Bonding Bunnies - How to go about introductions

INTRODUCTIONS in Bonding

A TWO CAGE SET-UP

Like I said in my first bonding bunny post, the first thing you need to know is the importance of two separate cages until the bunnies are bonded. Even if you threw two bunnies in a cage together and they didn't bother each other initially, they could end up fighting and SERIOUSLY injure one or both bunnies. Once you have purchased and arranged both cages with toys, water bowls, litter boxes, etc, you'll want to place the cages next to each other with at least 5 inches of space between. This will insure that neither bunny can bite or scratch.

Having the two cages in the same room and next to each other is really important. This allows each bunny to get use to the other bunny's scent. They also might find comfort and become at ease with the other if you feed them at the same time. This way they are associating seeing the other bunny with the yumminess of food.

FIRST STEP: DATES

Bonding is all about the dates :) You'll need a neutral place to do the introductions. This ensures neither bunny will be territorial with can lead to some serious fighting. I think the best place to do introductions is a bathtub. You can use a pen as well in a part of the house neither bunny has been. Just make sure the introduction spot is a small confined area.

You should expect some sniffing, circling, and mounting. This is completely normal. This is when the two bunnies decide who the dominant and who the submissive is. DO NOT, however, let the bunnies fight. if one lunges, tries to scratch, or bite the other separate the bunnies. This is when gloves and a shoe come in handy. You don't want to be accidentally bitten or scratched.

You'll want to give positive reinforcement to each bunny. Try setting them side by side and petting them. Also try to feed them yummy snacks together. I have also heard of a awesome trick which entails putting banana behind each bunnies ear. When the other bunny eats the banana it tricks the bunny into believing it is being groomed. Grooming=BUNNY LOVE.

Bonding can be instant or it can take days...weeks....even months. You'll need to go into it accepting that you might have to be VERY patient. You can't rush love after all. You'll want to perform the dates every day once they start and they should last from 5 to 15 minutes.

LAST STEP: MOVING IN

Bunnies should not be put in the same cage unless you are absolutely certain they get along. I would say after two or three very positive sessions you could move them in together. You'll have to use your best judgement. I think it's always better to be safe than sorry though because bunnies can SERIOUSLY hurt each other.

HONEYMOON

Once the bunnies have moved in it's honeymoon time! For the first two weeks make sure to search each bunny's bodies for scratches or bites. If you see any sign of wounds separate them again. Once bunnies are bonded it's usually pretty rare to break the bond. It can break if there is a bad fight or if you try to bond a third bunny and it doesn't work out with the original two. Bonded rabbits are proven to be happier and healthier. You'll be happier too when you see how they love!