Bonding

In order to get the bunnies to like each other, there is an offical process called "bonding" that has to take place. I've read a lot about it because I knew I wanted to get another bunny eventually. The websites and books say that it can take anywhere from five day to six weeks. The simple steps are as follows;

• Introduce the buns in a neutral territory where the older bun hasn't played. The new bun needs to be in a cage and completely protected while the older bun gets to run around and sniff at the cage as desired. The goal is for the older bun to ignore the baby. Started this last night. As he was suppose to, Darcy completely ignored his sister even though she jumped up and down inside her cage wanting to be with him. This morning we spent 15 minutes doing the same thing, he still ignored her so I thought that it would be safe to move on.
• After this has happened successfully, the new buns cage is opened and the new one can make the choice to come out or stay inside. When it comes out, there is the possibility that they will show curosity or anger towards each other. The goal is for the older bun to ignore the younger bun (again) or show loving signs. They were doing so well this morning, so I opened Charlotte's cage and let her out. She came out immediately and Darcy went into it immediately. They ignored each other running around the room for a good fifteen minutes before Darcy decided to come up to Char and sniff her. She quickly burrowed herself into his fur. He looked a little shocked, but let her sit there as I petted him. He LICKED her!!! That is an amazing sign! It was the cutest thing ever, I wish I could have taken a picture of them together, but I was afraid to get up because I didn't trust Darcy.
• This step is repeated over and over again in the same neutral territory until the buns start interacting nicely. Signs that it is going well as the older buns proximity to the newer bun when resting and relaxing, as well as sniffing each other without biting. Super positive signs are licking and laying together. Today went well, but we'll keep doing it over and over again until I'm sure. Charlotte is just a little bit bigger than Darcy's head. Darcy did eventually laydown very close to where the baby was playing, sort of cute!
• After they can be together for several days in the neutral area, you SLOWLY introduce the new bun to the shared activity area (where the older bun lives), but not to the same cage.
• If the older ignores or does any of the positive signs you're in luck and you then move on to feeding them snacks together.
• If that goes smoothly a few times, you can brave the shared cage.