So, you’re bringing home a friend for your bunny. Or maybe you’re adopting two rabbits that aren’t littermates. You can’t simply put them in a hutch together.
Bonding rabbits is creating a lifelong friendship. It takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Here’s how to bond your bunnies.
First, Neuter Your Rabbits
Neutered rabbits are easier to bond. Also, neutering will protect their health in the longer term and prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Adjoining But Separate Spaces
Each rabbit should have its own separate living space where it can see and smell the other. One example is two runs side by side. You could also divide a hutch with a wire divider. Look for the following signs that your rabbits are getting used to one another.
- Sitting side by side on either side of the barrier
- Grooming one another through the barrier
- Engaging in normal behaviours
Bunny Dating
Bring your rabbits together once a day in a neutral space. Supervise them and prepare to separate them if necessary.
Positive Signs
If your rabbits do any of the following, they are moving toward bonding.
- Ignoring each other
- Grooming themselves or one another
- Flopping onto one side
- Turning their back to the other bunny
Danger Signals
If your rabbits do any of the following, separate them and try again later.
- Stiff tails
- Ears back
- Growling
- Fighting
The bonding process may take days or even weeks. When your rabbits can happily spend one to two hours together in the neutral space, you can introduce them to their new shared living space.
Read more about bonding your rabbits on our blog: https://homeandroost.co.uk/blog/how-to-bond-rabbits/
Comments
1 comment
Hi, I have an eleven month old male rabbit who I have had for about nine months. He has a bit of an attitude but the most he would do is lunge if i was annoying him too much, usually he just flicks me off. He is still a sweet bunny and has improved a lot recently since I have been home more. A day ago, took a six month old female rabbit from a family who couldnt look after her. She is an incredibly sweet bunny and has done nothing but cuddle me and sleep. She is in a fenced off area in my house whilst my male rabbit has access to the whole place. He came into the room and was very curious about what was in the fence, when she came out they were sniffing each other through the fencing. He was fine but then started growling and i think he may have bit her (or tried to). I got him away from the fence and after a bit tried again, but with the same result. I tried putting a panel of fencing with a gap outside her fence to see if that would be better but he was still aggressive. I shut the door so he can’t come near her but he keeps scratching at it. I put a panel of fencing at the door and there is a very large gap in between, so they can see each other but not touch. He keeps growling and trying to get over the fence. I have never tried to bond rabbits before and am quite concerned about his aggressive behaviour. Any tips?
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