Bonded bunnies question

[Lynn's Bunny]

Cosmo my neutered 1 year old male finally found a female that likes him at a rabbit rescue. They did the initial introduction over a few days. I brought them home yesterday and have had them together in neutral territory since early this morning.

They’ve been grooming each other, sharing the litter box, cuddling and sleeping together but I’m still extremely cautious. I’m in Canada so it’s 8 pm right now.

I plan to sleep in here ( spare room) tonight and take the week to cement their bond before moving them to the shed.

But my question is … today is Sunday and Wednesday morning I need to go away overnight due to a short notice appointment with a specialist so cannot cancel. My husband will be home but he works in the day.

This is terrifying me as I have read so many stories about bunny fights. Do you think by then they will not fight?

 

[bunny momma]

You may want to put something between them for the day to be safe, though you may have a better idea by Tuesday night.

 

[InspectorMorse]

Whilst I can’t give you a 100% guarantee that they won’t fall out, from your description of how they are behaving at the moment and that they will be remaining in the same neutral territory whilst you are away it seems unlikely that there will be a problem. Assuming nothing changes between now and Wednesday of course.Ask your husband to try to keep their routine as normal as possible, eg when they are fed. Also, try not to show your anxiety when you are around them. IME Rabbits are very intuitive and they can pick up on how their care givers are feeling. Many people think I am being anthropomorphic when I say that, but I have lived in the exact same environment amongst my numerous different Rabbits over a period of more than 25 years, I know it to be a fact.

If any problems with their bond were to occur it would be far more likely to happen when they are moved out to the shed than when you are away for a day and they remain where they currently are

 

[tonibun]

Whilst I can’t give you a 100% guarantee that they won’t fall out, from your description of how they are behaving at the moment and that they will be remaining in the same neutral territory whilst you are away it seems unlikely that there will be a problem. Assuming nothing changes between now and Wednesday of course.Ask your husband to try to keep their routine as normal as possible, eg when they are fed. Also, try not to show your anxiety when you are around them. IME Rabbits are very intuitive and they can pick up on how their care givers are feeling. Many people think I am being anthropomorphic when I say that, but I have lived in the exact same environment amongst my numerous different Rabbits over a period of more than 25 years, I know it to be a fact.

If any problems with their bond were to occur it would be far more likely to happen when they are moved out to the shed than when you are away for a day and they remain where they currently are

I agree with this and hope it will all be ok.

 

[Lynn's Bunny]

Thank you for your advice. Bunny bonding is sure nerve wracking! I slept next to them last night and they did well. No issues and this morning are now eating breakfast together. I’ve given my husband the run down and will also write everything down before I go so hopefully their routine will stay the same. I’m glad I have all of today and tomorrow to keep an eye on them. And yes I agree they do pick up on our emotions.

I’ll update as things progress! Oh and yes they will be staying inside until I come back and actually I was thinking even longer as I don’t want them to have to figure out their hierarchy again so soon in a new place. Thank you!

 

[Shimmer]

If they will be living outside over winter, they really need to go out ASAP to grow in their winter coat. They could stay in over winter and you couls reassess in spring whether you want them in or out.