Hi! I've been on these boards a lot lately, as we're planning to add a second bunny to our home. We currently have a 2 year old female (spayed) Holland Lop names Gizmo.
We went on a round of speed dates, and had a successful first date with a lionhead that we absolutely love. She groomed Gizmo, and also presented herself to Gizmo for grooming...Gizmo just sat there and allowed this to happen, didn't show any signs of aggression, but didn't really groom back either.
We have a second date scheduled for next weekend and if that goes well we'll bring the lionhead home. This is where I have some questions...
*Do we bring them home in the same carrier, or should I plan on having a second one with me? I will have someone with me for the ride home.
I've been reading lots about bonding but am a bit confused about the way to do things and timing
*Do you suggest 'pre-bonding' for a week or two, where they're in cages, close together (but not too close) and swap out items from each others cages for a week or so before starting neutral territory sessions? Or can we start the neutral territory sessions sooner?
*When we do start neutral territory bonding sessions, do they still live in the same room with separate cages (I know not to put them into the same cage together), where they can still see each other outside of bonding sessions, and have separate free range time until bonded?
I'm sure I'll have more questions as we go, but these are the questions I have before we start. Thanks!
We went on a round of speed dates, and had a successful first date with a lionhead that we absolutely love. She groomed Gizmo, and also presented herself to Gizmo for grooming...Gizmo just sat there and allowed this to happen, didn't show any signs of aggression, but didn't really groom back either.
We have a second date scheduled for next weekend and if that goes well we'll bring the lionhead home. This is where I have some questions...
*Do we bring them home in the same carrier, or should I plan on having a second one with me? I will have someone with me for the ride home.
I've been reading lots about bonding but am a bit confused about the way to do things and timing
*Do you suggest 'pre-bonding' for a week or two, where they're in cages, close together (but not too close) and swap out items from each others cages for a week or so before starting neutral territory sessions? Or can we start the neutral territory sessions sooner?
*When we do start neutral territory bonding sessions, do they still live in the same room with separate cages (I know not to put them into the same cage together), where they can still see each other outside of bonding sessions, and have separate free range time until bonded?
I'm sure I'll have more questions as we go, but these are the questions I have before we start. Thanks!