Dunkin & Dewey Bonding

[Happi Bun]

Dunkin is a neutered 10 month old Dwarf Mix, Dewey is an 8 month old unaltered special needs Lionhead with Idiopathic Epilepsy. He's only had one Seizure in the past month or so, which is very good. I never considered trying to bond them, but recently when I had Dewey exercising in my bedroom him and Dunkin were checking each other out through pen without any problems. So I decided to give it a try today.

I would greatly appreciate people with knowledge/experience with bonding bunnies to take a look at this video I took of their first bonding session and tell me what ya think. I thought it went very well and looks promising. How many more session's should I do? I explain some things in the video. Thanks in advance!

- Click Here -

or

 

[Happi Bun]

Since Photobucket cut my video short, here is the other half...

- Click Part 2 -

 

[Spring]

Wow - that went surprisingly well! Was surprised since Dewey is intact there wasn't any mounting.. looks good to me!

I would try another few sessions in the bathtub - just short ones and go from there. If it seems they are getting more comfortable, I would try a slightly larger neutral area. If that seems to be going well, try slowly extending the time they are together from 5 minutes, to 10, to 15 etc. to the point where they are spending most of the day together. But just take things very slowly, especially with one still intact.. all about going with your gut! Have to try to get them to form some sort of trust, so slow and steady .

If Dewey is persistant in biting, you can try a quick squirt with a spray bottle. This will usually distract them enough so that they'll groom themselves and then carry on. I usually do this if there are multiple nips in a row or a tussle. Other than that, I try to let them work things out.

Good luck! Considering they are both males and one is intact.. definitely looks REALLY good!

 

[Happi Bun]

Thank you for the reply Spring. I will definitely be taking your advice and take it slow, though I must admit the excitement makes it hard. I too was shocked at the lack of mounting, not even once! I think the nipping from Dewey was probably him trying to show Dunkin who the top bun is? It's good Dunkin didn't react much to it.

I will do another short session in the bathtub tomorrow and always try to end on a good note.