1st meeting - Doe attacked Buck

[Mollyrose]

My two Belgians had their first intro today, they have been next to each other in pens for the last 4 months, while they were snipped and sorted out. and today we took them to a neutral place, and let them meet each other. but it didn't go as well as i anticipated, my Doe ran straight over to my buck and attacked him, they had a nasty scrap, but i managed to separate them quickly. They have never shown much aggression towards each other when they were separated by Mesh; they used to eat, wash, and lie next to each other when they were separated. they did occasionally nip each other through the bars.. but this then followed with a nose to nose sniff and a 'flop' next to each other.

Im really worried they wont get along now that they have had this scrap

 

[mini lop1]

where did you introduce them?, it could be a dominance thing the doe deciding she wants to be top bun

 

[Tatihou]

I can't offer bonding advice but I just wanted to say how absolutely beautiful they are. Stunning creatures.

 

[Mollyrose]

where did you introduce them?, it could be a dominance thing the doe deciding she wants to be top bun

on the lawn, in a large pen,

they are normally allowed out in the entire garden (escape proof *crossedfingers*) i thought maybe because they didnt have access to hidyholes and places where they may have scent marked, that there wouldn't be any problem with territory.. but im thinking i may have been wrong and should find a new 'neutral place' ..?

Rosie (Black/Tan Doe) sprinted over and humped him, and he was submissive to start with but just got fed up, and they both turned on each other, they had a big squabble and punch up, My buck Chester has a few bite marks, and there's a lot of Fur all over the lawn now...

Do you think they will still be alright?

 

[Aly&Poppy<3]

I imagine you would need to start them off in a small neutral area :wave:

 

[tonibun]

You will have to put them together in an area where they haven't been so there is nothing to be territorial about..Best of luck.

 

[DevonDwarf]

I can't offer bonding advice but I just wanted to say how absolutely beautiful they are. Stunning creatures.

I absolutely agree!! They are gorgeous!!!

 

[Mrs. Bunnykins]

You will have to put them together in an area where they haven't been so there is nothing to be territorial about..Best of luck.

Good advice.

I have had similar problems in the past, but a total neutral area has works in the past.

Some chasing and nipping is usual, full blown attacking is not good. But at this early stage I would try the neutral space and perhaps have a water squirter at hand to spray and used if need be. This has worked for my present bunnies, Estelle and Frankie.

Best of luck.:thumb:

 

[Mollyrose]

Good advice.

I have had similar problems in the past, but a total neutral area has works in the past.

Some chasing and nipping is usual, full blown attacking is not good. But at this early stage I would try the neutral space and perhaps have a water squirter at hand to spray and used if need be. This has worked for my present bunnies, Estelle and Frankie.

Best of luck.:thumb:

Thanks!

today my buck Came up behind my doe, sniffed her, and within a split second he pounced and went for her neck, Scratching and Growling

because i only have a small house, and the bunnies have pretty much been everywhere, i was thinking of taking them to a friends house to do the bonding? i've heard that a car journey can sometimes help the bonding process? any opinions on this?

Also, ive heard they should be able to see and smell each other 24/7? - at the moment my doe is living in my shed, and my buck has a large Enclosure/Avery, at the end of the garden.
so i am thinking of buying a new hutch and putting it inside my bucks Enclosure? but i am worried that this will just stress both of them out?