Jackaroonie
Mama Doe
So yesterday me and the buns came down and stayed in my granny's spare room so I could attempt to bond the two pairs into a group of 4. I was debating whether it would be a good idea at all but thought i would at least try. Flopsy instantly went over and started grooming Pixie - Flopsy has always been such a docile and loving bunny especially when bonding is concerned. After about 30 seconds Pickle lunged towards him and I could feel a scuffle brewing and I didn't want any bun getting hurt as I know Flopsy would as he has health issues. So immediately I put a partition in the playpen and they've been partitioned (panels doubled up) since last night.
All going ok through the divide , not really any referred aggression and they'll sniff then ignore however Flopsy just went to see Pickle through a single panel and Pickle went for him aggressively trying to bite his nose and this really confused and upset Flopsy as he's not used to having aggression shown to him - he has such a a gentle nature and wouldn't hurt a fly. I know nipping, mounting , lunging chasing is all normal bonding behaviour but I'm not happy with it in this case.
Flopsy is quite poorly with his dental issues , kidney disease and recently arthritis although pain is all under control I think Pickle still will pick at him because Flopsy has a disadvantage. I don't want to risk bonding them and then encountering trouble down the line. My gut instinct is telling me 'this isn't going to work , give up and leave them as they are - happy in their pairs'.
It's a shame but i would rather not bond them and issues encounter down the line because Pickle as sweet and loving he is - he really is quite dominant. Will be going home tomorrow with the bunnies and they can settle back into their shed. Will be able to give it a good clean beforehand. I'm hoping to get one of the pairs a separate setup so they can each have large setups.
You all probably think I'm a wimp and not given anything a chance but this is how I feel.
All going ok through the divide , not really any referred aggression and they'll sniff then ignore however Flopsy just went to see Pickle through a single panel and Pickle went for him aggressively trying to bite his nose and this really confused and upset Flopsy as he's not used to having aggression shown to him - he has such a a gentle nature and wouldn't hurt a fly. I know nipping, mounting , lunging chasing is all normal bonding behaviour but I'm not happy with it in this case.
Flopsy is quite poorly with his dental issues , kidney disease and recently arthritis although pain is all under control I think Pickle still will pick at him because Flopsy has a disadvantage. I don't want to risk bonding them and then encountering trouble down the line. My gut instinct is telling me 'this isn't going to work , give up and leave them as they are - happy in their pairs'.
It's a shame but i would rather not bond them and issues encounter down the line because Pickle as sweet and loving he is - he really is quite dominant. Will be going home tomorrow with the bunnies and they can settle back into their shed. Will be able to give it a good clean beforehand. I'm hoping to get one of the pairs a separate setup so they can each have large setups.
You all probably think I'm a wimp and not given anything a chance but this is how I feel.