So if I decided to get another bun…

[3crazybuns]

 Ok,

So I’ve been thinking about getting Oreo a friend, of course my first step is to get him neutered…and wait a bit, but I have a few questions about bonding. 

Should I go with Male or female? Does it even matter?

How long should have him/her before I start the bonding process?

Since Oreo was used for breeding would he be easier or harder to bond with another bunny, or would that even matter?

 

As always…Thank you wonderful bun-a-holic’s for all your help!!!! 

[KytKattin]

You should, if you can, take him bunny dating. Letting him choose out his potential new partner can potentially make things easier in the long run. Start with females, as you will probably have the best luck with him there, though that is never a guarantee. Also, please adopt. Not just because it’s saving a rabbit, but because it will potentially make the whole process tons easier. If you buy a little cute baby from the petstore then you have to wait until it’s 6 months old to spueter and only then can you really start the bonding process. By that time your probably very attached so if it doesn’t work then your going to have two rabbits that don’t even get along. Not to mention that adopting a mature rabbit from a shelter means that you have a good idea of what the temperament of that rabbit is going to be and can better match it to your current bun’s temperament.

As far as his former life as a father, it could potentially make things a much bigger challenge. Go check out the thread Jack & Vivian. Jack was also a father, and his continuous advances do tend to annoy most females. The only exception with Jack would be that his former bunny girlfriend, Rucy was more receptive to his advances and may be part of why he is so amorous still.

[Beka27]

Good questions! 

You’ll want to wait a month post-neuter (2 months would be even better) before getting a second bunny.  The easiest bonds are opposite sex, both altered.  I would recommend you contact rescues in your area and take Oreo for bunny dating with their available, SPAYED females.  Bunny dating will usually make the process easier, but you’ll still have to do some bunny bonding sessions on your own at home.  These can take a couple weeks or a couple months of daily sessions.  It’s much riskier to bring home a rabbit that YOU pick out b/c you have no idea how they will react to each other.  It can be done but it’s harder.  When I adopted my lop, I started bonding the next day.  It took 3 weeks of daily, 1 hour (or longer) sessions to get them living together. 

The fact that Oreo was used for breeding may make it harder to bond.  BinkyBunny is bonding her rabbit Jack right now and he had fathered bunnies and was neutered later in life.  He continues to mount the female and this is making the bonding sessions more difficult b/c she is getting mad.  When you go bunny dating, it will give you a good idea of how he reacts to other bunnies.

This is my favorite bonding article… it is lengthy but it’s thorough and takes you thru step by step.

Love Match: A Guide to Bonding Your Rabbits - HRN

 

 

[Beka27]

Lost: you posted while I was composing my reply… LOL! We both brought up Jack!!! Great minds think alike! ;o)

[3crazybuns]

 Ok so this may be a really silly question… Ok, must give a little background first. I finally got my husband to agree that Oreo needs a friend.. Ok, ok, I want Oreo to have a friend!  Anyway, I told him that we most definately need to adopt, no if, ands, or butts about it. So we got online last night, and found the CUTIEST little lopp eared boy named Prince Charming http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi <–can be seen here! Now, he is a boy, and of course so is Oreo, so here's where my question comes in, I think we want to try and adopt him sooner, rather than later since we don't want him to get snatched up, we both fell in love right away (even though we haven't met him, and I know that could play a huge factor) Would it still be best, even if we adopt him soon to wait to try and bond them until after Oreo is neutered? Charming is already neutered or will be before he is able to come home. I contacted the rescue with the required information, but I'm still waiting to hear back from them. I do know his adoption fee is $40.00 which includes his neuter. (it says that on the page) Oreo will be getting neutered next week btw!  (SUPER EXCITING!) 

Anyway, any other tips on adoption and bonding will be greatly appreciated, I’ve been reading as much as I can in the bonding Thread, and the info page. I will be reading more, and more as the time gets closer! Thanks so much ladies & gents!!!!  

[Sarita]

He’s cute but honestly it’s best to let Oreo help choose his mate. You need to find out from the Humane Society if they will allow you to bring Oreo in for bunny dates (and I’m positive they will want him to be neutered before you can do this).

And normally a male/female combination is the best bet rather than a same sex combination (not that it cannot be done but it’s not the most ideal pairing).

[Beka27]

I agree with Sarita. Wait and do the bunny dating. Same sex match-ups are more difficult, esp. if it’s not someone the bunny has chosen themselves. On the rare ocassion, a bunny may choose another of the same sex… but again, it’s not likely. It can work, so I don’t want to discourage you too much, but you’d have to be prepared that they may never bond. Would you be willing to keep them both separately forever?

[3crazybuns]

Ok…I would most definately keep them both, no matter what!!! Well, I guess we wait till after surgery then! I knew that ultimately it would Oreo’s decision, since he’s going to be his “mate” I guess there times I see oreo just laying there lounged out and think how nice it would be for him to have a friend, and I get in a hurry, or get excited for him, and want to rush into it. But thank you for slowing me down!!! =) I certainly want Oreo to have the perfect friend.

I did get an email back from the Humane Society, and yes they allow “bunny dating” So yayyyy!!! Thanks again!!! As always you all are wonderful help!!!! =)

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