Having done as much reading as possible, we would appreciate any tips or advice you wish you had been given when you were bonding.
Pancake (male, 5 months) is neutered. Peanut is a little baby girl of around 13-15 weeks and therefore will need to be spayed.
Sadly I cannot post a video however I’ve screenshotted their first introduction. Lots of sniffing. No obvious signs of upset or aggression which is good.
We do know that this will be a long road. However a lot of online guidance does not consider a free roam bunny. Our neutral space will need to be outside our apartment in the communal hallway as Pancake very much has free roam of the entire house.
Peanut immediately came out of her shell as soon as she met Pancake. She has binkied and has had the zoomies when he has been around.
Pancake is a little more standoffish, and so far the only negative interaction we have seen is a grunt on his part. We did not intervene, as we appreciate they do need to establish their own boundaries – within reason.
Outside of this, they will sniff, and Pancake will poop around her pen. Then they will go about their business. Pancake will relax in his usual spots in the living room where Peanut’s pen is. She will binky and relax.
Having had no prior experience of bonding rabbits, in my mind this is a overall positive start. Pancake will intermittently go over to her pen, but will eventually leave and do his own thing. He seems his usual self and does not show aggression. Peanut appears to really want to meet Pancake, and has on occasion, turned her backside to him against her pen. I realise this may be linked to her hormones.
Apologies for the long read. Any tips or advice would be helpful. We are due a vet visit and will obtain their advice after the weekend – but some info would be appreciated in the meantime.
by lifewithpancake