Bonding first timer 2 brother minilops - progress I think?

[Bunnyfan25]

Hi I am new to the forum but just like when I was a first time mum, I am a first time rabbit owner (had rabbits when was a teenager but don't remember much) and have started bonding my two male brother minilops - Shadow and Snowy.

They were separated since 8 wks, brought home 9wks, communal supervised playtime together separate runs n hutches, switched toys, hutches and runs often for shared smells, started getting aggressive at 12wks - humping, niping and chasing.

They were both neutered 15wks on 19th May, were inside in separate cages to recover, put cages together during day and Snowy starred nibbling bars although there was sone sniffing/nudging through bars, moved cages further apart as read that cage nibbling can be perceived as aggressive to other bunny.

They had some short sessions together on laps with us then last Saturday let them have supervised time together in a small hallway (fairly neutral although they had been together there prior to their op) a fight broke out, instigated by Shadow - had to separate before calming down, just tufts of fur n a bite on my hand, felt awful as introduced too early. Did loads of bonding research.

They're back outside In runs and hutches now and two days ago tried bathtub bonding (no water I promise ), in between legs stroking encouraging snuggle time and contact. Went very well - the dominant one Shadow (black bunny) put his head down and Snowy (white bunny) licked him. Since babies Snowy has always mothered him, seems to like taste of eye crusts and Shadow has very rarely licked Snowy although he loves licking us . They got bored quick but Snowy seemed to relax more, 15mins no nipping.

Tonight did the same thing and this time both relaxed more, adjusting their positions, seeming to enjoy each others warmth more, again Snowy licked Shadow but after 10mins finally Shadow licked Snowy on his head! waited it out, separated them and gave them treats.

As it is clear Shadow is the dominant one, despite being smaller than his brother, it was great to see shared grooming. Wanted to share this fab news and thought there must be a forum for this subject and here I am.

Sorry for the long story but keen to know if this worked for others and what are the signs they are ready to move on to next stage? I have a new puppy pen gonna use in different room, 1 x 1m under supervision when time is right....

 

[Omi]

I think you are seeing positive signs that these two will bond successfully. But, and this might be a disappointment for you, I would not attempt moving on to another stage until they are about 6 weeks post neuter. This is because their hormones will still be present until then. Whilst they do seem very relaxed in each other's company, this has been for short periods and things might get more edgy if you were leave them together for longer at the moment.

So, I think the signs seem right for them to move to the next stage now, but personally I would be hesitant purely because of the timing. You could perhaps continue with short sessions under observation until around the 6 week stage.

 

[Bunnyfan25]

Thank you for your thoughts, I was already thinking I may keep doing 15mins bath bonding every other day for next 2wks at least so no I'm not disappointed.

I understand the importance of not taking things too fast but its hard to not get excited. To be honest whilst they are enjoying each others company there is no harm continuing...

 

[Orenoko]

This is very early days post-neuter, it's recommended to wait until 6-8 weeks post spay for hormones to go down. Don't stress them with bath bonding, just wait a good 4 weeks, if not more, for their hormones to calm down before trying to reintroduce them. You will have much better chance of the bond being successful. Let them see each other but just take things slowly for the time being.

 

[Bunnyfan25]

OK will wait, they are quite happy sharing meal times and snuggle time either side of the wire pens and when we have contact time on our laps on garden seats outside they see each other and are fine. Didn't realise bath bonding would be stressful as they both seem to chill out once settled but will wait til end of June.

Is it true once bonded, significant time apart can break the bond? Going on holiday for 4 nights end of August and have some1 checking n feeding them but they're in separate hutches- will this be too long a time apart?

 

[Orenoko]

OK will wait, they are quite happy sharing meal times and snuggle time either side of the wire pens and when we have contact time on our laps on garden seats outside they see each other and are fine. Didn't realise bath bonding would be stressful as they both seem to chill out once settled but will wait til end of June.

Is it true once bonded, significant time apart can break the bond? Going on holiday for 4 nights end of August and have some1 checking n feeding them but they're in separate hutches- will this be too long a time apart?

Yes time apart can cause issues with the bond. Is there no way they can stay together? Their bond will still be quite fresh at that stage. The other alternative is to leave them officially unbounded until you get back from holiday.

 

[Bunnyfan25]

Tbh I'm thinking wait also but even when we do bond them their hutches are above each other with a cover for rain etc, half dicussed connecting with a catflap and tunnel but would be a big job and they're decent chartwells so don't want to replace or cut the bases. They spend 3/7 days outside in runs all day and 4 days they get 3hrs in runs. Too many cats in our neighborhood to leave them out all day when away from house. Would this together then apart work for bonded rabbits?

They have two runs side by side and really keen to give them full distance all connected but only way til they're bonded is if one stays in hutch and other has full run for say half day at wknd then swap but not nice for one being in hutch and wud probably be unfair as during week would be separate smaller runs again, what do you think?

 

[Bunnyfan25]

OK so they now have all day in runs side by side, we're preparing a connecting tunnel between both hutches for after bonding which we are going to start end August after our holiday. Fx they bond before it gets too cold...