Rabbit Bonding
Rabbit Bonding isn't quite as straight forward as many people think! Bonding can be time consuming, and supervision/ observation is essential to ensuring a strong bond. Rabbits display various behaviours such as mounting and scent marking, and it is very important to understand when to intervene. Bonding may take months; however, the process can sometimes progress faster when the rabbits are out of their comfort zone and are brought into an environment they are unsure of; this enables them to rely on each other for support which is very typically seen in prey species with behaviours such as periscope duties/ safety in numbers.
Rabbits can often be difficult to assess as they are subtle communicators which is why it is essential that an experienced handler observes the behaviours displayed and can intervene before the rabbits' fight. It is very common for rabbits to have the odd tiff whilst they are being bonded; this is normal as they need to establish their dominance within the group or pairing and although it is expected it is essential to prevent fighting as this can lead to a successful bond.
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Territorial behaviour is commonly seen in immature rabbits that have not yet reached sexual maturity. Rabbits and guinea pigs reach sexual maturity around the age of 4-6 months; this is often displayed by mounting, urine spraying, excessive scent marking and fighting. This becomes an issue when two immature rabbits are housed together, they reach sexual maturity and fight, causing injuries to each other. It is very important to separate the rabbits before this occurs and to neuter both. Once the rabbits have recovered from the procedure and their hormones are reduced (usually 8 - 12 weeks post op) they can be bonded.
The best bonded pair is a neutered male and a neutered female, however same sex pairs can live happily together. Neutering is essential for successful bonding and to reduce territorial and aggressive behaviours. Neutering is also very beneficial for rabbit health and welfare; unneutered female rabbits over the age of 3 have a 50-80% chance of developing uterine adenocarcinoma; spaying female rabbits reduces the chance of developing cancers and phantom pregnancies.
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A case sheet is gathered by a downloadable document below which gives me more of an insight into the rabbit's personalities and the problems had during previous bonding/ attempts.
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I then tailor a plan and advice what steps to take until the rabbits are to be bonded. This is part of the pre-bonding stage.
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The rabbits will then stay with me for a 4-week vacation where the bonding takes place! This will involve supervising the bonded pair 24-7 with regular nightly checks, when unable to supervise, the rabbits will be separated temporarily by a divide so they are still able to see, smell and hear each other but cannot access each other. Camera recording equipment will be used during this time to assess behaviour.
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I will send regular updates and progress reports via email or phone which may include photos and videos.
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Once the 4 weeks is up and if the bonding is successful, the rabbits will return home for the post-bonding stage; you will receive post- bonding advice to follow. It is vital you follow the advice given to ensure the safety of the rabbits and to increase the chance of a securing the bond.
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During the post-bonding stage, I will require regular updates and progress reports ideally including photos and videos which will allow me to offer assistance and advice where necessary.
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Hopefully after this time, you will have two or more happily bonded rabbits!
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The longer the rabbits are away from their familiar environment and are supervised in a neutral territory the more likely it is to achieve a successful bond. Full price list and packages are available to view from the piggy bank at the top right of the page.
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Bonding can take anywhere from 2 - 12 months or more in order to be successful, however if problems still persist, I am happy to offer assistance where possible. I am hopeful to be successful in the future, however I am unable to offer any guarantee as many factors are involved. The rabbit's enclosure needs to be large enough to enable exercise and space away from the other rabbit if needed. Bonding is only attempted with neutered rabbits over the age of 6 months. I am unable to attempt to bond any rabbit that is undergoing treatment, has diarrhoea, is not eating properly or has any health issues that requires regular veterinary health checks. I am unable to bond a rabbit and a guinea pig and strongly advice against this due to dietary, health and welfare issues.
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I cannot offer 100% guarantee of a successful bond so please be aware when booking that the outcome may be unsuccessful. I will not refund any booking if the rabbits do not bond.
If you make a booking and cancel a month before the booking date, no refund will be given due to my busy schedule and limited availability. If you need to cancel due to circumstances beyond your control, a refund can be discussed.
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Please be advised that rabbits are more at risk of injuries during the bonding process/ once living together and although it is very rare, rabbits may require veterinary attention during their stay.
I can provide recovery food to rabbits displaying symptoms of early onset GI Stasis and have clinical training, however I do not have access to pain medication and clinical equipment.
If this is unfortunately the case, the owner is responsible for the payment of any veterinary treatment carried out during their time with me.
Rabbits may also display symptoms of illness and this may be pre-existing or occur naturally. If this happens, I will notify the owner and take the animal to my local veterinary practice. If the owner would prefer a certain practice, we can discuss these options, whether this be early collection or travelling half way etc. I will administer the treatment prescribed and it is then the owner’s responsibility to pay for the treatment carried out and we will discuss the continued bonding process depending on the outcome of the treatment
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If you are interested and need advice and assistance with rabbit bonding, all you need to do is fill out the Pre-Bonding Rabbit Information Sheet below this page and contact me!
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