Bonding Location Advice

Next week I am planning on bonding my pair with a single bun, eeeek.

I just have a question about where to do it. I don't know what their initial reaction will be so I thought for the first night I would put them in dog crates next to each other (not so close as they can get at each other through the bars) and hope they get a little used to each other. I will then proceed to put them all in one XL dog crate (all neutralised etc).

However, my concern is they will fight and as the crate is enclosed I won't be able to separate them before an injury occurs so I was thinking of a period in the bath together first where I can get better access. I was wondering if anybody could advise to whether this is a good idea?

I am very nervous about the whole thing, I've been putting it off for weeks but have 5 days off work with nothing to do but write my dissertation so it's now or never.

Hmmmm, tricky. I wouldn't fancy bonding a trio in a dog crate for the reasons you've mentioned, it would be too difficult to break up a fight quickly if you needed to. I'm also not a fan of using the bathtub as I think there is a risk of injury plus it's not very practical for 24/7 supervision. Personally I would try and set up a small pen either by buying/borrowing an indoor cage which has a removable top and a large door in the top, or if that's not possible, by creating a penned off area somewhere neutral in your house, even if you have to use the dog crate to act as a barricade rather than to have them in it.

Personally i would not advise putting them next to each other before attempting to bond, I think you are more likely to just set the existing pair off fighting with each other (referred aggression) which is quite common when a bonded pair see another bunny near by. I would just introduce them on neutral territory however you manage to create it, without letting them near each other beforehand.

Thanks for the advice, very much appreciated.

I've had a look and I *think* with the use of players I could remove the top from the dog crate so that may work, I will have a go tomorrow.

I won't put them next to each other, thanks for the advice, I didn't think of that. I've put so much thought into it but still get it all wrong:roll:. Guess we live an learn.

I am right in thinking litter trays are a no-go? I'm slightly worried two of my buns won't go to the toilet if they don't have a tray-I don't need stasis stress on top of bonding :?