Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > HELP-Introducing 3rd bunny

HELP-Introducing 3rd bunny

22 9:50:56

Question
Hello,
I have had pet rabbits since 1993 and consider myself pretty knowledgeable in the bunny area.  However, I have a situation that has come up and I am searching for the best input/advice.

I had 4 bunnies.....2 are brother and sister (Moxy and Ivy) 4 years old.  The other 2 were Does (Ebby and Ginnie) approx 7 to 8 years old. All bunnies are rescues.  They are separated in 2 different hutches.  Ebby passed away this morning. Now I am heart broken having lost Ebby and seeing Ginnie all my herself now.  

I am considering integrating Ginnie with my other 2 bunnies, but I am concerned about the process and if I should even try to introduce them at all.

Ginnie is extremely docile, she doesn't have a mean bone in her body, but the other doe (Ivy) in the other set is extremely dominate.  I do have experience introducing bunnies...it took me 9 months to get Ebby and Ginnie together, but it worked and they were very close.  

Please give me your input.  I'm thinking to introduce Ginnie and Ivy first, then Ginnie and Moxy (buck).  Let Ginnie and Ivy get use to each other.  Then I'll introduce Moxy separately...then once I know they all get along, I can introduce all three at a time.......I'm not sure what to do.

Please help, I am so heart broken seeing Ginnie all alone now.
Brenda

Answer
Dear Brenda,

I am very sorry about the sad loss of Ebby.  I think it's a good idea to try and bond her to the other two, but this must be done carefully, patiently, and in neutral territory that's strange to all three bunnies.  For an extensive list of articles that will help you bond them (or determine if they even *can* be bonded, please go to:

http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-a=00062824-sp00000000&sp-q=bonding

If this doesn't work, you may need to contact a local rabbit rescuer to set up some "blind dates" for Ginnie so she can choose a mate.  All bunnies concerned must be spayed/neutered, of course, for this to have a chance of working.

I hope this helps.  Good luck.

Dana