Taking bonding bunnies to the vet

[ohbonobogirl]

Minerva came to join our household last Sunday, after a couple of dates with Bandit, who’s been running the house for the past year.  So far, they’re doing pretty well in the process.  They share an playpen for large parts of the day and don’t need direct supervision any more.  Apart from poop wars and Bandit occasionally getting on Minerva’s nerves trying to hump her (she just hops away from him), there have been no signs of conflict.  They’re definitely not to the “we love each other and want to be together for ever and ever” stage yet.  Grooming happens regularly, the humping has decreased, they can eat together without complaint and share a box, but they’re not really actively seeking each other out for company yet.  I’m sure it’ll come.  Minerva is a champion flopper and binky-er and she does this lots during the day.  Bandit’s never really been one for flopping or binkying, but he seems mostly content with Minerva, if a little grumpy he can’t be free-range right now.  

The question:  The bunnies have a checkup on Saturday.  Minerva passed some tapeworm segments so they’re both getting wormed and then will have general well-bunny care.  How do I handle the vet?  My inclination is to put them both in the same carrier and use it as a bonding experience.  Any thoughts either way?

[Sarita]

It sounds as if they would be fine together in the carrier to the vet’s and it might help strengthen their bond too.

[MoveDiagonally]

I agree with Sarita. I would bring an extra carrier just in case but I think they will likely be fine.

[ohbonobogirl]

Thanks for the advice! The vet trip was super-easy and both got along well. Upon their return, Bandit and Minnie entered a completely clean and rearranged bunny area and are both hopping around seemingly quite happily. Theirs has been a really easy bonding, and I’m incredibly grateful. I think they’re both very pleased to have a new friend, too.

Thanks again for the help! This board is a wonderful resource.

[San Diego]

We are in month four of our bonding process and your experience sounds very much like our Angus and Lola’s saga. We had some pretty scary fights in the first couple weeks, otherwise the behavior is very similar. I can say without a doubt that you should transport them in the same carrier always. Even when only one rabbit needs care. It definitely helps bring them together.  

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