Neutral Territory??

[Eileen S]

I just got a new female bun – Kiki, two years old – almost two weeks ago with hopes of bonding with Krimpet (my five year old bun). I live in a one bedroom apartment, of which Krimpet has had free roam. So, I have very little neutral territory. 

Here is how it’s gone so far:

I put Kiki in her own cage (raised) in the room where Krimpet spends his time during the day. 

When I get home from work, I move Kiki to a pen area in the living room (not easy because she’s cage aggressive). I was keeping Krimpet away from her until I felt like she was adjusting.

One evening I thought Krimpet was in locked in the bedroom and he wasn’t. He came over to the pen area, and to my surprise, there were no issues. They saw each other, ate and lounged near each other. I let this go on for a week or so before putting them together in the kitchen (the only neutral area). 

The kitchen introduction went fine. They pretty much ignored each other. Then, Krimpet decided to get some humping in and Kiki was fine with it. When she got a little irritated, I separated them.

I plan on keeping this up the next week or so, but here is my question…I have no other neutral territory, so what should I do in terms of larger areas to give them more time and space in??? I’m not sure what my next step should be. Should I just let her out of the pen, give her free roam and just see what happens? 

[Eileen S]

Basically, I don’t have any semi-neutral territory so I don’t know what to do next (assuming I follow the bonding instructions on this site). I would appreciate any suggestions. Is there anyone else out there that has bonded bunnies in a one bedroom apartment when one bun has free roam?

[Eileen S]

Also, Krimpet is (and has been) neutered and Kiki was just spayed two weeks ago.

[Sindri]

Some people start out in bath tubs. You could use the bathtub or even bathroom for now and then move back to the kitchen. In your main living space you can use an xpen and cover the sides with sheet or blankets or some other material where they can see out of to creat a neutral space. I used a xpen in my living space but I didn’t cover the sides it seem to create the type of semi neutral space. Those are some things you can try.

Best of luck with your bonding!

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