How to Know if Rabbits Are Bonding

Indifference is a good initial indicator for rabbits. It suggests they're checking each other out to see if they're compatible. A simple bonding can take two weeks, while more complicated ones can take three to four months. Bonding might even take anywhere from six months to a year. You'll need a second cage, a work area, and lots of patience as you can easily become discouraged. Every rabbit and every pairing is unique, just like people. Your rabbits may seem like they are bonding, then the next day act like they can’t stand each other. This behavior can be disturbing, but it’s normal.

Helping With the Bonding Process

When it comes to caring for rabbits, the first and most important thing you can do is to allow the animals to become accustomed to each other's smell. Rabbits are extremely sensitive to odors and introducing a new rabbit into a rabbit’s space or into a group of rabbits that are close to one another might create discomfort. Therefore, give the rabbit(s) some time to become accustomed to the new scent.

You can begin by putting the two rabbits in separate cages, but close enough to each other to be comfortable. Alternatively, you might want to use a playpen to separate the area where they are running about. To prevent the rabbits from showing indications of aggression or getting into a fight, the playpen must be kept separate from the other animals in the house, whether it be other rabbits, cats, dogs, etc.

Even though they are near one another and have learned what the other rabbit smells like. Rabbits, like humans, require time to get to know one another before they can be considered buddies. The process of trying to keep them apart in a cage or playpen will allow them to become acquainted with one another.

Signs The Rabbits Are Bonding

If the rabbits begin to smell one another and bring their noses close to the other rabbits through the neighboring cages, it indicates that they are becoming acquainted. You should only allow your pet rabbits to meet each other outside of their cages once you are confident that they have begun to get to know one another.

To ensure that they get along well with one another, reintroduce them in a neutral area where neither of the rabbits have been previously. This will test the bonding and how far along they are in the bonding process. The optimum territory for rabbits is a neutral territory since the rabbits will not act territorially toward each other. Begin by putting the rabbits in a group for a short length of time and keeping them under close watch. You can provide them with foods they can share. If they share the food, that is a positive sign bonding is taking place.

If it's not obvious that a bonding is taking place, there are a few easily observed characteristics that can help you determine how long it will take for the bunnies to become a bonded pair of rabbits.

• After the cage has been removed and the rabbits have been gathered, they may begin attacking one another immediately. It is a warning sign that the rabbits aren’t bonding. In such circumstances, you must return them to separate cages that are directly across from one another.

• Rabbits may become acquainted with one another right away and begin to play with one another. If they interact with one another and run about or sit close to one another, this is a positive indicator. It indicates that they are having a good time together and are beginning to become friends.

• One of the rabbits approaches the other, regardless of whether it is a male or a female, to sniff around, then move towards the other rabbit to get a better look.

• It is possible for one rabbit to attempt to mount the other. You shouldn't be too concerned about this because it is how the bunny will attempt to establish authority. It will be immediately accepted by a submissive rabbit. A less subservient rabbit, on the other hand, will run away. The dominating rabbit will eventually take control of the situation and become the dominant bunny. In the same way, they will make friends with one another as well.

You can continue to group the rabbits together every day while keeping an eye on them, and slowly increase the amount of time they spend together.

Signs the Rabbits Have Bonded

What is the best way to tell if the rabbits have already formed a bond? The most visible thing is when you see them sitting near each other and they appear to have relaxed as a result of their camaraderie with one another. In addition to the fact that they enjoy grooming one another, this pair of bunnies has become lifelong buddies.

Throughout the bonding process and well after make sure they are getting a healthy diet. A rabbit's diet should be made of at least 80% grass hay for them to live a happy and healthy life. You can even make your life easier by getting it shipped straight to your door!