Rabbits like each other but male wants to hump all the time

[BettyandBubz]

I’ve just started the bonding process for my two rabbits. My female was spayed early last month, and my male a few weeks ago. I was swapping their scents and such at first, then had them see each other with a barrier in between. They were eating together, flopping next to the barrier, and happily honking. I thought those were all good signs, so I let them meet each other face to face. The first time I kind of freaked, as he mounted her, and she went limp underneath him and wasn’t moving. I took him off her but he was holding onto her really tight. She was fine afterwards, and there was no injuries or teeth marks, so I tried again a while after.

they seem to get along, they eat together, flop down beside each other, touch noses, but every few minutes my boy will start chasing her and trying to mount her. She is not having it and runs. They’ll stop for a minute, eat some food or flop, then he’ll start chasing her again. I really don’t know what to think. There’s been no signs of aggression with either of them, I just worry that he’s upsetting her by constantly trying to hump. I heard I should just let him mount her, but she’ll run out after a few seconds and he’ll keep trying. Neither are giving in. Should I stop and go back to square one, or keep going, letting them have time together for a little while each day? This is my first ever rabbit bonding, and I really don’t know if this is normal, or a sign I should take backward steps. Any advice? They’ve had their time today, I stopped when he was starting to hump more often, and there was less breaks in between, but I’m wondering if I should do it again tomorrow or not.

[Bu20055]

I’d say take a step back for a few more weeks to give your male some more time. They should have ideally a month or two after the neuter to let the hormones settle down. Your female could possibly use a bit more time too. More cage swaps could be good as well.

[DanaNM]

I agree that he might still be a bit too hormonal. More pre-bonding is never a bad thing.

Also, it sounds like maybe you’ve only done 1 or two sessions? Could you fill out the bonding template that’s pinned in this section and paste it in your reply? The bit about what you’ve tried so far in bonding sessions is especially helpful. 🙂

. . . 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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