Bonding

Introducing unfamiliar rabbits needs to be done very carefully. Here are some helpful tips to help you bond your existing rabbit to a new companion:

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• Before introducing rabbits you should make sure that they are both neutered/spayed.

• Male rabbits can still be fertile up until 6 weeks after they have been neutered.

• Female rabbits shouldn’t be bonded with another rabbit straight after being spayed as they could get injured while they are recovering.

• You should prepare side by side accommodation, ensuring that there is a barrier between the rabbits’ enclosures, that still allows them to see and smell each other, and lie side by side. Each rabbit must also be able to hide from the other whenever they want, so it is important to ensure that they both have constant access to hiding places.

• You need to provide a neutral area where neither rabbit has been before.

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It is important to know the signs of positive and negative behaviour when bonding:

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Positive:

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• Sitting/lying side by side (even when the barrier is in between them)

• Grooming each other

• Seeking each other for positive interactions

• Behaving normally around one another

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Negative:

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• Chasing each other

• Mounting (excessive)

• Fighting

• Growling  

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How to introduce rabbits:

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Firstly you need to house rabbits close to one another:

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• There may be some unrest in the beginning however this is normal and may last about seven days.  

• Once they seem comfortable in one another’s presence whilst living side-by-side, try swapping some of the rabbits’ nesting materials over, or rubbing a cloth over one rabbit and then the other to transfer scent.

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You should then put the rabbits together for short periods of supervised time:

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• Once the rabbits are comfortable with the sight and smell of each other they can be introduced for short periods in a neutral area.

• A familiar person should sit with them to supervise. While some negative behaviours are normal during introductions, these shouldn’t be allowed to escalate. If they’re mounting each others head, which may lead to injury; or showing severe or persistent aggression towards each other, they need to be separated immediately however be careful so you don't also get injured.  

• During the first few introductions the area should be completely empty so you can observe them. If the introductions are going well you can introduce food, toys, hiding places, tunnels, etc., however you need to make sure there are enough for both rabbits.  

• If things are going well gradually increase the time they’re together so they’re spending supervised time together daily.

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​If the bonding is successful they can then proceed to live together:

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• Once the rabbits are spending one to two hours together daily without any problems they can be introduced into their intended living space, initially under supervision.  

• Rabbits can be left alone together safely once they’re showing positive behaviours towards one another, space will need to be gradually increased during the bonding process.

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If you would like further advice on bonding then please contact the rescue and we would be happy to help. Unfortunately, we no longer offer a bonding service but we do know a local bonder that we can put you in touch with.