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bonding 2 males and scared

kaz25200

New Kit
I got the two males and the were so loving until the hormones kicked in. I separated them and booked them in to the vets and I have tried to bond them a few times. The vet recommended trying them in the bath tub somewhere where none had been so at first they were ok but within minutes started fighting with one squealing and a clump of fur was left in the bath. Since then I have brought the run inside and put one in and let the other run around it then swapped over. I'm so reluctant to try again as that is three times now and I am really scared one will hurt the other. Any tips? I am reading through the forum to get ideas. (They were neutered about three weeks ago.

Karen
 
Three weeks isn't long enough especially if they have already fought. You will need to keep them separate for imo 2 months then try them in a small neutral space. I wouldn't recommend allowing them to go up to one another's cages as it could cause more aggression and they won't forget they have fought.

Unfortunately there is no guarantee that they will get on in the future, but hopefully, with a break in their aggression and the lessening of hormones, you could be successful. Good luck.
 
If you're scared/nervous etc then those feelings will transfer onto the rabbits, if there is a rescue near by they will probably bond for you for a donation. That would be a better idea if you feel you can't do it because they won't have that emotional attachment and will only separate chasing etc if they feel it will escalate into a fight. Most circling, fur pulling etc is just them trying to figure out who is the dominant one, you just need to learn to tell the difference but again if you feel nervous while bonding them then they may get stressed out.

I would leave them for a while now, away from each other just to give them time to settle down properly.

http://flashsplace.webs.com/bondingbunnies.htm

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?71361-Bonding-Male-Rabbits

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?412748-Two-males&p=6210317#post6210317

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?392418-Bonding-two-male-rabbits
 
Our two bunnies are male and I had to rebond them after neutering and again when they fell out. Bonding is scary but it is well worth doing. I used those storage crate panels to build an enclosure where they were separate but could see each other but couldn't bite through the mesh. I swapped them over everyday. I know others choose to keep them totally separate until bonding.

I found a pair of thick gloves helped when separating them. It really is a case of being patient and persevering. Well worth it though.
 
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