Pet Habitat South Africa

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30 Nov 2014

Tips For Bonding Your Rabbit

Posted By : Guest

Filed Under : Rabbits | Pet Care

If you haven’t yet adopted a rabbit, your very best bet is to ensure that you bring home a bonded pair. This will save you plenty of time – and perhaps a few tears too. That’s because bonding a pair of rabbits can take anywhere between two weeks and a few months. It all depends on the pair. Of course, once they have bonded, you’ll find it’s impossible to separate them. If you’re looking to bond an existing pet with a new rabbit, you should consider adopting your new family member from a shelter. Not only is the staff at rescue shelters exceptionally knowledgeable about bonding procedures, but you’ll also be offering a special rabbit a new lease on life. This will also enable you to introduce your rabbit to many possible friends, allowing him to choose the bunny he’s most interested in spending his time with.

What Can You Do to Bond Your Rabbits?

For a start, it is important to realise that bonding doesn’t happen instantly. In fact, the best you can hope for when you push two hutches near each other is indifference. This suggests that both rabbits are quietly assessing the other – and it’s far preferable to obvious anxiety or aggression. Always ensure that both rabbits are up to date with their inoculations and that both have been spayed or neutered. That’s especially true for rabbits of opposite genders, but the procedure will also cut back on territorial and aggressive tendencies. And that will always make bonding easier. As for the introductions, choose a neutral space in your home or garden to make the introductions. This should not already be any bunny’s territory as this could lead to fights. And, make sure you’re prepared with water bottles and gloves in case you need to separate them. You will need to supervise these visits until your rabbits are snuggling – and keep them separated when you are not there. Remember always to seek professional help from a vet, a shelter volunteer or a rabbit fosterer if you need it. The animals in your care require you to ensure their health and safety, and even the sweetest of rabbits can experience difficulty with bonding.

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