Bunny Friends: Bonding Rabbits
Rabbits are very social and sensitive animals. In the wild, rabbits live in extensive warrens with lots of other rabbits. Living on their own, even as a pet rabbit, can be lonely for a rabbit, and can even cause them to become depressed. Almost all rabbits do better living in pairs or small groups of bonded rabbits. This can even be healthier for the rabbits as they take care of each other and groom each other.
When adopting rabbits, it is easier to adopt a bonded pair or group- all the hard work has been done for you! But we often start with one rabbit or are left with one rabbit after another passes and then they must undergo the bonding process with a new rabbit. This process varies greatly by pair. Some pairs have the elusive "love at first sight" and almost instantly bond. Others can take months or a year to complete their bond. It is important to take as long as your pair needs as forcing a bond too quickly can cause rabbits to get into fights that are dangerous and may ruin the potential for the bond to form in the future.
When bonding, you have to determine what works best for your bunnies. There are a few key principles that should be followed no matter what:
There are many excellent sources online to help you find what works for bonding your specific rabbits. Here are a few favorites:
House Rabbit Society
Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue
Save a Bunny Rescue
When adopting rabbits, it is easier to adopt a bonded pair or group- all the hard work has been done for you! But we often start with one rabbit or are left with one rabbit after another passes and then they must undergo the bonding process with a new rabbit. This process varies greatly by pair. Some pairs have the elusive "love at first sight" and almost instantly bond. Others can take months or a year to complete their bond. It is important to take as long as your pair needs as forcing a bond too quickly can cause rabbits to get into fights that are dangerous and may ruin the potential for the bond to form in the future.
When bonding, you have to determine what works best for your bunnies. There are a few key principles that should be followed no matter what:
- Start in a neutral area. This can be a room that neither rabbit has ever been in, or it can be one that has been neutralized (can be done with vinegar) and that neither rabbit is allowed in alone for the duration of bonding. Eventually you will move to a common area and finally to the rabbits' future home, but this takes time.
- Consistency is key! Plan to spend time bonding your rabbits each day. At the beginning, this may be for just 5 minutes, but should increase as your rabbits form their bond. Making sure your rabbits have contact each day will help them form a consistent bond and move through the stages more quickly.
- 72 hour supervision before finalizing. At the very end of the bonding process when you move the bunnies into the home they'll share with each other, you must supervise them for 72 hours straight. This means staying home all day and sleeping next to their pen! This helps ensure that the rabbits get along in their shared space. If they can get along for this extended period of time without incident, then they are likely bonded. After that, they should no longer be separated. Even if one is sick and goes to the vet, the other rabbit should go with them.
There are many excellent sources online to help you find what works for bonding your specific rabbits. Here are a few favorites:
House Rabbit Society
Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue
Save a Bunny Rescue
ABOUT US
Wonder Bunny Rabbit Rescue is a non profit, no-kill 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and adoption of bunnies.
CONTACT
Phone: (708) 280-4301 / Email: [email protected]
Wonder Bunny Rabbit Rescue is a non profit, no-kill 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and adoption of bunnies.
CONTACT
Phone: (708) 280-4301 / Email: [email protected]