Some rabbits are happy to live as single pringles but others crave company, it's all about finding the right rabbit. It's important to remember that male and female pairs work best, be sure to neuter and spay both rabbits and that they have their vaccinations.
So let's jump ahead, you've found a friend for your bun, what do you do now? First off, keep the rabbits seperated but make sure they can see and smell each other. You don't want them to start fighting within the first few moments of them meeting each other or they might never get along. We kept Rose and Izzy seperated for two weeks, letting them sniff each other. The second step is to place both rabbits in new territory for the both of them, this could be your bathroom or any other room neither rabbit has been in and claimed. You could put some food down and some toys to encourage the buns to play and eat together.
The rabbits will most likely spend the first few moments checking out the new environment, don't pressure them or push them together. They'll check each other out in their own time, expect some territorial behaviour like chinning areas and surfaces.
Your rabbits may circle one another, this is an attempt to be dominant. Do not sepetrate your rabbits unless they start fighting. Interfering will only prolong the bonding process, let your rabbits befriend each other in their own time!
When you are introducing two rabbits for the first time, do it in short moments that slowly extend. For example, the first meeting could be 10-15 minutes long and the second could be 20-25 minutes long. Keep extending the time until your rabbits are no longer circling and they are showing signs of fluffy lurve, like grooming and laying together. It might take a while, but be patient! Rushing will only stress both your rabbits out.
It's not just two rabbits that have to bond, you'll have to bond with your new fluffball too. Have you ever owned a rabbit and wondered why it doesn't seem like your bun loves you? If the answer is no, then that means you probably have a strong bond with your rabbits. If it's yes then here are a few tips to help bond you and your bun.
1. Don't approach your rabbit and try to force your love on them. Sit down close by and let them approach you, they'll start out by giving you a sniff and may climb all over you. Just let it happen.
2. Put some leafy vegetables close by where your sat, when they feel comfortable enough they'll start eating. Talk to your rabbit, this helps your bun get accustomed to your voice. If your rabbit seems calm (calm breathing, relaxed posture) then extend your hand. They may sniff you and go back to eating, slowly stroke them on their head. If your rabbit becomes still and stiff stop stroking them, but continue talking.
3. Put an old jumper in their hutch or sleeping area so that they can get used to your scent.
The most important rule when bonding with your bunny is to give them constant love and attention. There are people out there who put their rabbits in a hutch at the bottom of the garden and only ever interact with them during feeding times. Bunnies need just as much love as we do, so if you do have a bunny, after reading this, go give them plenty of head scritches! In fact, I'm off to do just that. Until next time!
When you are introducing two rabbits for the first time, do it in short moments that slowly extend. For example, the first meeting could be 10-15 minutes long and the second could be 20-25 minutes long. Keep extending the time until your rabbits are no longer circling and they are showing signs of fluffy lurve, like grooming and laying together. It might take a while, but be patient! Rushing will only stress both your rabbits out.
It's not just two rabbits that have to bond, you'll have to bond with your new fluffball too. Have you ever owned a rabbit and wondered why it doesn't seem like your bun loves you? If the answer is no, then that means you probably have a strong bond with your rabbits. If it's yes then here are a few tips to help bond you and your bun.
1. Don't approach your rabbit and try to force your love on them. Sit down close by and let them approach you, they'll start out by giving you a sniff and may climb all over you. Just let it happen.
2. Put some leafy vegetables close by where your sat, when they feel comfortable enough they'll start eating. Talk to your rabbit, this helps your bun get accustomed to your voice. If your rabbit seems calm (calm breathing, relaxed posture) then extend your hand. They may sniff you and go back to eating, slowly stroke them on their head. If your rabbit becomes still and stiff stop stroking them, but continue talking.
3. Put an old jumper in their hutch or sleeping area so that they can get used to your scent.
The most important rule when bonding with your bunny is to give them constant love and attention. There are people out there who put their rabbits in a hutch at the bottom of the garden and only ever interact with them during feeding times. Bunnies need just as much love as we do, so if you do have a bunny, after reading this, go give them plenty of head scritches! In fact, I'm off to do just that. Until next time!
No comments:
Post a Comment