Prime time for bonding?

[NorthernAutumn]

(2nd thread in 2 days... )

My dad and sister called me an hour ago to tell me they are bringing the 2 boys home today.

I've been interested in having Slatey (neutered) and Stuart bond since Stu came to my house. The first intro went horribly, and Stu got some major stitches from the vet. Soon after, Stu was neutered(May).

I've kept them separate ever since the first smackdown fight. A month ago, I came home to find clumps rabbit fur (Stu's), and 2 escaped rabbits. Evidently, another bunny ball. Checked Stu; no blood.

SO... They are taking a 2 hr. long car trip right now. If as everybody says, car trips promote bonding, should I move these guys into neutral space as soon as they get home & start bonding process?

Or, would that be way too stressful after 2 wks with my sis and the car ride?

If this is my big opportunity to get them to be friends I don't want to miss it:shock

 

[Spring]

I would take it slow, since even in neutral territory issues can come up with the rabbits not yet trusting each other. The car ride will help, as long as there's someone sitting right next to them in case a fight breaks out in the carrier. Most likely they'll be too scared to fight, but just in case!

I don't think you'll be missing the big opportunity to bond either way, lots of opportunities! Adding a teeny bit of stress does help bonding if it will bring the rabbits closer, or could make them less trusting with the other rabbit. I would just try it and see, just be prepared to break up any fights and slow it down if they start getting feisty with each other!

Good luck!

:biggrin2:

 

[tonyshuman]

I know what you mean. We're going on a long car trip soon and I plan on doing some bonding during it, but I don't want to stress them out too much. Like Spring said, it's better to try bonding during the ride because of the stress of being in a moving vehicle. I would actually let them be alone when they arrive. I like to let a bunny have some time to itself in a quiet, dark room after a long car trip so they can de-stress.

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Thanks for your responses guys!

When they got in(2 pm), I put them both in their respective homes, and went out to do the groceries. Around 9 pm, I let Stu out for a run. (I gotmy first realsnuggle from that teenager! He must have missed home )

While he was running about, Slatey was following him very closely within his own cage, running back and forth and lunging. He kept this up fora good 20 minutes:grumpy:

So Spring, I never got to try out your suggestion. Too bad for Slatey, he's missing out on a really nice little pal...