Multiple bunny bonding

Question
Hello,

I am currently fostering a young rabbit, which I've already decided to adopt.  As well, I am intending to adopt a second rabbit, (whom I had already considered taking home prior to fostering this baby).  I already have two male rabbits bonded together.  They're almost 3-years-old, and I am seeking advice on how to best bond all four rabbits together.  I've seen a lot of advice on bonding two rabbits, but not more than that.

I already have my foster in the same room as my two boys (she's separate, but they can sniff each other).  One boy just sniffs her, the other tries to bite her nose through the pen bars.  She's young and energetic (like an adolescent rabbit. She's about 5 months old).  The fourth rabbit is not at my house yet.  He's probably just shy of 1-year of age.  He's sweet, seems to stress easily, and seems to be rather easy going - not dominant.  The foster stills needs to be spayed, and I was not intending to go through any bonding process until she was fixed.  The three other rabbits are all neutered.

Thank you!

Answer

Hi There

I apologize for the length of time it took to get back to you. I have been dealing with a family emergency.

I`m so happy to hear that you are giving this bunny a permanent home.

How did you successfully bond two male rabbits.... are they neutered... (my question mark key doesn`t work)

I would start by trying to bond the two newest rabbits. They will be more accepting to one another. Start with the same principles for bonding two rabbits. Introduce them on neutral ground where neither bunny has marked the area as `his.`

Bonding these two should be the easiest part. The harder part will be bonding the established rabbits. Again, pick a place that is neutral for everyone. Feed them treats, lots of praise...
I would house the two newest rabbits together if all goes well. I would then put the cages side by side so the rabbits get to know each other without being able to fight. when there is no grunting or spraying etc, I would try introducing the more docile of the two rabbits to the other two. I would put the older rabbit on a leash and harness. smae principles of neutral ground, treats etc. If it is not going well, then I would reduce it to introducing each rabbit individually (two at a time) When they are comfortable and not fighting then I would introduce the other older rabbit to the newer two. Harness and leash the older ones, especially if the new rabbits are very young.

Try finding neutral ground each time you have a new introduction. When all four rabbits seem comfortable then I would let them run together, again in a neutral room. The reason I suggested the older rabbits meeting the newer ones individually is because they are likely to be more accepting and more curious if the other old pal isn`t around.

Minor stress will also encourage the rabbits to bond, such as putting all four in a box and going for a short drive. They will be too distracted to fight and that is essentially what you are looking for. The first meeting very much sets the tone for how the rabbits get along. End any negative interactions instantly by separating and back to the cages. You don`t want them remembering the other rabbits on a bad note....

Let me know how this goes....

Alice