Bunny bonding

Question
Does the phrase two's company, three's a crowd apply to Rabbits? I've been trying to bring in a new un-neutered male lionhead rabbit named runt into an already bonded male-female pair for the last 3 months. The pair are both fixed which I thought would make things easier but still no luck. The Male, Blue, in particular is extremely aggressive towards Runt and would undoubtedly try to kill him if given the chance, even in neutral territory. The female, Wascal, doesnt show any aggression but seems absolutely terrified of Runt and runs form him  even when he doesnt make any advances. I've been concerned lately because I'm afraid my efforts are upsetting the bond between Wascal and Blue. He has recently taken to chasing her around the cage and humping her, causing her what looks like all sorts of stress    and sometimes even attacking her, esp. when Runt is around the cage. Does it sound like bonding these three is possible? I dont need them bonded but it would make things like excercise time alot more convenient and poor Runts life alot less lonely. Could the fact that Runt is small and sickly ( I'm treating him for respiratory problems) be the reason they're rejecting him?  

Answer
Hi Caralee

It is very possible that Blue and Wascal will never bond with Runt.  It sounds as though you have been doing everything correctly and haven't had much success.  It is very difficult to bond 3 rabbits.  It can be done but more often than not it doesn't work.  If it is causing stress on Blue and Wascal's already wonderful relationship then it is probably not even worth trying.  In any case you don't want the little one to end up seriously injured.  There is also nothing wrong with having 2 separate area's for them.  If you feel Runt is lonely and you want to spend the money to get him fixed you could always get him a mate as well.  We have 3 sections of our house separated and several rabbits that don't even know the other ones are there.  The other thing you can do is let Runt live in the common area where you and your family are always at.  Then put Blue and Wascal in a different part of the house.  Letting them out to play of course but they have each other so they won't need quite as much attention as Runt.  Rabbits will bond with humans.  I have a rabbit who is completely bonded with me.  I have to make sure I spend a few hours with him every day or he gets very depressed.  He won't allow my boyfriend anywhere near him and if my boyfriend comes in the room while we are together he gets very jealous and upset.  It is possible for you and your whole family to develop a relationship with Runt and he can live a perfectly happy life without another bunny.  If you are they kind of people that are never home because of work/sports etc then it is probably better to consider getting him a mate of his own.

The fact that he is sick may or may not be part of the reason.  It is very hard to tell something like because each rabbit has a different instinct.  It is definitely an interesting concept that I plan on researching now that you have brought it into consideration.

If there is anything else I can do please let me know.  I do know that some of the HRS people have had success in bonding 3 rabbits.  

There is a lovely lady named Connie who has a great web-site, I know she has had several bonded rabbits and she will accept emails.  Just make sure you put RABBIT somewhere in the subject line.  She is an awesome lady and has helped me out over the years when I was just learning.

http://www.hopperhome.com/

If you look at the bottom of the page you will see how to contact her.

Goodluck and I hope that Runt feels better soon

Pam