Secrets of Bonding Rabbits: Matchmaking for Bunnies, Part 3

The Bunnymoon!

By Patti Henningsen, published Mar 03, 2008
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Not Losing a Rabbit but Gaining a Bun
Your trusted rabbit bonder volunteer assures you that everything will be fine and you have an understanding and arrangement about what she should do in case of medical emergency. This would be a rare occurrence, especially if you've taken the precautions I outline in Part 1 of this series.

You will not be present at the bonding because the rabbits need to be in neutral territory. The reason for this is that rabbits, even if spayed or neutered, are territorial animals. They live in large social groups in the wild and so even in captivity, they have a very well developed sense of their space versus everyone else's. This doesn't mean they can't learn to share and that is what the bonding is all about - your bunny learning to share his life and space with another rabbit.

If you don't have an experienced rabbit bonder in your area and you have to do the bonding yourself, I will detail that as well. The rabbits should be placed in a part of the house where there are not any other rabbits. If you have to do your own bonding, this should be a part of the house your original bunny has never been in - even if it is the laundry room. Just be sure the room is bunny proofed and there aren't any chemicals the rabbits could get a hold of and ingest.

The Bunnymoon Suite
Here you will set up an x-pen that has been disinfected with bleach and then dried and wiped down with vinegar to completely eliminate any scent of another bunny. A small pen is usually best so that the rabbits are forced to share a small space. Provide a litter box, food and water bottles. You may need to add another litter box if there is a bit of early squabbling over the one.

Secrets of Bonding Rabbits: Matchmaking for Bunnies, Part 3

The perfect setup for a bonding. A spacious x-pen with litter boxes and a hidey box (carrier). Neither rabbit has ever been in this room and there is a large parrot (off camera) to supervise.

Credit: Patti Henningsen

Copyright: Patti Henningsen

Takeaways
  • Tips and tricks for creating a romantic atmosphere for the bunnymooners.
Did You Know?
Rabbits mate for life in the wild and may fight a brutal battle to win their mates. In captivity, this is somewhat toned down but matching and bonding rabbits requires expertise and the owner should seek the help of an experienced rabbit bonder.
Comments
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re: comment from -- Angela Kastelic, if you might have noticed, this article is only about pairing SPAYED AND NEUTERED AS WELL AS RESCUED RABBITS as are ALL of my rabbit related articles including the one called "THE IMPORTANCE OF SPAYING AND NEUTERING YOUR RABBIT"

Posted on 03/04/2008 at 8:03:00 PM

 
One comment: unless you are specifically in the rabbit-breeding business, you would be well-advised not to put an intact male together with an intact female. The reason for this is that two bunnies can quickly transform into more bunnies than you know what to do with.

Posted on 03/03/2008 at 5:03:48 PM

 
Another informative article. You leave me anxious for the next part. My favorite topic title? Bunnymoon Suite, lol.

Posted on 03/03/2008 at 12:03:33 PM

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