Bonding adult and baby rabbit? Help!

[SophieHoani]

My partner and I recently added a second rabbit to the family, she is 8 weeks and very small. As expected, our big bossy boy rabbit who is 2 isn't fond of a new bun in the house. Since she is so small we're apprehensive about the bonding process as he's already managed to do some damage to her ears. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Mac189]

Do not attempt to bond a baby rabbit and an adult rabbit! At the best, it's a cute waste of time since you will have to completely rebond after spaying the baby. At the worst, he could kill her or severely hurt her. It only takes a second for things to go horribly wrong. I would recommend the two be kept separate until she is spayed at 5-6 months and then follow bonding recommendations to give the bond the best chance.

 

[zuppa]

My partner and I recently added a second rabbit to the family, she is 8 weeks and very small. As expected, our big bossy boy rabbit who is 2 isn't fond of a new bun in the house. Since she is so small we're apprehensive about the bonding process as he's already managed to do some damage to her ears. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi, is your boy neutered and how long ago if so.
Another question, are you entirely sure it's a baby girl and not baby boy?
You can find clear instructions how to check that in this thread
https://www.rabbitsonline.net/threads/sexing-rabbit-pictures.44936/

 

[SophieHoani]

Hi, is your boy neutered and how long ago if so.
Another question, are you entirely sure it's a baby girl and not baby boy?
You can find clear instructions how to check that in this thread
https://www.rabbitsonline.net/threads/sexing-rabbit-pictures.44936/

Our boy has been neutered for around a year and a half now. The breeder assured us that she is a girl however I'll have to double check her using this info, can never be to careful!

 

[zuppa]

That's great that he is already neutered and long ago. What did you mean by damage to her ears? any photo?

 

[Blue eyes]

No use in attempting any bonding until after she is spayed. Even if they were to get along now, it would all go out the window when she returned from the vets smelling like a different rabbit. However, there is risk in allowing them together beforehand. If they fight, they could remember that and then refuse outright to bond later on after her spay.

 

[SophieHoani]

That's great that he is already neutered and long ago. What did you mean by damage to her ears? any photo?

Double checked this morning and she is definitely a girl, when I said damage I meant he left a few cuts and grazes on her ears, nothing too serious but since she's so small at the minute I worry that these injuries could be MUCH worse. Following other advice I reckon we will just continue to keep them in separate rooms for her safety until she is spayed

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Keep them apart til she is bigger and has been neutered! One thing to remember is that not all bunnies can be bonded.

 

[TreasuredFriend]

Injuries and a fatal bite can happen quickly. We learned this at the shelter even with spayed and neuterd rabbits in a neutral area. -- Not all can be bonded.

Our advice to all who came to view the sp/eutered bunnies. If you bring a new bun into your home, be prepared to provide lifelong care to Two rabbits.