Should I try bonding only after neuter?

[mybunnysnameisbubbles]

Hi, I’m trying to bond two unneutered males (one is too young to be neutered and one is due at the vet’s in a few weeks). I’ve had to separate them because the older bun keeps humping the younger one. The younger one is much smaller, doesn’t fight back, and can’t get away fast enough, so he ends up being really distressed. How much humping is normal and should I wait till after one or both are neutered to try bonding again?

[AnnaW]

I would wait until they are both neutered and then try again When I bonded my male and female, there was quite a lot of humping, but Belle soon tired of it and would chase Barney off. Eventually they will decide who is dominant and submissive, but if one is getting distressed I would wait until they are both neutered so their hormones have died down a bit x

[LittlePuffyTail]

I agree with Anna. Wait until several weeks after they are both neutered to allow hormones to normalize. It’s safer and will be easier.

[mybunnysnameisbubbles]

Thanks for the replies! The buns are now living in the same playpen but fenced off from each other. Bubbles (the older bun) has calmed down now that he’s been neutered and he and Blue (the smaller bun) have been grooming each other through the fence and lying down beside each other. Blue is getting neutered in a few weeks but I might have to reconsider taking down the fence because Blue has splayed legs  and needs carpet in order to move around more easily, but Bubbles loves to chew on carpet and though 100% toilet trained will pee on anything soft. I’ll probably wait till after Blue is neutered to let them have playtime together, but for now it looks like they won’t be able to live together 24/7.

[MoveDiagonally]

Bunnies don’t really have casual friends and it’s usually impossible to allow playtime without bonding. Bonding would require them to live together 24/7. :/

[LongEaredLions]

“Playtime” is not usually a good idea. Many bunnies don’t get along without being properly bonded, and having them together, then separating them could be very stressful.

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