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BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum BONDING Trying to bond a trio…not going so well. HELP!

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    • Beth
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        Hi,

        I have 3 male/neutered Holland Lops, ages are 2 yrs old, all were neutered at about 6 months old.  The 2 bonded Lops are Cornelius and Gilligan.  I then acquired another Lop, Cracker Jack about 6-8 months ago, he came from a home where he was a single rabbit.  Since I’ve gotten Cracker Jack their pens have been next to each other for the last 6-8 months.  There was never any aggression shown by either rabbits while their pens have been next to each other.  I decided to try to bond the trio.  My neutral territory to introduce them was at my work.  I work at a veterinary clinic, so I introduced them in our cat playroom (no cats were present) which is a fairly large area.  I decided to just introduce all 3 at the same time.  Things went ok, I quickly realized Gilligan seems to be the submissive rabbit, while Cornelius and Cracker Jack are quite dominant since they were the only ones chasing one another and fur pulling, none of the interactions were so dangerous that I had to intervene.  They would eventually go and lay down on opposite sides of the room and then they were put up.  The introductions continued in the room everyday for 1 week.  I would let them interact for several hours of the day, with intermittent chasing and no humping between Cornelius and Cracker Jack and then they would be eating together and lying together for a couple hours and then the chasing would start again.  I was thinking things were going ok, so I brought them home, all 3 in the same carrier with no fights breaking out.  They have all 3 been together for 3 days and it’ll be ok for a few hours and then chasing each other like crazy and fur pulling and then lying around in relaxed positions.  Well today I noticed that its almost like Cornelius overeacts whenever Cracker Jack comes up to smell him, so he jumps and chasing starts.  Gilligan is definately the neutral one, either one or the other rabbit is always sitting or lying next to him, but unfortnately when fights break out sometimes he’s caught in the crossfire.  Where did I go wrong?  Did I introduce to quickly?  Any advice would be great on what I should do

        Thanks so much, Beth


      • RabbitPam
        Moderator
        11002 posts Send Private Message

          Hi, Beth,
          It sounds like you know how to bond very well, and it just takes a bit more patience. You might find a more neutral area to start off more slowly at home, one that is similar to the area at your vet’s. I’m thinking a plain hallway with a gate at both ends, or a very simple room that you can hang out in with them for a few hours. I just think you need to go a little slower, have them together for less time and build up gradually as they learn to live with all three in their home. Oh yeah, it’s your home too. They tend to forget that.

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      Forum BONDING Trying to bond a trio…not going so well. HELP!