Questions about Bonding

[EEEM]

As you may know, Harold passed onrecently leaving Judy all alone. She doesn't seem distressedand is eating and drinking fine. She doesn't seem to besearching for him or to be incredibly lonely, but she does seem starvedfor attention which is why I want to start thinking about getting her anew friend. It might seem a little soon, but we're going totake it slow, introduce her to several potential mates, and see how shereacts. If it seems like she's not ready, we'll justwait. No rush here, I just don't want her to feel lonely.

At this point in time the plan is to adopt another bunny from therescue where we got Harold and Judy. They host "bunny dates"often and are knowledgable about bonding. I've read up onbonding as well but still have some questions. Harold andJudy were bonded when we adopted them so I haven't had any experiencehere.

First off, I've heard that it's much easier to bond a male and femaletogether... Spayed and neutered of course. There are quite afew eligible bunny bachelors for Judy to meet and greet. ButI've fallen in love with a little jersey wooly female. I'vevolunteered with the MCRS by exercising and socialising the buns wholive at Petco stores and I've been hanging out with Adrienne, thelittle female, lately and she's just a dream. I know some ofyou have bonded female pairs. Was that harder to do than amale/female pair? I certainly don't want to stress Judy outand if she'd be happier with a boy she can cetainly choose, but I'dlove to see how she reacts to Adrienne.

Anyone have any hints or tips about female/female bonding?And also bonding a bun who was previously bonded to a bunny who haspassed on? I'd like to make the transition as easy aspossible on Judy, and we're certainly waiting at least afewweeks before trying to bond her, but I wanted to start the planningprocess now and find the best match for my girl.

 

[Shuu]

I've read that it is slightly more difficult tobond females than male/female, but it can also depend on personality.Judy may be more receptive because she knows how to act and what toexpect with another bun. Adrienne may have a harder time, depending onher background. As usual, there's always exceptions so I really urgeyou to get them together and see how it turns out. They both seemlovely so it may take longer than a male/female pair, but it doesn'tseem impossible.

Let us know how it turns out. I'm sure you'll be successful.

 

[Llama]

Not to be off topic, but this is really odd. My grandparents names are Harold and Judy!!!!:shock:

 

[EEEM]

As you can probably tell, I really like those names. I hope your grandparents are as sweet as my buns.

 

[Llama]

Well, of course they are! Me be spoiled.

 

[EEEM]

This is the little jersey wooly female I would love to bond Judy with.

I love her, but if Judy has a violent first reaction I think we'll lether meet a few bunny boys and see if she takes a liking to one so thebonding process will be smoother and easier. She bondedincredibly quickly with Harold. But I got them after theywere bonded so I don't have any experience introducing new buns to eachother. The MCRS sponsors bunny days and Judy will be going ina couple of weeks to meet and greet and see who she likes.

 

[jordiwes]

Now that is a very cute bunny! Good luck!

 

[Kricket]

I had NO idea Harold passed. I am sosad to hear this. I know you are a great bunny's mamma and Ithink any bunny you choose will be great with your gentle hand and allthe love you give. The wooly is adorable!

 

[EEEM]

Thanks for the condolences, Kricket. It is a sad time but we're doing well.

 

[Carolyn]

http://www.mybunnies.com/bonding.htmHaveyou tried this site? Buck Jones said it was excellent and itwas the one that Stephanie took his advice on and said that if youfollow it to the "T", it works. Stephanie bonded twomales. I'd ask her for some tips as well, but I do know shealways directs people to that website first.

Good Luck!

-Carolyn

 

[EEEM]

I did scan through that site and thought theideas looked great and we'll certainly go for it. Buthopefully also we'll find a bun that Judy has an initial attraction to,as she did with Harold. According to the MCRS they bondedthemselves almost instantly. They used them in a bunnyintroductions class as examples of how to introduce strange bunnies toeach other and apparently Harold started grooming Judyimmediately. They decided to keep then in neighboring cagesand they just pined for each other all day and groomed through thebars. Finally they let them reside together and it washappiness ever since. So maybe Judy will find love at firstsight once more. And if not, I'm certainly willing to work.