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Rabbit Bonding (Introducing Two Rabbits)
Introducing a new rabbit into a household with an existing rabbit can feel similar to bringing in an intruder. The process of introducing two rabbits is known as bonding, and can be stressful for both people and rabbits. There are some tips to make introductions as smooth as possible.
Age and Gender
It is more successful to have a mixed gender pair (bond between male and female). Usually a rabbit will be more accepting of the opposite sex rabbit and will bond. Males with males and females with females can be more difficult to bond as they often feel the need to constantly compete with each other for resources.
Try to have rabbits of similar ages or younger than the existing rabbit. To have the most success all rabbits must be sterilised. This helps to decrease the threat on the existing rabbit of the new rabbit coming into their territory.
The Introduction
Introduction should be carried out gradually, ideally at least 1 month after they have been sterilised. Before they meet, you can gently rub both of their noses and body with a strong-smelling substance (herbs like parsley, mint or basil, vanilla or lavender essence) to disguise their individual smells.
Always introduce new rabbits in a neutral territory; i.e. somewhere where both rabbits have never been before. This might be a laundry or bathroom or a certain spot in the garden. Decorate this area with lots of interesting things like boxes/ tunnels and yummy food items. This will hopefully keep the rabbits interest on these items instead of each other.
To start off introductions should only be for 5 to 10 minutes at a time but repeated regularly throughout the day. As they begin to accept each other the length of time can be extended. Bonding rabbits is a long process and can take several weeks.
Place their individual hutches next to each other so that they can get use to each other’s smells. While they are living separately you can occasionally swap over their litter trays into the other rabbit's cage or swap the rabbits over to each other’s cage so they can accept the new smells as being part of their living environment.
Fighting
You must be prepared that your rabbits might fight. If this occurs, or they show any signs of aggression, be quick to separate them.
When rabbits are aggressive, they will:
- raise their tail
- pull back their ears
- growl and lunge forward
- charge/lunge
- bite
- circle/bunny tornado - This is when the rabbits start to circle each other in tighter and tighter circles until they are moving so fast they look like a bunny tornado. This is a serious fight, the rabbits should be separated as soon as possible.
Make sure you wear gloves when you intervene or have a broom nearby to gently separate the rabbits if needed. If a fight occurs, end the bonding session and try again later.
Never leave the rabbits unattended while bonding and always check them over afterwards for any bites or wounds. If a fight does occur rabbits will usually target the genital area, the nose and the ears. If you see any injuries, book in with a Veterinarian.
Make sure both rabbits' noses are always in your line of sight, so you know that they are not biting in sensitive areas during the interaction.
Bonded Rabbits
Two bonded bunnies will spend a lot of their time together grooming each other, eating, and even toileting together. A good way to know they have bonded is if they are:
- snuggled up sleeping together
- grooming each other
- mirroring each others behaviour
- laying near each other
Unfortunately there are some occasions where rabbits simply won’t bond. They are all individuals and we can’t expect them to get along with all rabbits.
If you are trying to bond your rabbits or are thinking of adding another bunny to an existing one, always be prepared that bonding may not be successful and that the rabbits may have to live separately.
Sources: The Unusual Pet Vets, Bunny Lady (pictures and info)