Starting bonding!!

[Delilah's mommy]

So Delilah has been spayed for 3 weeks now and my Milo has been neutered for 3 weeks also. This week I had to move Milo’s cage in the hallway since where I had it originally was close to a window and getting really cold. So, where I had to move him was in front of the doorway where Delilah is. They have seen each other and Delilah had been extremely curious and he was laid back. Tonight I decided to introduce them since I had done some pre bonding throughout the week and the research I have done they both were ready. When I introduced them it went good, but they both showed hormonal actions. Delilah jumped over him, which I researched can be a sign of her flirting. Also Milo appeared like he was getting interested in mounting her. That’s when I gave them treats and ended the bonding. When Milo was getting back in his cage I noticed he was “ready” to mate..if you know what I mean… But I really felt like they were really interested and nice to each other & at one point My sister and I fink we saw Milo grooming Delilah & they both were very relaxed! But my ultimate question is did I bond them too early and should I wait or is this normal signs of regular bonding and not red flags of hormones? Thank you in advance!

[Delilah's mommy]

Also, both are completely healed from their surgeries!

[MoveDiagonally]

1-3 weeks. It can take 4-6 weeks for hormones to dissipate. Humping/ect… Is a part of bonding but the behavior you described does sound more hormonal than dominance related. I would keep up with pre-bonding and try again in a week. If they’re still acting hormonal than I would give it another 2 weeks. 

[Delilah's mommy]

Okay awesome, thank you so much!! I will update after next weekend!

[Delilah's mommy]

Oh also, I was wondering if I could put their cages next to each other. Delilah has her own room and plenty of space for his cage, but im assuming she’d be territorial of it. I wasn’t sure if it was okay since they wouldn’t be actually meeting in that room or not. Thanks in advance!

[MoveDiagonally]

This depends on the bunnies. You can put them next to each other so they start getting used to seeing, smelling, hearing each other and this can help with bonding BUT for some bunnies this can increase aggression. So I would give it a try but if you notice increased agitation (a little at first is normal) ect… You might want to keep them in separate rooms. Do you know where you are going to keep them when they’ve bonded?

[Delilah's mommy]

Hello!! So sorry I have not gotten back to you! I read your response and forgot to send one back!! I moved their cages and watched them this past week and they did great! So I’m very glad I decided to do that! Thank you!! Also, I started bonding again today! I put them in my moms bathtub. It went really well at first, all it was the whole time was Milo grooming her the whole time! For about 10 minutes that was all that was going on. They hardly moved and Delilah just kept her head down waiting for more as it seemed. Then they split for 5 minutes and just roamed around with occasional grooming. Then, Milo mounted her. I just pet Delilah calmly and after a little bit took him slowly off. This happened maybe two of three times after. Delilah seemed okay after that. Then Milo groomed her for a little bit after that. But then he thumped, which I was not sure at all about that, it kind of confused me. But by the end Milo seemed a little agitated and Delilah was just staying in one spot. Grooming was off an on, but I ended it with giving them both a treat. So, I’m not really sure if it went well or not! No fighting at all and he was still grooming her at the end, but I was thrown off by the thump & and I’m not quite sure how Delilah felt about him. I am going to continue bonding tomorrow, any suggestions based on today? Thank you in advance!

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