Bonding my rabbit!

[Emms]

My rabbit is currently a lone rabbit, and I am going to get her a new friend. She is currently 1 year and 6 months old and I am looking to get one from the RSPCA for her.

She came from a rabbit rescue centre also and has a few confidence issues still. We tried to bond her before with a rabbit at the RSPCA and when she was introduced, she wasn't a happy bunny. She became defensive and started biting ears, which I felt maybe then she needs a slower approach to bonding.

My plan is to keep them apart and see each other facing hutches, and also to very slowly introduce them, so putting them together where they can't touch each other until no aggression shown.

If I explain this to the RSPCA, will they still allow me to have a rabbit? I tried before at the RSPCA and they kept throwing her into the neutral run with other rabbits and she just didn't like it.

 

[Bville]

If you are prepared to keep them separate if the bonding never works, I think the RSPCA would probably be okay with it. I'm not sure though since I have no experience with this. I have two rabbits I am hoping to re-bond after neutering and although I would ideally like them to be together, I have made alternate plans to keep them separate if I need to.

 

[Blue eyes]

When you tried before at the rescue, did she behave the same with every rabbit she met, or was it just one or two that she even met?

I don't think it is necessarily the approach that is the problem. What you describe sounds quite typical for a choosy bun. Believe me, I've been through my share of picky bunnies.

At a rabbit rescue, the typical scenario would be for there to be something like an x-pen enclosure set up where you would place your rabbit and another potential bondmate. You and the people at the rescue will be sure someone is in the enclosure with the 2 rabbits to monitor closely. An experienced rescue worker will be able to read the body language and signs.

If it seems apparent that she is not going to accept the other, then they will switch that bun out for another potential... and on it goes until there is sign of promise.

If the signs are negative and you still attempt to bring that one home, it can be an uphill battle to get them to bond (whether done slowly or not). Sometimes 2 bunnies just won't get along.

I definitely think it is important to allow her to 'bunny date' potentials, especially if your ultimate goal is to find her a companion. Maybe give it another go at a rescue and see if she can find her perfect match.

 

[Blue eyes]

I should clarify... rabbit rescues may do things as I described, while a generic shelter will not usually have the experience in dealing with rabbits. I'd always opt for a rabbit rescue over a generic shelter.