is new bunny relationship working or not?

so, we got a 2nd bunny yesterday. both are fixed -- one girl, one boy, and both youngish. they did OK at the shelter-- Gren is a bossy girl and mounted him in short order. (we haven't named new rabbit yet --he's still "new rabbit" or "white rabbit"). he didn't fight back, he did thump, grunt and try to scramble away. they had a nice long car ride together and have been sniffing each other through cages, but their date today was different because White Rabbit was more assertive in grunting, thumping, and running away. this seemed to make Gren more committed to her pursuit. no one has been injured. however, it seems rocky. any thoughts?

also, moving them into neutral territory seems quite stressful for both of them-- less for Gren, although she is annoyed at being picked up. but the new kid seems quite overwhelmed. I know he's had a rough few weeks-- he was left in the night drop box at the shelter.

these are our first rabbits --we've had Gren for about 7 months. I hate the thought of taking White Rabbit back.

thanks for any insight you can provide.

I'd say it's too soon to tell. Sometimes it can take a month or more for them to find peace with each other. Definitely worth the wait though! I would hold out and just make sure they aren't grievously injuring each other.

The new boy seems to have had a rough start, so his personality may not be shining through yet. A new home, new people and smells, and a new rabbit all in just 2 days...it's a lot for a wee one to take in

Chin up, bolster that patience and keep trying Vent your woes here! It helps, I promise!

Agree with Sammy, it's just too soon to know. It does take bunnies a long time to bond and it's take a whole lot of patience from the ones trying to bond them.

Wishing you luck with Gren and "White Bunny". Hoping the bonding does come about and "White Bunny" gets a name. Time and patience is the key.

K

Actually, it sounds to me that it's going quite well. As long as there's no blood or hair loss, it's not bad.

Actually, it sounds to me that it's going quite well. As long as there's no blood or hair loss, it's not bad.

hi everyone,

white rabbit has now been with us for 5 days. our vet recommended that we slow down the bunny introductions, so for the last several days we stuck to just letting he and Gren interact through the cage which is going well, and letting him get used to us. this evening, I tried a bunny date and white rabbit jumped and kicked at Gren, which resulted in her fighting back and pursuing him. she bit out (or kicked out?) a huge chunk of fur. I separated them and then checked them both -- no blood but it was a lot of fur. they both are now unphased. when do I try again? they sniff noses very politely and hang around each other when white rabbit is in his pen, but face to face still isn't working. this is stressful!

When you put them together next time, try it in the bathtub.

got it. will do!

Some fur flying is not unusual. As long as there's no blood you are doing great. It is a super stressful process, but they are great once they are bonded.

The bath tub works well because the slippery surface keeps them from being totally comfortable and it's easier to seperate them if you need to.

Time, patience, and perseverance.

hi rabbit friends,

you'll be happy to hear that White Rabbit now has a name -- his name is Shin Shin, which is Japanese onamonapeia for the sound of snow falling. Shin Shin is here in my study with me right now after a rabbit date with Gren in the bathtub. whew, this is still stressful! the most stressful part for the three of us is catching and transporting the rabbits to neutral territory. Grendel is not used to being caught and carried (my bad). she likes to hang out and be petted, but not being held. Shin Shin also strongly dislikes it. I feel like I am going to damage my relationship with both of them through this bonding process. right now Shin Shin is happily hopping around the room and I think he's getting used to me but he doesn't really trust any of us.

as for Grendel and Shin Shin, they are doing OK but not super. They were in the bathtub with their heads tucked under one another. if Grendel moved or sniffed him, he would thump. on more stable footing, this has set her off into chasing him and nipping him. when Gren is outside, she hangs around his hutch and they politely sniff one another.

what do you think about all of this? by the end of the day I feel tired and frustrated with them.

update to my post earlier --day 8 ended really well (I think). they both went outside and each did some bunny dancing and binkying within sight of one another. that's good right? and Shin Shin didn't thump once!

lala007 wrote:

update to my post earlier --day 8 ended really well (I think). they both went outside and each did some bunny dancing and binkying within sight of one another. that's good right? and Shin Shin didn't thump once!

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So thrilled for you. Bonding is going in the right direct. No thumping, no rushing at each other, no fur flying, just happy bunnies, definitely a good sign.

Hoping it all continues. And so thrilled White Rabbit has a name of Shin Shin. Really unique name.

K

Hi Lala,

The bonding sounds like it's going really well. Have you tried to move them in a pet carrier? That may be a little easier for all of you.

Also I have a Pet Stoller that I loaned to my friend who's trying to bond 2 of her bunnies. We took them for a walk on Saturday. They did really well and snuggled together the whole time. And boy did we get alot of strange looks. Hee Hee

Susan