Rabbit less affectionate after bonding

[Konijn]

Hello, our 6 year old neutered female rabbit Molly has recently started living with our 2 year old neutered male rabbit Hercules. We adopted Hercules in December, and he was super affectionate from the start: he could cuddle for hours, would lick our hands, jumped on the couch and lay by our feet. However, since he has been living together with Molly (9 days ago now) he no longer wants to be stroked. He often runs away if we touch him, and he no longer approaches us to ask for attention. We can only stroke him very occasionally now and always for a few minutes at most; he often appears impatient and restless. Has anyone else experienced a similar change in behaviour after a bond? Is this a temporary phase? Is there anything we can do to get him interested in spending time with us again? We really miss him!

Molly has always been more shy and aloof, and she has actually become a little bit more interested in us since the bond. In case this is relevant, Hercules is the dominant rabbit in their relationship.

[LBJ10]

My boys certainly love each other much more than they love me. I remember how sweet Wooly was before he was bonded to Leopold. LOL Now all I’m good for is food and naners.

[Author]

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