Thumping behavior

[sunnyblue]

Hello, my name is Carrie and I am a new rabbit owner. I was looking at rabbits with my husband and daughter at our county fair, and decided to look into it more before making any decisions. I decided maybe we should foster to see how things worked out. We were given a foster rabbit who could be anywhere from 7-9 years old. Although my daughter loves him, he is not very affectionate. His name is Sunny bunny.

Someone I knew was looking for a home for her rabbit and my daughter and I went over to visit. This rabbit was so sweet, and loved affection, even let my daughter hold him for quite a while. No animal we have had has been this loving to my daughter even though she has always been very gentle with them. We took in this rabbit as well. His name is Little Blue.

I just brought Little Blue home. I have the two rabbits, (foster who is neutered and Blue who is not) in different cages, but in the same room. If in their cage, they cannot see each other, but when out, will not leave each other alone.

I only let one out at a time, and they go to each others cages and kiss through the bars, but Sunny Bunny (who is neutered) also thumps the whole time. I am confused. He thumps but acts very affectionate toward Blue. Is he mad or does he like him?

Thanks for reading

Carrie

 

[whiskylollipop]

They're not kissing, they're sniffing each other out of curiosity. Rabbits will not have affection towards stranger rabbits naturally, they have to be bonded first. Bonding can be a long and tricky process, but both buns need to be neutered for any hope of success.

I think Sunny Bunny is thumping because of the sudden presence of a stranger in his home. It is usually a warning of danger or a sign of displeasure. Even though Sunny Bunny is neutered, he can still smell Little Blue's hormones and likely considers him a rival male.

 

[JBun]

The thumping could also just be that he is curious about your other rabbit and is upset he can't get closer to him. He'll probably settle down after a few days as he gets used to the new bun being there. If you plan on bonding though, you definitely need to get your other bun neutered first. But if they aren't nipping, boxing and showing aggression through the bars, that is all a good indication that they have a good chance of bonding successfully once your other bun is neutered. If you plan on bonding, I would suggest doing some reading up on rabbit body language and bonding. It can help, as the bonding process can be a bit tricky sometimes.
http://language.rabbitspeak.com/
http://www.wheekwheekthump.com/2013...rs-guide-rabbit-bonding-everything-need-know/

 

[sunnyblue]

Thanks for replying. I do have an appointment in a few days for a vet checkup they require before getting him neutered. That should be scheduled in a few days. In the meantime, I will just let one out of their cage at a time.