Getting two bunnies to live happily ever after can be a tricky process which requires time and patience. But Bristol Animal Rescue Centre’s Anna Bevan is an expert in helping them become firm friends.
With RSPCA reporting a national rabbit breeding crisis last year, many bunnies being rehomed are having to be paired up and finding the perfect mate is a task which needs commitment from bunny owners. But Anna said a successful bonding brings loads of reward.
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“Rabbits are very loving, social animals, which means they not only love to spend time with others, they need it. While toys can alleviate some of their boredom, they still need human attention and interaction. Many rabbits also enjoy having another rabbit as a friend.” She added that being a social species, rabbits will live in pairs or in groups and if one of a pair dies, the remaining bunny needs time to adjust to its loss before it can be introduced to another.
And of course, not all introductions will be successful. “There can be occasions when it doesn’t work, but then the rabbit can bond really well with another different rabbit. It may just be that this pair doesn’t work together. Often it’s a personality issue - like with humans, there are people you get on with and others whom you don’t - and rabbits are the same. You can’t get on with everybody,” she said.
There are also those introverted bunnies that simply may not like, or aren’t used to being with others and bonding will take time. So while some may take weeks to bond, others may take months. Anna said that single bunnies must be introduced gradually and advised a male/female or female/female pairing. “All rabbits should be neutered before bonding as they are highly hormonal and territorial animals. Neutering will increase the likelihood of a successful bonding and will prevent unnecessary breeding,” she said.
With the breeding crisis last year, there were reports of many rabbits being neglected and abandoned and taken to animal rescue centres. Bristol ARC reported a 280% increase of rabbits coming into the centre having been found found straying.
Anna said the bonding process starts by placing the rabbits in separate nearby enclosures where they have time to sniff each other out and get acquainted for at least a week. Once relaxed, the bonder can start putting them together in a neutral space for short periods of time.
Anna highlighted that at the slightest sign of tension, the rabbits should be separated and if a violent fight takes place, the pair will not bond. Gradually the amount of time the pair spend together is increased and when they start grooming each other and lying next to one another, a bond has been created.
Anna said : “Bonding can take time - days or even weeks - but it’s going to ensure a smooth transition. It’s extremely rewarding when you have successfully bonded two animals and they begin to play together and enjoy each other’s company. Yes, it does take patience, but it’s totally worth it when it works out for them.”
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