Started bonding and need some advice

[Doodler]

I introduced my bunnies early today in the Welcome section (pics were included in that post but don’t let the innocent faces fool you ) and I thought I would ask here for some advice and suggestions.

So both of my boys are neutered, one since December and the other was done 7 weeks ago.  I have been prebonding since then by switching their items and neither seemed fazed.  I tried to avoid switching their full area because Doodles was free roam in his own room and Dapper had a large pen in my dining room.  I have since made two decent sized pens in the dining room and swap them daily.  This has been going on for two weeks.  It broke my heart to do it but I clearly realized they needed to be constantly side by side and have full swaps if I had any hope for this to work.  At this point they still really have no negative reaction to the switches or living by each other.  I know some recommend 4 weeks but since they aren’t showing any reactions and had some type of switching before hand I thought it was okay to move on.

When they first were introduced over two weeks go (before I changed their living arrangements) it definitely was not love at first sight.  I did the car ride suggestion and they immediately fought.  Luckily I was able to stop it quickly.  Since then I tried the tub and if I smoosh them it goes well but when I let them go there eventually is a tussle.  One time Dapper humped Doodles and then tried to move on and Doodles nipped his side.  Dapper clearly took offense and they went after each other.  I again was able to stop it before anything really happened.

I have now taken a small break and did a more ‘official’ prebonding and things have gone really well for the most part.  I changed my process since Doodles clearly hates the tub idea.  I was torn on if a large area would be better, however I felt more comfortable in a small area because I feel like I have more control.  I have made an NIC cube and started with petting them constantly and almost the whole time used a dustpan between them.  Originally Doodles would try and go after Dapper and when Dapper felt this was about to happen he would try and go after Doodles.  Now after a few short sessions they no longer go after each other.  Yesterday I tried the bathroom floor and it started really well.  They both went up to each other nose to nose and put their heads down.  I starting petting them and Dapper eventually briefly groomed Doodles.  First groom and I was so happy!  I let them go about their investigates and then a short time later Doodles nipped Dapper’s side again and they became a ball of fur.  Luckily neither was hurt and barely any hair was pulled.  I tried to get to them in time but it happened so quickly.  I must say it’s hard to read ear language in a lop .  After that happened I decided to do a short session last night in the cube and they were perfect.  I now just finished my longest session of 15 minutes and didn’t use a dustpan at all.  They just laid next to each other and enjoyed the pets.  They both even bunny purred.  Dapper tends to lean into Doodles neck and closes his eyes and it’s one of the cutest things I have seen.  I’m not sure if he is asking for grooms or wanting to make sure he’s away from teeth though.  All I know is just looks like he’s saying ‘just love me’.  Sorry for the lengthy posting but I wanted to include what I can think of that is important.  Basically what I am getting from them is they are used to each other’s smells but have different ways to express their want to be the dominant one and we have a fear issue.  Dapper has only humped twice and he did ask for grooms but Doodles is a nipper (could be a full biter) to say not so fast buddy.  Like I said in my introductions Doodles is the more sensitive one so I am pretty sure he’s doing this out of fear but I just can’t explain to him that if he didn’t nip or bite they could have a peaceful existence.  I just hope they are compatible and I am not fighting a losing battle.   I was hoping to get thoughts on where I should go from here since we can’t stay in the cube forever.  I need Doodles to stop biting or Dapper to move away when it happens.  I know with such short sessions and the need to intervene so much I can expect the progress to be really slow.  I am happy that at least I have seen some progress since they seemed to want to kill each other at the beginning. Thanks!

[DanaNM]

Hi there,

It sounds like you have made some progress. Grooming is a good sign.

Sounds like a very small space is working OK, at least for getting them used to each other. I’ve always had the most progress with very large spaces. The idea is that they have space to get away from each other, so things don’t escalate to a fight as quickly. Imagine that in a small space, one bunny retreats, but the other bunny thinks it is actually coming for it, so they start circling. Any sudden move can set them off in a small space (at least in my experience).

What types of spaces do you have to work with? Neutral is the most important factor, ideally somewhere that isn’t within smell of their normal area. A couple of pens linked up in the backyard or garage can work great, or even at a friend’s house.

If you try the car ride again, sit in the back with them in a bin so you can easily get your hands on them, and have someone else drive. You can even use your cube set-up. Having the car running helps too.

A big thing with bunnies sorting out their dominance is trust. The submitting bunny has to trust that the dominant one isn’t going to hurt them if they submit. It’s interesting that Dapper groomed Doodles (a sign of submission), but is also humping and asking for grooms. So they are still sorting things out.

Often by the time they are bonded you can’t even tell who is dominant, so don’t worry too much about who will be top bun, just focus on building trust and providing a safe space for them to interact.

Sounds like you are doing well so far, so keep at it, and keep experimenting with the space you use. When something goes well, repeat that same type of session several times in a row to cement that behavior. And always end on a good note (wait until they are at least calm, you can pet them to induce this). So next time you see grooms, end it right there.

. . . 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.  

[Doodler]

Hello and thank you for the response! I know I wrote a novel so I appreciate you taking the time.

I had read through your bonding journal and larger space totally make sense to me. I would think that it would make them feel less trapped and less prone to feeling the need to fight but instead use the flight alternative. My plan was to test it in the small space just to see how they got along. With the arguments so far I just fear it’ll be too hard to stop it in time in a bigger space without hovering too much. I think the main thing I’m struggling with is giving them the space to figure things out but knowing when something bad is about to happen. There was a point today where Doodles had his head over Dapper’s and I wanted to stop it because I thought he might bite. I left them be and nothing happened. I just wish one of them would show me they were looking for a way out of the arguments.

As far as another car ride I just think they don’t get stressed enough. That’s a good thing but so far not useful when I’m trying to use a stress bond option. If I try it again I will definitely make sure I stay in the back and intervene if needed.

As far as neutral space that will be a struggle. Doodles has been everywhere now but the garage. I already have a tarp and carpet to set up a double pen there. I also thought about setting it up in my office. Doodles has snuck in there about 5 times but I’m hoping I might be able to disguise it well enough. From the look of how long this might take I have to consider what the temperatures will be like through this process.

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