Progress! I think…*OH Update!*

[Tate]

 Well, we survived out move out to eastern Washington and I notice a big change in the buns already. Both have been happily exploring the room, despite how hot it is. The dynamic of their relationship has also changed some. We moved here on Wednesday and on Thursday morning, Fievel had somehow peed on Velvateen’s head. This was something they would do often when they were bonded. I think I asked about it on this board and someone said it was just like a “Who ARE you?!” type of thing, but I’m taking it as some sort of positive. They also lay next to each other when one is in the xpen and the other is out. Usually, they will lay a foot or 2 away but now they are both smushed up against the bars. 

I put them in a box together just to try some bonding and for whatever reason, they were charging each other immediately. Too soon? They are both being amazingly lovey towards me and do seem happy to be back here. I just don’t understand why they show some positive signs and then fight all of the sudden… *sigh*. 

ETA: My plan was to wait another month or so before we would resume bonding sessions, but I just got so excited to see what I thought were good signs. It was spur of the moment and they probably just aren’t ready yet.

[Monkeybun]

How big is the box you put them in? If they are charging and fighting in it, smoosh them side by side and don’t let them charge. Just pet them side by side until they calm a bit.

[Tate]

The box is a little over 1 ft by 1 ft. It’s all that I had.. All of my xpen panels are used up right now. :\ They charged immediately, so they weren’t even in there for 30 seconds. I have been smooshing them in the bath tub, but Velvateen will bite Fievel’s big long ears. Ha. I haven’t decided if I should even bond them yet though. I’d like to get both of them to trust me a bit more but at the same time, I think it would be good to bond when things are mostly going good.

[RabbitPam]

Did they have routines before the move? Because bunnies are in their comfort zone when they can stick to a routine, ie. food times, play times, cage set up the same, visits with you the same. So it’s possible that they are just a bit overwhelmed by the changes AND the bonding. I would let them have more of their routines in the new place and continue bonding, but maybe shorter sessions more frequently, then going back to “normal” in between while they each can explore the new place independently with you.

[Tate]

Luckily, their routine has been pretty easy to keep: wake up, eat, play, sleep, veggies, play, sleep, eat, sleep.. Hehe. We have moved quite a bit lately. From eastern Washington to northern Washington in May and then back to Seattle area in July and now back to eastern Washington. Out of all the places they have been, they seem most happy here (although it might have helped that their maze haven is here along with a new package off BB toys!). Their cages are set up exactly the same as before as well. They are doing so many binkies and bunny 500’s… Something that neither have done in MONTHS.
I think I’ll give them just a few more days no bonding. I haven’t seen them go after each other so quickly before! :/

[RabbitPam]

It’s good that you’ve made several changes with them actually. I read once a long time ago that pets and children who are raised to change adjust well. If your pet hasn’t ever been moved for their first couple of years or more, it’s more difficult. Spockie was a champ at relocating with me.

Interesting about the new binkies and 500s. Sammy has done EXACTLY the same thing! I almost wonder now if she even liked our first apartment, which I loved. She only will go into 2 rooms and a hallway here, plus I see less of her because of where the computer & TV is located, and yet she is a binky cutie every day now! Go figure.

[Tate]

Ok, between the rabbit communicator, reading other people’s experiences, and figuring out what ticks off my buns, I think I’m finally getting to the bottom of this.
The bathtub bonding has not been going well at all. The smooshing has not worked (they get right next to each other and just bite). So today I tried something a little different… I put them together in my hardly furnished living room. They were HAPPY. Playfully chasing each other, BINKIES TOGETHER!!!!, curiously approaching one another, following each other…. It amazed me! It was like how it was a few months ago when they were best buds. However, I made one mistake… putting only one litterbox in the room. I wasn’t thinking at all. After 15-20 minutes together, Velvateen jumped in the litterbox and then jumped out. Fievel jumped in after that and was smelling around and that’s what really ticked Velvateen off. They started their little fight before I could get to them and when I finally did, I just ended the session.
This has to just be some little dominance issue, right? I’ve thought this for a while and have been unsure of how to handle it. Velvateen still happily grooms Fievel, but gets nothing in return. I often see their faces smashed up against one another through the cage, each waiting for the other to submit. So for now, my question is: should I put out multiple litterboxes in the room when they are together? I have 4 litterboxes right now that I can use so I would think that should be enough. OR should I just not use a litterbox for a few weeks so they have nothing to fight over? Help? Thanks!

[Monkeybun]

I would suggest no litterbox if that is what starts the fights. It’s a territory thing, so just remove the issue all together tilt hey get along.

[Tate]

Ok, thanks! That’s what I was leaning towards.

[Author]

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