Have hiding places and toys ready to put in the area, but leave it empty for when you first introduce them. Once the rabbits are comfortable with the sight and smell of each other, they can be introduced for short periods in the neutral area.
How do you get two rabbits to like each other?
Recommended bonding process:
- First, get the rabbits acquainted by sight and smell.
- When both rabbits become relaxed in each other’s company and are used to the sight and smell of each other, start putting them together for very short periods of time in strictly neutral territory where neither rabbit has been before.
How do you bond two rabbits that hate each other?
Neutral territory is imperative. Put the rabbits in a small, neutral area for about one week. Beginning the bonding in a small, neutral territory is vital to this relationship working out. A kitchen, bathroom, or portable exercise pen all work well.
How do you introduce a new rabbit to an older rabbit?
Put each rabbit in separate runs next to each other but with a barrier between them – or two rooms separated by a baby gate for indoor buns. Keeping them apart but swap each rabbit over into the other run several times each day. This helps to stop the rabbit’s deciding a run is their own territory.
Should I let my rabbits fight it out?
If fighting is serious, the bunnies should be separated when unsupervised. Once they seem to be getting along, they can be re-introduced into familiar territory. Often they start to fight again in their own space, so be ready with the water, and don’t give up.
How long does it take to bond two rabbits?
A quick bonding can take two weeks while the more difficult ones can take 3-4 months. On rare occasions, bonding takes 6 months to a year. Not only will you need to make a time commitment, but you will also need a second cage, space to work in, and plenty of patience.
How do you tell if my rabbits are fighting or playing?
Playing rabbits will usually be silent and will not “seem” to be behaving truly aggressively. There’s also usually some give and take from both parties. Fighting rabbits aren’t seriously loud, but they will usually “woof” or snort at each other. Also, the behavior can’t be mistaken — it’s aggressive, plain and simple.
What should I do if my rabbits are fighting?
Often you can stop a fight before it begins, by separating or distracting your rabbits at the first sign of trouble. If a fight occurs during or shortly after the bonding process, you may need to start over from scratch. If your bonded rabbits are fighting, you may need to bond them a second time.
How do you bond rabbits quickly?
Do – House the rabbits separately but close together. They will get used to seeing each other and to each other’s scent if they are close to one another. Make sure the cages are not close enough for them to be able to bite each other. Do – Be prepared for this to take several months.
How much space do 2 rabbits need?
One guideline to go by is at least 8 square feet of enclosure space combined with at least at least 24 square feet of exercise space, for 1-2 rabbits, in which the rabbit(s) can run and play at least 5 hours per day.
Can you bond 2 pairs of rabbits?
Before you introduce two rabbits, you need to check that both are healthy, have received anti-parasite treatment, been vaccinated and fully recovered from any illness or surgery (including neutering). Generally, the rabbits will be anxious but excited at the same time, much like humans when they first meet.
Can I put a baby rabbit with an older rabbit?
Don’t just stick a baby rabbit into the older bunny’s cage and hope for the best. That’s a recipe for disaster. Introduce the two animals on neutral territory — not placing either into the cage of the other one. Start by putting each in a cage and placing them side by side.
What does rabbit fighting look like?
Fighting will seem like an impulsive, instant and deliberate attack which may often aim for the face, underside or genitals. Little nips followed by a jump back is one such way in which rabbits play. Whether fighting or playing, rabbits will exhibit behaviours that may give out cues for you to know and understand.
How do you bond two aggressive rabbits?
If the bunnies show any signs of aggression, try: A laundry basket on top of a dryer that is on. The backseat of a moving car. The noise is slightly frightening to the bunnies and they may snuggle up and draw comfort from each other creating positive memories of each other.
What to do if a rabbit bites another rabbit?
Wounds inflicted by other rabbits are very painful, cause blood loss, easily become infected and can even be fatal. Any rabbit with wounds like these should immediately be seen by a vet. As well as the risk of injury, fighting also causes stress. Rabbits do not cope well with stress, and too much can lead to disease.
When should you give up bonding rabbits?
In general, the only time you should give up on bonding rabbits is when they have injured each other. You should also reevaluate the bond if one rabbit is a bully, making the other rabbit anxious and afraid to eat, use the litter box, or even move around too much.
Can 2 male and 1 female rabbits live together?
Rabbits can live happily in male/female, female/female, male/male pairings and larger mixed groups. However, the most natural and therefore easiest pairing is male/female. In the wild, rabbits tend to live in male/female pairs and will sometimes remain partnered for life.
Do rabbits get jealous?
No matter how many bunnies you live with, they must be considered part of the family. If your rabbit doesn’t feel like they’re a priority, they’ll become jealous. Jealous of each other, or your spouse or children. Rabbits demand attention, and will act out of they don’t receive it.
Can I put 2 male rabbits together?
Gender Combinations. A pair of male rabbits may work together well, but the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals organization notes that male and female pairings may be more successful as long as both of the animals are neutered and spayed. Male and female rabbits tend to bond to each other with more ease.
Can you have 2 female rabbits together?
Can Two Female Rabbits Live Together? There is a higher chance that two female rabbits will fight when compared to doe-buck pairings. However, as long as they’re introduced slowly, they should get along just fine. For the best chance of success, both should be from the same litter.
Why do rabbits thump at each other?
Thumping is how rabbits in the wild warn their family group of danger. Rabbits will also thump when they are territorial or angry. In these cases, thumping is a warning to tell unfamiliar rabbits and predators that they are ready for a fight. Whatever the reason may be, a rabbit thump can be a very jarring sound.