Picking the right partner

[Koffee559]

Hi,
Poppet has lived with me for 10months. She was evicted from her previous home for bullying the cats. She seems to be fully settled in here. She has free-run if the whole flat but is very territory. She even charges at me when she thinks I’m in her space. I think it’s important to find her the right partner, any tips?
The local shelter just told me that if a rabbit is used to living outside then they would prefer to re-homed where they would live outside. Any thoughts on this?

Poppet is only 1.1kg, does it matter what size her partner is?

I’ve read lots of stuff on the actual process of bonding but I’d appreciate any tips on finding the right partner first.

Many thanks, Kirstie

[DanaNM]

Hi there,

Is Poppet spayed? She needs to be spayed in order to bond. If not, it could explain why she is so territorial, so that should be the first order of business.

In terms of finding a partner, your best bet is to see if the shelter would let her go on some “speed dates” with potential candidates. Size, age, breed, don’t matter, mostly personality. It would be great if an experienced bonder can observe the first dates with you, as they have a good sense of which pairings will work and which wont.

Keep in mind that even with a good speed date, the bonding process can still be a lot of work, and there is always the chance that the two will not bond, so you’ll need a back up plan in case they don’t (either keeping both rabbits separate, or returning the new one to the rescue). My rescue allowed me to foster Moose while we were trying to bond him with Bertha, and didn’t make me finalize his adoption until he was bonded.

. . . 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.  

[Koffee559]

Hi,
Sorry I’ve not replied, been away for a few days.
Poppet is definitely spayed as she came from a shelter which carried out the procedure. She only became territory about 6 months after moving in with me.
My impression of my local shelter is that they are not very knowledgeable. They won’t let Poppet choose, I’ve already asked.
Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself, the shelter has no rabbits and has a long waiting list. I’m now thinking about going to a pet shop. Pros and cons?
Thanks!

[Deleted User]

Pet stores are very risky when getting a bun, as I said in your other post. If there are no other rescues or shelters near your area, a breeder might be the next best thing. They take great care of their buns, and most try to get them to be well handled by the time they go home. Pet stores just have a slew of issues.

[Deleted User]

Pet stores are very risky when getting a bun, as I said in your other post. If there are no other rescues or shelters near your area, a breeder might be the next best thing. They take great care of their buns, and most try to get them to be well handled by the time they go home. Pet stores just have a slew of issues.

[Author]

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