One is Scared of the Other

[Deleted User]

Hey everybody!!! I know you guys are busy, but I want to say something before I cut to the chase. 

I just joined binkybunny.com, so please forgive me if these forums are meant as sources of information instead of new rabbit owners asking questions. I looked around the Internet for a bit at the rabbit websites, trying to find a good one, and finally settled on Binky Bunny, mostly because the website prohibited the discussion of meat rabbits on the home page.  Okay, I’m going to start talking about what I’m typing this for. 

So I got two rabbits about a week ago. I rescued them both from shelters, but they didn’t come from the same place. One is a boy and the other is a girl, since I researched and learned that they make the best pairings, and they’re both fixed. 

I introduced them in different cages and went through all the necessary steps before putting them in their forever home, which is a 5 by 8 foot shed in the backyard. They are getting along fine, but the girl is always running away from the boy!  She’ll be gnawing away at a cardboard box when he comes hopping along, and then she’ll dart to the other box. Same when he comes up to her when she’s in the litter box. Should I separate them again, or will they ride it out? I’m just not sure what to do. 

They’ve never been in any fights or shown even the tiniest sign of aggression, so it’s not like she’s traumatized by him, and she came from a very good shelter and was a house rabbit before, so she was never abused, so that’s not the problem. And she’s completely social and sweet with me (crawling into my lap when I sit in the shed, nudging my hand for more petting, etc. The boy is also sweet and lets me pick him up and pet him.)

I’ll be grateful for any advice any of you guys can give me. Thanks!

And again, I’m really sorry if I’m not supposed to be asking questions on here. I’m just not sure what else to try, and I don’t want the girl to be stressed. Thanks again! Bye!

[Roberta]

You’re in the right place Finsnpaws, these forums exist to answer questions and help people. If it’s only been a week they could both be settling in still. The first question is are they both desexed ? There will always be a period of sorting out who is the boss in any pair or group. If one of the bunnies is still entire then hormonally they will be more driven to be dominant.

[Deleted User]

Yes, they were both fixed a few years ago.

[AaronJ]

Roberta is spot on, I haven’t bonded a pair (yet) but based on what I’ve read to date there will be a waiting period for some “bunny politics” to take place. if they’re not fighting, that’s great and will make bonding easier on you as well as them. Search around, and ask questions. info and questions go hand in hand

[Deleted User]

Hi again guys, it’s me. I’m messaging from a different account because the one I was using when posting this question crashed, but it’s still the original finsNpaws.  I just wanted to thank the two people who responded to my post so quickly, and to give you guys a few updates:

1. Your advice worked perfectly. I stopped stressing and thinking that my rabbits would never live together happily, and decided to leave them alone for 24 hours and see what happens. 

2. I’m glad I made that decision! When I went to check on them the next day, I saw them both huddled up in a cardboard box together. And later, they were flopped out on the floor, their bodies pressed together. 

3. I am happy to say that my rabbits are completely comfortable with each other. 

I have a feeling that Beethoven and Eliza (the rabbits) have formed a forever friendship and a very special bond. 

Thanks again to the people who responded so quickly,

finsNpaws

[Lisa Lake]

I’d like some help on my 2 rabbits so I bought a bunny she is 2 we had her for about a year and a half but we decided we want to get her a friend so we got an 8 week old bunny. (He’s not spayed as of yet as he’s too young but she is spayed) everything was going fine up until today she seems to be really scared of him for some reason but the last few days they were licking each other etc. so I don’t know what made her feel like she must be scared of him, is there any tips of how I can make her not be scared of him.

thank you

[DanaNM]

Hi Lisa, welcome to Binky Bunny! This is a very old thread, and we ask members not to revive super old threads as it creates confusion. It would be best to start your own thread to ask your question! Do do that, go to the section you want to post in and click the “Create Topic” Button.

I’m going to lock this thread now to avoid confusion.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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