When Our Presence is Counter-Productive

[MissBinky]

I was reading Shiloh's thread and something Flashy said sparked something I had long wondered about...

Flashy had stated that some of her buns just refuse to bond because they are very bonded to her and therefore if she really wanted to bond them, she'd need someone else to do the bonding for her.

I agree that sometimes the buns are so attached to us that they view us as their mates so it just doesn't work when we are involved. I realized that when I took myself out of the equation, I could bond my bunnies. I've noticed that even the meanest bunny I had was willing to bond because she was lonely due to me not paying attention to her as much as before. I didn't neglect her (emotionally)on purpose, but things just happened and so I ended up not spending the time with her as I used to. Same with my others. I now understand that because of this, they were missing the attention and affection they once had and they bonded more easily. Though in the end, they each paired off,I was able to bond with my pairs again so it worked out great.

I've also noticed that in general, shelter buns seem more eager to bond. They must be lacking the socialisation, the love and attention so to them it must be so great to have a bunny friend.

So that really had me wondering, if there was a way that we could kind of decrease the attention on the bun without ruining our bond with the bunny?If it could help boost our chancesat successfully bonding the buns and then picking up where we left off with them? And I don't mean like completely ignore them or anything... I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas?

 

[Flashy]

My buns get very little attention from me at the mo, but it just makes them want me more all to themselves when I am around. The only way mine will be bonded is if someone does it for me (we have bonders over here in the UK). I have yet to find a way to make any of them bondable, but I shall be interested to see what others think

I do agree about those who have had a rough time bonding easier, of my four that are not bondable by me, three are spoilt rotten and have only known luxury and one has known many breedings and thinks she is a queen. The three fosters I bonded that live here, and other previous rescues have bonded pretty well and pretty quickly, and seemingly the more they have been through, the better they bond (even my little psycho Roger).

Ok, so this was a pointless post, but hey.

 

[Aina]

I'm pretty sure you are right. Skye is bonded to Ronnie but she hates any other rabbits. However, when I was taking care of a friends bunny he got out when I was not there and Skye and him were fine and I didn't hear any growling, thumping, or going at the cage until I entered the room.