Re-Bonding Buggsie and Honey

[BugsnHoney]

Hi guys! So at the advice from the vet I have decided to start re-bonding Buggsie and Honey after their spay/neuters! I did pre-bonding for two weeks post spay/neuter and have been introducing them in sessions. There is no real aggression and they seem to be getting along fine for a longer and longer period of time before Buggsie starts to try and mount Honey. I’m almost 100% sure that pre-alterations Honey was the dominant bun and she does not want to allow Buggsie to claim this spot. She isn’t fighting him, nipping, or boxing, just running away or doing a quick about face. She will also eat and explore and try to ignore him or try to mount him every now and then which he runs away from as well.

My question now is how long I allow them to be together and is this behavior fine and on the right track to re-bonding them forever? Honey seems to want to be around Buggsie, just not when he is annoying her with mounts. And when he isn’t mounting Buggsie seems to enjoy Honey’s company as well.

Any help or advice on this is appreciated!

[Deleted User]

I’d actually keep them separated for a little longer, as prebonding is an important step. A general rule is 1-2 months, especially because your female’s hormones will be all over the place for the next few months. If he still has Pasturella, which that was only a few days ago, so I’d assume he does, you’ll still want to keep them separate until it clears up, or else your female could get it. Also the infection, plus bonding, could stress him out if your female starts showing dominance or aggression. 

Mounting is fine for no more than 10 seconds. After 10 seconds either gently push them off or squirt them with a squirt bottle. Tolerating each other is a good start.

Are they being bonded in neutral space?

[sarahthegemini]

Hmm, it’s all sounding quite positive but generally it’s reccomended that you wait at least a month post spay and do at least a month of pre bonding. I would probably halt right now and wait a little longer just to be sure. It would be awful lot to think they’re bonded to discover that they’d fought during the night or something.

[BugsnHoney]

Hi guys, I have some sad news. Unfortunately Buggsie passed away this morning. I’m not completely sure what happened. The emergency vet I took him to last said his temp was very low and he was dehydrated. I noticed his change after coming home from work and he was in a bad state. He had been doing so well before so this change was pretty shocking. I’m still reeling I guess and worried about how Honey is going to react. I don’t know what i would do if she takes a turn from greif if loss. I’m hoping not since they weren’t probably bonded? What should I look out for with her?

[Deleted User]

I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I’m wondering if it was the stress of getting neutered and having pasturella that caused it. Bunnies can go downhill pretty quick.

You and Honey still have each other, so comfort each other through this difficult time, and cherish every moment with her.

Binky Fee Bugs

[BugsnHoney]

Yeah maybe that was it, he had a rough month. I wish i would have known he had the infection before I got him neutered but none of the 5 vets he saw this month caught it until it got pretty bad. Not their fault I supposed it was hard to see so deep in the ear.

I bought her a new bed and toys in preparation last night as the prognosis was pretty dim when I left him for overnight care. She’s a spunky little one so i’m hoping she takes to one of the cats like Buggsie had before he was sick.

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