When really is the best time to try to bond my bunnies?

[Haleyrose]

Hey everyone! I recently became the owner of two bunnies, so I’ve made a number of posts in here and everyone has been so helpful! I’m hoping I can also get advice on this.

My bunnies (male and female) were fixed on Wednesday this week, so we’re about 4 days post op, and they seem so be doing good! They are eating and pooping normally, flopping, playing, and getting the zoomies (though I’m not sure if this is concerning so soon after surgery, but I can’t get them to stop). When I was at the vet (deals w exotics, but is not a vet that specializes in bunnies or small animals) I told him they weren’t previously bonded, and I asked when I would be able to try. At the moment, my situation isn’t ideal and I’m somewhat busy, so I don’t want them to be lonely and cause any stress. He told me after only one week, I should be able to try. He also implied that they would be 100% after a week, and I’m not sure if that’s because the surgery went so well, if the breed I have heals quickly, I have no idea. I’ve actually gotten very little communication from my vet, like I don’t even know how much my female bun weighs because they never told me.

I’m wary because every single site I’ve read says to wait at least 2-4 weeks, some even say 6 weeks to prevent pregnancy (which I shouldnt have to worry about if she is spayed, right?). I don’t want to try to bond them before they are ready and risk hurting them. I will also add the disclaimer- before I was a knowledgeable bunny owner, they saw each other and touched noses through their xpens, so they definitely know of each other and I don’t want this to contribute to stress either.

Should I trust my vet or does this seem sus? I don’t want to risk their safety if it’s not the right time. Should I also trust that they will be fine within a week? I can tell they are back to normal, but I know that doesn’t mean it’s risk free to give them their cardboard boxes and obstacles back (ai have very active and jumpy bunnies and I read they can’t jump up for two weeks, but again I have no idea).

Anything helps!

[Wick & Fable]

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Spaying_and_neutering_rabbits#Care

Above should provide good guidance on post-op care and timelines. In general, males need less time (5 days usually) since their neuters are much less invasive than female spays.

Re: bonding…

1. Pregnancy is not a concern since she is spayed– you are correct.

2. I would wait at least 1mo to ensure hormones have had plenty of time to properly dissipate and therefore you have a more stable foundation on which to build a bond between them.

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.

[DanaNM]

One week if def not enough time post-spay. Usually females should be confined for 2 weeks.

The rule of thumb I go off of for when to start bonding is 3 weeks (this is based off practices as the rescue I volunteered at, which has a lot of expereienced bonders). This is enough time for most of the hormones to drain.. and sometimes it seems like a tiny bit of hormones left can actually help the process.

That said, if you put them together for a date after 3 weeks and they are acting crazy hormonal, then you should give it some more time.

If I were you, I’d start prebonding (cage swaps) 2 weeks after and continue those for at least a week. If they seem very relaxed after a week or cage swaps, you can start dating. Or keep going with cage swaps until they are relaxed and you are ready. Your schedule is important too, because bonding takes a lot of time!

. . . 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.  

[Author]

Messages