Trying to bond, but rabbits are being funny.

Question
I'm trying to bond two rabbits, (both neutered) Male and Female. I knew it would be a difficult bonding, but I'm having difficulty because every time I try another issue comes up. Yesterday I thought it was improving, as I had them both on the sofa and they sniffed each other happily. My female (Lottie) has always been more aggressive, so I was holding her tight and pulling her away when they started to fuss. Archie, the male, kept reaching out to her neck, I thought he was trying to lick her. Today I tried again, and I saw Archie actually try to bite her. In the end, he bit me on the arm instead.

I'm really at a loss, I really want them to get along but does it look like it might not happen? The problem is that every day I try a bonding session something different seems to happen. At the beginning of the bonding it seemed Lottie was the more aggressive bunny, now Archie has nipped me (quite hard!) I don't know who is the problem rabbit and who is the victim!

Does this look like the end? I'd hate them to be alone, and I expected it to be a difficult bonding but it's more difficult when I can't assess what the real problem is and work on that.

Thanks.

Answer
Hi,

you need to let them 'fuss'.  There is a difference between determining dominance and actual fighting.

Determining dominance is something that must be done in order for the two to become friends and bond.  You cannot stop that process as it sounds like you are doing.

It is the chasing, mounting, light nips/pulling out loose back fur, running.  Anytime there are two or more rabbits, dominance has to be settled - somebody's going to be in charge.  Once that is figured out things can move forward.

Fighting is growling, ears may be flat back or up and forward pointed, actual biting (not loose fur pulling), deliberate full charge at the other to bite (not chasing), actual biting or attempted biting anywhere on the face, neck, ears, belly, kicking with back feet, boxing with front paws, actually rolling around and tussling with.  This is something that you have to physically remove one of the rabbits from, whoever you can get to first.  Be prepared to be nipped accidentally.

YOu need to have them in a neutral area where neither considers that area part of their territory.  And you need to watch and supervise them, but don't be in there with them.  You need to let them deal with each other one on one, and only get involved if things need to be broken up.

You should also only at first have them together about 10 minutes, if things go well.  Try to have them part on a high note.  Sometimes if things go on too long, and the dominance issue isn't settled, they can get frustrated and it could lead to real fighting.

I also suggest seeing if you can find some House Rabbit Society folks in your area and they may have some people that can help you with bonding.  The main page is www.rabbit.org  

Lee