BONDING RABBITS; A BULLET POINT CHECKLIST


The domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus)
  • From Europe originally
  • First kept as pets in the 1800’s (first as food source in first century)
    • Belgian Hares became popular in the US
  • Social animals that live in large warrens
  • Social Hierarchy present
  • Even though they are domestic, instinctive behaviors are still present
 
Rabbits Are Social Animals
  • Pairs are recommended
  • Companionship allows
    • Mutual Grooming
    • Security
    • Less likely to be destructive due to boredom
  • Male /Female bonds are easiest and recommended
    • Both rabbits should be spayed/neutered
    • Wait 30 days before beginning introductions
  • Bonding must be carefully done
  • Costs will increase
Bonding
  • Provide two separate pen units side by side need to be set up
    • Two exercise pens or habitats side by side where they can see, hear, smell and talk. Everything except TOUCH.
  • Towels or broom
    • In case a rumble breaks out
  • Neutral Territory
    • For closely monitored bonding time
  • Shelters have speed dating to find initial match
    • More time will be needed at home to ensure they bond
 
Once home from speed date
  • They cannot just live together yet
  • They need to build trust
  • Rabbits can and will fight to establish dominance and territory
  • You need to be the referee
  • These methods can be used if a pair bond is broken
  • It is never safe to leave rabbits alone together until the bond has been sealed
 
Bonding Behaviors
  • Ignoring each other
    • This is actually good
    • At least they aren’t fighting 
  • Chasing
    • Is natural and normal
    • Is used to establish dominance
    • Circling can be normal as well 
  • Mounting
    • Used to establish dominance
    • May result in bites to the underside (watch for annoyance)
    • Will continue throughout the relationship and be a sign of possession 
  • Nipping
    • OK as long as both bunnies are OK with it
    • You may see fur pulled or small bite wounds
    • This is part of establishing hierarchy
    • Stop them if they start moving in a tight circle or chasing tails
    • Serious damage follows this
    • Makes it hard for the damaged bun to trust the other
  • Mirroring
    • This is good
    • What one bun does, so does the other 
  • Mutual grooming
    • This is great!
    • They may start by sitting near each other and grooming themselves.
    • One bun will approach the other and put their head down – requesting grooming.
    • The other responds by grooming them, good bonding is occurring 
  • Bunny Flops and Binkies
    • Show trust during bonding 
  • Tail waggle
    • Is flirting behavior
  •  Thumping with back legs
    • Shows frustration- Bun is not getting what it wants
    • Bun wants attention now
  • Butt
    • Bun turns and shows you or the other rabbit it’s backside
    • Bun is not getting what it wants
    • Bun is disapproving of the situation 
  • Eating near the other Bun
    • Shows trust and not stressed
    • Always have food out during bonding sessions
 
Neutral Territory Needed
Never attempt bonding in an area that the buns live
Large space is needed – kitchen or similar
It can be the exercise area if nothing else is available
Always set up a pen.  This prevents them from getting under something and fighting
Provide greens and hay
 
How long should the date last?
For the unsure bond: 15-minute date and build up from there.
Slow and steady wins the race!
It takes time to build that trust bond.
You do not have to do a date every day
You can do two 15-minute dates a day ,or if things are going well do a long marathon session. Just use your judgement.
Some bonds will happen fast while others can take some time and TLC.
 
Helping the Bonding Process
  • Swapping
    • Changing back and forth between pens
    • They get used to each other’s odors
    • Obviously, they are not in the pens together
  • Swapping stuffed animals
    • For scenting and decoy to decrease territorial drive
    • This may be more important than the dating
    • Do it even if you cannot do the date every day
    • Great item to bring when spay/neuter time arrives (or any seperation)
 
Exercise
  • Bunnies still need exercise even if they aren’t getting along yet
    • Simply take turns
    • Use a barrier to protect noses from bites through pen bars
    • Litter box habits may not be great until they are bonded
  • Free Roamers
    • You need to purchase a pen
 
How can you help the process?
  • “Bunny Magic”
    • Place buns next to each other and pet them at the same time
    • This spreads their scent all over both of them
    • Do it at the end of each date
  • “The Standoff”
    • Buns face each other with their heads down
    • Give them both a scritch on the head if one doesn’t start grooming the other
  • Serious Fights
    • “Bunny Tornado”
      • Bun will have their tail up and ears back first
      • Followed by tight circling and biting
      • This must be stopped right away
      • Place the soft broom between them.  Yell if you have to
      • They will bite you so no hands
    • Assess damage.  Go to vet if in doubt
    • This results in a 2 weeks ban from dating
    • Continue the cage swap and stuffed animal swap
 
Trouble Still
  • Give them a larger space
    • Be sure it is neutral
    • 2 week ban until date but continue the swap

  • How long does bonding take?
    • Hard to predict but anywhere from immediate to many months
 
Older methods of bonding

  • Bathtub bonding, small cage in the back seat of the car
    • Considered stress bonding
    • No longer acceptable
    • Gentle method is best
 
Male/Male or Female/Female Pairs?
  • The easiest bondings are male / female
    • After bunnies are spayed and neutered it is easier to bond same sex rabbits.
  • A bromance ( male-male) bonding can happen.
    • It will be more difficult.  Best they be neutered before they meet.
    • You need to expect a longer courtship and be willing to put in a little more time.
  • Female/Female bond
    • Female-female bondings are the most difficult.
    • It is easier if they are litter mates or siblings.
    • Extra time and a longer courtship may be needed.
    • They may unbond for a time after the spay.  Get them together the day after the procedure and monitor.  Dominance may need to be re-established.
    • Follow the Bonding instructions
    • This combination rarely works out 

Are They Bonded yet? Here is your checklist:
  • Laying side by side
  • Grooming each other
  • Eating together
    • Provide 2 bowls to prevent jealousy
  • Using the same litter box
    • Nipping is common in the box
    • They may require two boxes
  • Playing together
  • Sleep and nap together

Move in Day
  • Clean the area well
  • Bowls, houses, blanket.  Use white vinegar
  • Rearrange everything to make it seem new
  • Still give them lots of space
  • Do it during daytime
  • This way you will know if it is going to work before the first night together
 
 
Other Behaviors Defined FYI
  • Binkies – jumping and spinning in the air
    • Happy bunny
  • Flop
    • Contented and comfortable
  • Grunting
    • Warning, Bunny trying to be fierce
  • Circling your feet
    • Means “I love you”
  • Chinning
    • Marking territory with chin glands
  • Soft vs loud teeth grinding
    • Soft grind is happy/content
    • Loud grind is discomfort
  • Nips
    • For attention, bunny isn’t getting something it wants
 
Much of this is taken from the good people at the Bonding Rabbits: A How to from Georgia HRS | House Rabbit Society
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