Rabbit Bonding Guide

Please follow these instructions carefully, in order to ensure your rabbits have the best chance of fully establishing a long-lasting bond, once they finish the bonding process at HABH.

Failure to follow the advice can cause the bond to go backwards or in some cases to completely break down.

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Before they arrive home:

• Please ensure you have thoroughly cleaned and de-odorised the accommodation. We recommend spraying the complete area with a solution of 50/50 distilled vinegar. This helps to completely remove the smell of any rabbits. Whilst the odour is strong from the vinegar it will disappear once dried and aired.

• Remove any items that may have been chewed or stained i.e. toys or stained litter trays.

• Once they return, only allow them to have access to a small area rather than allowing them full access to their entire area.

 

On arriving home:

• Please don’t give them any toys for the first week.
  After the first week slowly introduce toys and monitor them closely, remembering toys can become something to be territorial over.

• When feeding please scatter feed and give more than normal. Again, giving them a bowl, gives them something to be territorial over.

• Gradually expand the area they have access to. Sadly, a lot of people rush this part and this is the most common reason for bonds breaking down. You should only expand the area after 8-12 days.

• However, if they start displaying negative behaviour then reduce the area again.

• Once the rabbits are bonded they should never be split up. This includes taking them to the vets together, regardless of whether that’s for a consultation or an overnight stay, both rabbits should go.

 

You will still witness common bonding behaviour due to the change of environment.

You will see mounting and chasing this is completely normal, you shouldn’t intervene.

However, if you see them mounting heads, this should be discouraged.

Please be careful getting involved as you may end up being bitten.

They may show signs of aggression towards people if they get involved too much.

This again can be completely normal during the honeymoon period, please be careful when intervening and only socialise with them for short periods.

During the honeymoon period, they need to focus on each other rather than us bunny slaves.

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