little lionhead mix who had a personality similar to that of Bandit.  Unfortunately, as I walked upstairs to the bunny area, another person was there wanting to fill out adoption paperwork for the one we had been eyeing online.  So…rather than just not let her meet anyone, we decided to go ahead and let her meet the other guys who needed homes.  Several of the boys there had recently been neutered and were still pretty hormonal so Minnie lost her patience with their frequent attempts at mounting pretty quickly.  

Then, she met Gizmo.  Gizmo’s been waiting for a home since March and is a big white Californian rabbit, with dark ears, feet and nose and bright eyes.  It was like at first sight.  Minnie had some great dead bunny flops while meeting with Gizmo, and he gave a couple of great binkies. Now, we’re home, and they’re trying to sort out the hierarchy.  Both very much want to be groomed and have been in several games of chin limbo where they both try to be lower than the other.  There’s been grooming from both parts at this point, many more dead bunny flops from Minnie, and several binkies from Gizmo.  He seems to particularly enjoy binkying right into the water dish, splashing it all over the place, which he’s done at least 3 times this afternoon.  So far, they’re getting along famously.  Gizmo really wants to mount Minnie, but she’s holding her own, hopping away and thumping at him occasionally when he tries a little to hard.  Otherwise, they’re just hanging out and getting to know each other.  

I’ll update with some pictures in a little while.    

[LittlePuffyTail]

Congrats to you and Minerva! I love Calis. Looking forward to pics.

[ohbonobogirl]

Two sleepy bunnies after spending the night together

Yesterday’s first meeting at home.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Adorable! They look so comfortable together!

[ohbonobogirl]

 The bunnies for a nice new neutral home this evening and are quickly making it their home.  Gus (nee Gizmo) is settling in nicely. We’ve had at least 20 binkies this evening.  He does have the unfortunate habit of binkying right into the water dish, so they get a bottle now.

[JackRabbit]

Congrats! I love it when a new couple get along so well!

[ohbonobogirl]

Minnie and Gus seem to be working on finding their groove as a couple this evening. Gus has steadfastly refused to groom Minerva at all, which came as a rude shock to her as she didn’t do much grooming in her previous relationship. Right now, I have them confined to a tiny little pen where they’re studiously ignoring each other. Gus, as it turns out, does like strawberry jam, so some of that on Minnie’s forehead has helped him see it may not be so bad to give her a few kisses now and then. They stayed home alone for most of the day today (7:15-4:00) with no casualties apart from a tuft of fur pulled from somewhere on Minerva, and have been out and about this evening with no fighting, though there has been some chasing when one or the other got a little overzealous with the mounting. When Gus comes up to Minnie outside of their cage, she darts away from him quickly and generally is only interacting with him when treats or food are involved to smooth the way or when they happen to encounter each other as they hop around the room.

[Sindri]

What a cute couple! Congrats on getting Gus. It seems like things are going pretty well. I love the pictures!

[ohbonobogirl]

Triumph of the forehead smear! Gus has been rather reluctant to groom Minnie, despite being willing to accept her being top bunny in other ways. Lots of games of chin limbo have ensued. While at the grocery store last night, I remembered the forehead smear trick anew and got a container of baby food (banana berry seems to be a HUGE hit here with both buns). Minnie got a smear on her forehead and Gus went right to town, continuing even after all the residue was gone. She was in bunny heaven and they’ve been buddies since. Last night, they took turns running bunny 500s. As soon as one finished, the other started and it went on for nearly an hour. I’m going to declare them officially bonded as they have been together for 2 complete days and nights with no fights. Right now, Gus is flopped right into Minnie and both are sleeping. Gearing up for more craziness this evening, I’m sure.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Awww…..sounds like they are in love

[Author]

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