Dawn Sailer-Fleeger in Collaboration with Erica Deighton

Part 1 of a 2 part series

There are guidelines when bonding rabbits to maximize the chance for success. Consider reviewing bunny bonding basics in the House Rabbit Handbook or at www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/introductions.html.

Indiana HRS has adopted 30+ rabbits into pairing situations. There are two parts to creating a successful pair:  finding a compatible rabbit and providing ongoing support to make the pairing work in their forever home.

This first article will cover finding a compatible rabbit. We start this process with a “bunny date” facilitated by one of our experienced volunteers.  With each bunny date, we bring all eligible neutered bachelors or spayed bachelorettes to a single location. We start by using neutral territory, setting the rabbits up in a pet pen with a clean litterbox not used by either rabbit. We cover the floor with a sheet or blanket so that the rabbits have secure footing. Our facilitator is calm, balanced, and focused on the rabbits participating in the date. No bias, no expectations, accepting the situation as it unfolds: after all, rabbits will behave like rabbits!

The IHRS approach is very hands on and focuses on positive, pleasant interactions. Place both rabbits in the pen, establishing contact by petting each rabbit with a relaxing touch and speaking with them in a calm, gentle voice until they are settled.  Switch hands and continue petting the rabbits, so that they become aware of the other rabbit’s scent. Gradually ease up on the petting and assess each rabbit’s reaction to the presence of the other rabbit. For a rabbit that is very alert and concerned, continue petting until settled again. If aggressive behaviors develop (i.e. chasing or attempted nipping), intervene immediately, picking up the closest rabbit. Discontinue the bunny date with this candidate and continue with other eligible rabbits.

Once both rabbits are settled and relaxed, position the rabbits so that their bodies are next to one another and continue petting. The idea is to maximize exposure to the feel and smell of each other, and to start setting up progrooming positions. Once the rabbits are relaxed while lying next to each other, lighten the touch of the petting and assess their reaction.  A rabbit that leans into his bunbride and nuzzles her are great signs. Keep your hands ready to continue petting with a heavier touch if defensive or aggressive moves start to unfold. In the event these behaviors do appear after continued petting, intervene as previously described, and discontinue the bunny date with this rabbit to continue with other eligible bunnies.

When the rabbits are able to become alert, aware that there is a bunny-body next to them, and not lose relaxation, allow one of them to get up and explore while the other remains with you observing.  The idea is to get the stationary rabbit used to the idea that this rabbit-body is also a moving rabbit, and one moving around *them.* It also allows him to begin to observe the other in a relaxed state, acquiring accurate data about normal nonthreatening behaviors. Allow the rabbits to interact, ready to intervene at a moment’s notice. Assess the body language of the dating rabbits: a flopped out posture with legs behind the rabbit is a great sign. Another very positive sign is a rabbit that feels secure enough to groom himself in the presence of his bunbride. If aggressive behaviors develop (i.e. chasing or attempted nipping), intervene immediately as described before.

After the rabbit has met all potential candidates, the IHRS volunteer and rabbit owner confer to determine the best candidates. In the event that there are no eligible candidates, we are very honest, providing this feedback—even if the IHRS foster rabbits are the defensive ones!

Once the “dating pool” has been narrowed, this introduction process is repeated with the rabbit owner. The IHRS volunteer coaches the rabbit owner through the dating process, again focusing on positive, pleasant interactions. When “Mom” or “Dad” facilitate the interactions, the rabbit sometimes has “other ideas” about some of his potential bun brides. That is okay, since IHRS volunteers do not facilitate the bunny dates at home!

During this second phase, the rabbit owner pays attention to his rabbit and the interactions with potential candidates. The rabbits are very clear at communicating who they want to be with! Once the rabbit has chosen his bunbride, we close the adoption. The bunny date can continue in the car on the drive home provided there is someone other than the driver to supervise the rabbits. The rabbits return home and are housed separately until the bonding process is complete.

IHRS provides ongoing support once the rabbits are in their forever home. In our next issue, we will focus on making bunny bonding work at home.

If there are no eligible candidates at this bunny date, we provide this feedback. During the bunny date, we learn a great deal about the prospective bachelor/bachelorette, which enables us to recommend additional rabbits for pairing with more complementary personalities. We don’t give up on finding a companion for a rabbit. Our third article will focus on providing assistance for those who have trouble finding a compatible match. We will draw upon the experience of many volunteers who have successfully created pairs without the use of an initial bunny date.