After several times, and when they seem less hostile to each other, they can be allowed to get closer to each other, but be prepared to separate them if they fight. This may require the gentle and careful use of large towels to separate the bunnies and protect both rabbits and people from scratches and bites.
The whole bonding process can take as little as one day or up to several months – it all depends on your rabbits. Usually, it's a few weeks before your bunnies will be living happily together but it is well worth the wait.
If you find you are stuck in the bonding process, try switching up the bonding area. Sometimes the first location you choose is not a place that's working for your rabbits. The area might not be neutral enough, or your rabbits might just not like the place. Try experimenting with different sized spaces as well.
Start petting your rabbit
As they get more comfortable with being touched, you can start giving them scritches on their forehead and behind the ears. Eventually, you'll even be able to give them strokes down their back and give them a nice massage.
The best way to gain your rabbits' trust is by simply spending lots of time being near them, while allowing your bunnies to approach you in their own time. By sitting quietly with them in a safe enclosure, you'll show your rabbits that you aren't to be feared and that you can be trusted.
As a general rule, rabbits are bonded once they can spend 48 hours together without any chasing or aggressive behaviors. You also want to see positive signs such as grooming, sharing food, and sleeping next to each other to confirm that your rabbits feel safe around each other.
The very best rabbit pairs are a spayed female and a neutered male as both will become a little less territorial and therefore more likely to bond. Two neutered male rabbits can sometimes be kept together but adults should only be introduced by experienced keepers.
Chasing and nipping, fur pulling and mounting can all look quite extreme for such cute, fluffy creatures, but in actual fact it's all very normal and is an essential part of the rabbits' behaviour as they establish who will be in charge.
Mixed-sex pairs usually work best, so if you are thinking of getting rabbits for the first time, it's advisable to get a male and female, although same-sex pairs are not uncommon. Obviously, if you take on an already bonded pair, then it's all been done for you!
If your rabbits are mounting each other a lot, instigating fights, stop them, place them side by side. Pet them together and talk to them quietly. Do not let much chasing ensue. If they are persistently aggressive, separate them to prevent injuries.
If your rabbit is one of a bonded pair it is a good idea to take them both to the surgery. In some cases the vet may need to examine the other rabbit (in case of infectious disease etc) but generally they will just keep each other company.
While they shouldn't be in the same shared area together at first, due to rabbits being highly territorial, they should be able to see each other. Separating the areas with x-pens is a good idea as it allows the rabbits to see and smell each other, but not be in close enough contact to allow any biting.
Once the rabbits have bonded, DO NOT separate them. If one rabbit needs to go to the vet, both need to go. If they're separated and one rabbit comes back with a different smell or change in health, they may reject each other and begin fighting.
Pet rabbits can be kept alone if they are given daily attention and socialization from their human companions. It's best if single rabbits are kept as house pets so you can spend ample amounts of time petting and playing with them.
If you have trouble, you could try resting your hand on his chest, then raising the treat upwards so your rabbit naturally lifts his front feet to reach and keeping your hand in position as he moves so you are just supporting his movement not making it. To pick up a rabbit you'll need to lift the back end too.
Small pieces of apple, banana, bell pepper, and carrot are often good treats to try. It's sure to make them super happy. To really tell your rabbit you love them, you do need to keep the treats to a minimum though.
Depending on how much they feel you've wronged them, buns can hold a grudge for anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days!
Rabbits, like all animals, do have memories and learn from past experiences. This may mean that past negative experiences with certain things, even if harmless in the present, can cause a fear response as well. An example would be a rabbit that was attacked by a dog in the past may now be afraid of all dogs.
To survive, they have to be constantly wary and use their keen senses of sight, hearing and smell to detect potential predators. Your pet rabbits have the same instincts. Any fast or sudden movements, loud noises, unfamiliar smells or larger creatures – including their owners – can trigger a fear response.