Nipping or biting?

[Trendy454]

Ok, so i'm still trying to bond my 2. I read putting them in a smaller space, and i have a hall way perfect for that, i gated it off placed toys treats, boxes and a litter pan. Put the less aggressive male in first, and then the female. they seemed ok exploring then the female started nipping/biting the underside near his "privates" not sure if thats being aggressive or shes grooming? She did a bit later lick his head. Earlier during the day in their room, I had him out and he kept trying to say hello (she was in her cage) and she was grunting and i call it boxing the cage, i'm aware thats not good. But tonight they spent 45 mins together in the hall with only a few underside nips. So i'm hoping if i do this every day they'll hopefully be BFF's. Also when should I call it quits? and just accept that they'll never be BFF's.:?

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

Rabbits don't always get along perfectly from the start and even bonded pairs can have disagreements about things. These do not mean that they can never get along. You have to look at the whole picture and not just one or two minor things that happen.
The nipping thing is probably grooming. Rabbits do seem to groom each other in odd places. As long as he is not bothered by it and there are no bite marks or anything, it should be fine.
The cage boxing is probably her being territorial. Even rabbits that get along on neutral territory might not get along on their own turf right away. You should work up to having him near her cage until they get more used to each other.

Bonding rabbits can take a while. It really depends on the individuals and how they get along. Some can get along after a few days and others take weeks or months of work until they are ready.
Keep working at it and they should get better.

 

[Trendy454]

He Runs when she does it. so i'm guessing its uncomfortable. As for the cage, its a double hutch. He's on top she's on the bottom. maybe i should switch? her on top him on the bottom?

 

[Sweetie]

That would be a good idea, that way they can get used to each others scent and place.

My two rabbits instantly bonded with each other. This rarely happens with rabbits. They were bonded within the day I got Prince.

Sweetie is my female lionhead mix, she is black.
Prince is my male netherland dwarf, he is white with black eyeliner around his eyes.

So yes it depends on the rabbits if they will get along as quickly as mine did or take a while to bond. It will be worth the work of bonding them.

Oh yeah, Sweetie and Prince have only had one fight their entire life so far.

 

[elrohwen]

Most rabbits can be territorial of their cages when another rabbit approaches, but this doesn't really have any influence on bonding. From the session you had it sounds like they're a normal couple, and grooming that early is a very good sign. Just keep at it and make sure to do sessions every day and I'm sure they'll be friends in no time.

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

Another great thing to remember is to always try to end bonding sessions on a positive note. If there is a fight, they will remember it the next time they're together and could hinder the session.

Best of luck!!