My Story
Bonded buddies is a local business that offers assistance and advice on rabbit/ guinea pig behaviour and bonding. Bonded Buddies is fully insured with Petplan Sanctuary.
I worked at Vets4Pets as a veterinary care assistant and previously worked as a veterinary receptionist and at Pets at Home; I have had experience working in kennels and cattery's, veterinary practices and the RSPCA over the years.
I studied an Animal Management and Science Degree and graduated in 2015. My main focus was on rabbit behaviour and I specialised in the importance of the social aspect of domesticated rabbits.
My personal research project was a frequency comparison of natural behaviour between individually housed rabbits and paired housed rabbits; the outcome of my hypothesis was that singly housed rabbits displayed more behaviours than rabbits housed together, however 92% of this was abnormal/ stereotypical behaviour.
My research project showed from the behaviours observed that rabbits display an increased amount of normal behaviours when housed together, they are able to interact, display affection and groom each other as they would in the wild.
Since then, I have been bonding rabbits and guinea pigs and have been advising clients on behaviour and husbandry. Studies have shown that rabbits housed in pairs are happier than rabbits housed alone (display more natural behaviours); my research and personal experience have helped me to feel confident in this belief and enables me to assist people with rabbit behaviour and bonding.
Rabbits and guinea pigs are gregarious animals and are happier/prefer to live in groups; in the wild rabbits live in complex warren systems and hierarchies. Domestic rabbits when housed in group enclosures retain many characteristics of their wild counterparts.
Many domesticated rabbits are kept singly which often leads to abnormal behaviours. Many of these behaviours observed are stereotypical; this can be seen by bar chewing, circling, fur pulling and polydipsia (excessive drinking). Rabbits that live in pairs display behaviours such as grooming, eating together and tend to binky more (jump/twist in the air).Rabbits are prey species and are seen to display more periscope duties when housed alone, this may be due to the increased risk of predators and not having a bonded mate to alert the group.
I believe rabbits should be provided with natural stimulation and the choice of a companion; a human owner is no substitute as they are subtle communicators, and we are unable to fulfil their social requirements. I have successfully bonded many rabbits and offered my advice and assistance where required over the past 8 years.
I find the outcome very rewarding and enjoy offering my knowledge and skills where possible to ensure the happiness, welfare and husbandry of rabbits and guinea pigs. I managed rabbit behaviour and advice consultations in my previous role as a veterinary care assistant, email me if you require any support.