Question About Bonding

[plasticbunny]

I'm the proud owner of two wonderful bunnies - Molly, 6 month old female, and Gus, 2 1/2 month old male. They currently live in side-by-side pens, and they don't fight through the bars any more. In fact, they can frequently be foundlying side by side through the bars, and I even saw Gus lick Molly's face once! I really want to start inroducing play dates, but I'm concerned that Gus will suddenly realize that Molly is a FEMALE, and, well, you know....

The thing is, Molly is definately dominant, and I really don't think she'd let Gus mount her if he tried. Besides, she weighs at least 8 lbs more than him, so I'm not even sure if loving would be physically possible! But, to err on the side of caution, I've decided to wait until Molly has her spay on May 25th, and is fully healed. Gus will probably have his neuter sometime in July.

My question is, do you guys think it would be acceptable to start a slow bonding once Molly is healed, or should I wait until Gus is neutered and healed? I'd rather not have to wait until August, and I don't think Gus will "annoy" Molly with excessive mounting, but I also know that Molly would need to accompany Gus to the vet when he gets his neuter. If that's a really big hassle, it may be best to just wait.

And furthermore, should I at least try a few supervised play dates now, but not let them share a cage so they don't get to fully bond, but still get to know each other. Then if Gus tries to mount Molly, I can intervene? They just really seem eager to meet, but I want to do what's best for them!

 

[elrohwen]

I would absolutely wait until both are fixed, healed, and the hormones have died down. I wouldn't even try play dates as they could fight and one good fight can completely set your bonding back later.

Especially when it comes to a male mounting in an attempt to breed, it can make a fixed female very upset - she doesn't want that kind of attention and probably doesn't want him to be dominant either, and fights can break out.

He's old enough to be neutered very soon, so you shouldn't have to wait very long.

 

[plasticbunny]

True... Good advice. It's just hard seeing them so curious about each other, and not be able to interact! I checked today, and Gus's testicles have dropped, so I'll be able to have him neutered sooner than I thought. I guess we'll all have to be patient!

 

[elrohwen]

You could try getting them "stunt doubles" - stuffed toys that you can switch from one cage to another every day or so. It will get them used to each other's scents and give them something to cuddle with.

 

[juliew19673]

Yes DO NOT attempt bonding until a GOOD 6 or 8 weeks after both are fixed... If you caget both fixed at the same time then they could travel together to the vet (very important to buns that they smell the same).Talk to your vet about the timeline, but I always take my bonded buns to the vet together as they can be very upset if I don't as one comes home smelling different and one or the other gets chased around for a day just for smelling funny.

Good luck and post back how it goes.

 

[plasticbunny]

Thanks for all the great advice, guys! Yes, I'm definately going to hold off, especially now that Gus's parts are in fighting form :shock:. Molly will be fixed May 25th, and I'll make an appointment for Gus the following month. I guess they'll be neighbours for a bit longer!

When they are ready, I'll definately post about their bonding process, when the time comes. It should be an easy one!

 

[MiniLopHop]

If their houses are close enough they can groom through the bars be careful they do not mate through the bars. That would be one heck of a surprise.

 

[plasticbunny]

Ha, and some funny-looking babies, too! Because of Molly's size and shape, I've actually been questioning if she's a Flemish. I started a thread about it in the breeds forum with lots of pictures, if anyone wants to donate thier opinion! Would it even be possible for a Flemish and a Holland Lop to make babies??? To be honest, I don't think he could reach :biggrin2:!

 

[MiniLopHop]

You would be shocked at what hormonal animals can do. I once saw a dog that the mother was a great dane and the father was a corgi! It was one strange looking dog. The owners thought the size difference would prevent the hook up. Nope!

I would be very curious what the babies would look like too. Not saying you should try it.

 

[plasticbunny]

Actually, my boyfriend wanted to breed them , to see what the babies would look like, but I refused. I don't want to be an irresponsible bunny owner, right? There's enough unloved bunnies sitting in shelters :cry2...Besides, I just know I'd keep them all!

 

[MiniLopHop]

Perhaps you can try a picture morphing program so you can have the fun of seeing what the babies would look like without making more lives?

I totally agree, there are so many babies in need. I couldn't breed on purpose.

 

[plasticbunny]

I agree completely. I don't think I'd have the stomach for breeding, either. I'm far too sensitive.