Basically, this method is bonding rabbits in a very small neutral space over a length of time and slowly increasing their space every 24 hours or every 2-3 days (depending on their progress), while still keeping them together until they are fully bonded.
There is no set time for how long a bond will take, some take hours some take days but as a minimum time scale we would suggest that you put aside two days at least where you can be with the rabbits 24/7 to err on the side of caution. Be prepared to sleep next to them and be on hand to ensure everything is going well.
Bonding sessions may only last about 10-15 minutes at first. That is okay. Don't stress about it; you can slowly increase the time until they can spend hours together.
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.
Mounting – or 'humping' – is one way that rabbits sort out who's the boss in a pair or group. They might nip or pull each other's fur. This is normal, so don't separate them unless they start fighting in earnest. Supervise, but leave them together for a short time (less than half an hour) before separating them again.
Chasing is a normal behavior to expect during bonding that you should allow to continue. This is not a true fight where the rabbits are getting territorial with each other. However, it can look similar to other behaviors that are aggressive.
Bonded rabbits can also break their bond. This can happen if they've been separated, for example if one bunny needs to spend a few days at the vet. It can also happen if you move house, move or change your rabbit enclosure, or upset the hierarchy by introducing new rabbits.
Bonded rabbits spend the majority of their days and nights together. They tend to visit the litter tray at the same time, eat together and groom together. A lot of time is spent simply snuggled up together sleeping.
On average, bonding two rabbits will take anywhere from two weeks to two months. However, you will very rarely find two rabbits who are able to get along right away. In other cases, the rabbits will take many months or even years to be bonded.
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.
Bonded rabbits will use the same litter box without fighting – make sure you have one big enough for both with space to move around. The litter box is like the sandbox in elementary school.
Watch for aggressive behaviors: tail up, ears back, growling, boxing, circling, chasing and biting. If one of these behavior occurs several times in a row; if neither rabbit backs down; if it leads to further aggressive behaviors, it should be interrupted.
Petting side-by-side
If your rabbits are having trouble getting along, pet them together for 10-15 minutes at a time. It's also a good idea to end each bonding session with 5-10 minutes of head scratches and petting side-by-side to make sure you end on a positive note.
Stress bonding does not need to be used every time, and it should not be the only technique you use, but it can prevent injury and help your rabbits get along faster. Stress bonding should only be a part of your bonding process and should not be the only technique you use.
They will also take care of each other's play and grooming needs. Even if you have a pair of rabbits, 24 hours is the maximum time they should be alone. Like all pets, rabbits rely heavily on their owners. Domesticated rabbits lack the survival skills of wild rabbits.
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.
Seldom does a pair of rabbits die together. One of the rabbits will be left behind, lonely and missing the other (a price we all pay for our relationship with shorter-lived beings than ourselves). We each cope with grief in our own way, but there are a few things you can do to help your rabbit cope with his.
If the death happened at a veterinary clinic, you must bring the body back and put it in the rabbits' home (their crate or pen) with the survivor. If a necropsy has been done, the veterinarian can stitch the body closed again and send it home with you.
Ideally, rabbits should live with a companion or group. Rabbits housed alone are much more likely to fur pull through the stress of isolation. Giving your rabbit lots of attention, time to play and explore and toys can help. Overcrowded or unsuitable enclosures cause stress and fur pulling.
If your rabbit leaves behind a bonded mate, he, too, will grieve. Now more than ever, your surviving rabbit will need you to help him through his grief. Rabbit grief is very real. Just like people, rabbits grieve in their own way.
When there is more than one rabbit, they may pull at each other's fur because of dominance or boredom. Often the dominant animal will pull the fur off the submissive animal.
Rabbits just LOVE company!
Most owners house a pair of rabbits, but keeping three or four are also popular options. Be sure that you have enough space to comfortably house all your rabbits, or else you'll have to purchase multiple runs to create enough space.
Common actions between rabbits in a bonding session can include: chasing, nipping, swatting, spraying or mounting. Flattened ears or a lifted tail are both signs of impending attack. Beware of nipping on the nose or ears of the rabbits. Expect some fur to fly.
Keeping two unspayed females together, even if they are sisters, is very likely to result in serious fighting and the risk of injuries. Female rabbits are able to have kits from about 4-6 months of age.