Bonding Sweetie and Pudden

[Sweetie]

Hi I am very happy right now. I have Pudden now. He is with me and Sweetie to stay. I hope they get along. I put them on the couch, which is semi-neutral area. They were doing great at first, but 10 minutes later they had a fight. It wasn't a bad fight, it was more Sweetie telling Pudden that this is my turf and I am the boss/dominate bun. Well I have them in separate cages. I let Pudden out to explore the rabbit area, with Sweetie in her cage, and when Pudden came close to Sweetie's cage she went into attack mode. But when he was hopping around the rabbit area she was fine with him, she even stretched out in her cage. Pudden is also relaxing in his cage, one I have him in. He stretches out in the cage, so I think that he is adjusting well. He did eat a piece of apple from my hand earlier.

Any tips on bonding Sweetie and Pudden? I already know that it needs to be in a neutral area. I was thinking on giving Sweetie treats when she is being nice to him, would that help the bonding process? This is my first time bonding Sweetie to another rabbit after she lost her bondmate, Prince. When Prince was 3 months old and I introduced him to Sweetie, they bonded instantly. I know that this bonding process with Sweetie and Pudden will take time. How long will it take for them to be friends?

Thank you for any help you can give!

 

[missyscove]

Did you quarantine the new rabbit? I know you suspect Sweetie has ear mites and have been treating her for them. I really would wait until you know both rabbits are healthy.
Is Pudden neutered? It's easier to bond altered rabbits, in my experience.

 

[Sweetie]

Pudden has been to the vet, Katie has taken him, he is healthy. I will be treating Pudden with mineral oil and the cleanser just so that he won't get the ear mites.

Yes Pudden is neutered. Which is a plus.