Bunny Bonding Basics
House rabbits are social by nature. Rabbits can be deeply emotional creatures and often crave the companionship of their own kind. They form bonds that are so powerful that loss of a companion can cause depression and illness. Like any relationship, though, the bonding process itself can be slow and may take patience, time and a commitment from you to foster the relationship.
Before attempting an introduction of two rabbits, both must be spayed or neutered. Bonding is generally easier if both are fixed. You need to wait at least 2 weeks (preferably four weeks) after the surgery before attempting introductions. This allows for the rabbit to heal and for his/her hormones to balance. Males can stay fertile for up to 6 weeks after neutering and may still exhibit hormonal behavior in this time.
Rabbit are extremely territorial, and may exhibit behaviors such as territorial droppings, chinning, urinating and aggressive behavior such as chasing, batting, biting, or mounting. Introductions should be done in a neutral space to minimize the occurrence of territorial behaviors. Rabbits are not quick to forget, so an initial fight could hinder future bonding success.
It is advised you wear thick gloves and long-sleeved shirt for the initial bonding sessions in case a fight ensues. A squirt of water on the nose can often prevent an aggressive behavior if it is done before the act begins, but is usually not effective once a fight has broken out.
Bunnies, like humans have very different personalities. When two bunnies meet initially, several outcomes may occur:
- The most likely outcome is tentative friendship. They will keep an eye on each other and may approach and sniff but will not groom each other.
- Sometimes the date consists of one chasing/one running. Make sure the one running does not start fighting and that he/she is not getting hurt. They may require a longer introduction period before they will fully bond and will need more work/attention to building the relationship.
- Sometimes, one rabbit mounts the other. This is OK as long as the rabbit on the bottom (submissive) is accepting it. They are working out who's the boss. The tables may turn later in the same date. Make sure both buns noses can be seen so they are not biting in sensitive areas during the interaction. Mounting may be done by any rabbit, regardless of gender or size. It is a form of communication and a way of establishing dominance, not a sign of sexual activity. As such, it will likely stop or lessen over time as the rabbits' relationship solidifies.
- Less common, but possible, is love at first sight. The bunnies may groom each other or cuddle with each other.
- Also uncommon, but possible, is outright fighting. Separate the rabbits immediately to prevent them from hurting each other. This will be a harder relationship to build, but it can be done.
Work with the rabbits daily for at least 15 minutes. The more often you work with them, the quicker the process may progress (usually!). If the rabbits have a bad experience, or if one of the rabbits is elderly or has health considerations, you may need to take it slower, or take some time off. Rabbits that are not fully bonded need to be kept separate when you are not with them. Once the rabbits have bonded, DO NOT separate them. If a rabbit needs to go to the vet, both need to go. If they are apart and one rabbit comes back with a different smell or change in health, they may reject each other and begin fighting.
It can take a few weeks to a few months to combine two rabbits into a "bonded" pair. Check out our list of bonding "Do's and Don'ts" to help things go as smoothly as possible. Also, the key to a successful bonding process is starting with the right two rabbits, and MCRS can help. Our experienced Educators and Fosterers can chaperone initial meetings between two rabbits to help evaluate the likelihood of a successful pairing. Bunny "dates" last from a few minutes to 15 minutes a session, and your bunny is allowed to meet with 3-5 potential mates to see which one is preferred. If you would like to find a companion for your rabbit, and your rabbit is already spayed or neutered, please contact us to make arrangements.
