to bond or not to bond

[prince dorian the bun]

Initially my plan on adopting a bun was to get a pre-bonded pair of large breed rabbits… well that didn’t really happen as Dorian decided I was taking him home and that was the end of that. So now I have a small single bun. I have asked both the shelter and my vet about getting him a friend and in both cases they actually discouraged me, but I never got a very clear reason as to why. On the other hand online I keep reading how bunnies should have a bond mate. I eventually do want to take him on some dates when that becomes an option again and just see how he reacts. Part of me wonders if being single too long will make it harder for him to bond with another bun though? Also what personalities get along? He’s pretty passive all in all and easy going, well other than a stubborn streak that knows no bounds or at least can not be bribed with foods (he can be tricked with tunnels as he really can’t resist exploring a new lay out), but not sure what to look out for in another bun to make things smoother if we go that path.

Sorry not a very clear question… I just find myself trying to figure out what is best for him.

Completely off topic, Dorian has started exaggeratedly curling his paws when he is pet and then shoving his face either under a blanket or my hand… he happily teeth grinds the whole time and often follows it with a flop so I know he’s happy, but it seems a little odd so wondering if other buns did this?

 

[DanaNM]

In my experience vets don’t know a ton about bonding! I of course love having bonded bunnies, and I do think there are lots of benefits to the bun. But that’s not to say a bun can’t be happy alone.

Most pairings do work out, although some might be a slightly easier process than others. I’ve also found that a rabbit’s personality towards people is really not indicative of how they will be towards other rabbits. I also don’t think being single for a long time will affect his chances of forming a bond. Sometimes I think it can help to pair with a rabbit that has been bonded or around other rabbits before, as they tend to “speak the language” and can communicate with other rabbits a bit better. So you might ask the shelter if there are any newly single buns, or buns they know tend to do well with other buns.

. . . 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.  

[prince dorian the bun]

Thanks DanaNm! My vet specializes in rabbits and has several, so I would generally trust him. He did say he has dealt with a large amount of injuries from supposedly bonded buns and maybe that is part of his hesitation. The shelter close to me does have a couple of single buns, but they are not seeming like good fits for various reasons. One has a history of being very aggressive with other buns. There was a bun I was considering him meeting, but she got picked up by her owner. (It’s a long story, but it was a medical situation so I am glad they got reunited)

[DanaNM]

That’s interesting about your vet. You might find this survey interesting, done by the UK rabbit welfare association on which types of bonds are generally successful:

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/further-reading/owner-rescue-centre-and-veterinary-professional-experiences-of-rabbit-bonding/

They didn’t have data on bonding processes used, but a lot of broken “bonds” reported were likely from rabbits from the same litter, that were not castrated early enough to prevent hormones from triggering fighting and were never really properly bonded (puberty and lack of neutering were commonly cited reasons for bonds breaking down).

In any case, no need to rush into the process and force it if you don’t see any good matches! It may be nice just to keep the option open should another bunny find its way into your life. With my first bunny I had as an adult, Bunston (the little brown guy in my avatar), I didn’t bond him for a few years after I got him, and in that case I bonded him with a friend’s rabbit (Bertha), because she couldn’t keep her anymore. They were so hard to bond (I also didn’t know what I was doing!), but once things finally clicked they were obsessed with each other and inseparable!

. . . 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.  

[Sonn]

With my first bun I didn’t bond him until he was nearly 3 years old I believe. I don’t think being a single bunny has much impact on bonding.

I’ve never encountered a rescue or vet discouraging bonding unless a rabbit is particularly aggressive (this was the case with one of my rabbits Monty named after the killer rabbit in Monty Python. I still have scars from the stitches he gave me more than once. Tried to bond him and it was a nightmare).

I always look at it from this perspective: If I have 2 rabbits and they do not bond am I willing and able to house them separately? And do I want a second rabbit?

I like to do bunny dates but most places aren’t doing them right now. I picked up Spud because his personality according to the rescue matches with Taters personality and if they don’t bond I have no problem keeping them separate.

I wouldn’t rush if you want to bond him until you find a potential bunny friend you think he would bond with. And the bonding forum on here is extremely helpful. I’ve followed the guides for years and it makes it so much easier.

[Susanne]

Hi, I spontaneously got my first bun, so I also started reading about bonding online and felt like with how social they are, I should get him a friend. I was spending a lot of time with him at first, and I know he was happy. I was more thinking about the future and when I travel, etc, so he does not get lonely. He was about 3 when I tried and I don’t think age makes a difference.

Long story short, I am happy that I did even with lots of bumps on the way. I did learn a lot about how he is with other rabbits and after 1 failed attempt and many speed dates. By the end it was much easier to find him a compatible bun. Luckily I was able to swap buns. I don’t think he’d allow being the submissive bun, or without a lot of work. I found him a super chill female who can handle his assertions. They have a relationship I still can’t understand, but I do think my first rabbit is happier especially when I’m gone and I got to give another rabbit a good home.

Also- if I pet Elmer’s cheek he will curl his front feet too. I’ve even put my finger there and he’ll hold my hand LOL.

[prince dorian the bun]

Thanks everyone. That article was helpful DanaNM. If I had room to keep separate it would help, but I rent and it’s a bit tight given how much room Dorian thinks he should have as is. The other bun also has to be suited to free roam too which is an added requirement. I think I will just keep an eye on the eligible single ladies at the shelter (& any lads as well, though that seems a harder bond) and just give it time. Knowing that you bonded after 3 years makes me feel less rushed.

@Susanne – Dorian will do that too. So cute!

 

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