Step One - Pen Setup
Set up two separate pens or habitats right next to each other—close enough that the rabbits can see, hear, and smell each other, but not close enough that they can touch! This helps them get familiar without risking a fight. To prevent nose nips through the bars, you can create a safe divider using mesh storage cube panels secured with zip ties.​​​​​​​​​​
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Step Two - Swapping Spaces
Every day, swap the bunnies by placing each rabbit in the other’s enclosure without changing anything. Keep the litterbox, water bowl, toys, blankets, everything the same. This way, they’ll eat, play, and nap among the other’s scents, helping them adjust to the presence of a roommate and learn to accept shared territory.​
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Step Three - Introductions
Once you've been swapping spaces for a while, try introducing the buns. A great place to do this is in the car. You don't even need to have the car moving—you can just have it turned on and sit in the back seat with the buns. Other good options are a pet stroller, a laundry basket, or a stand-up shower. The main thing is to use a neutral space and a slightly stressful environment.
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Note: I do not like using a bathtub. I believe that using such a slippery, sloped surface is traumatizing for sensitive bunnies and can be dangerous, but some rabbit rescues recommend this method.
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Preventing Fights​
It is always important to prevent fights when introducing your buns. Wear oven mitts or thick gloves to protect yourself from bites. If your buns start circling, biting, or growling and lunging, stop them immediately. If the buns fight, stop them immediately. Check them carefully for injury. Pause any further introductions for two weeks. You can still keep swapping territories during the pause.
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Step Four - Marathon Bonding Readiness!
If your bunnies instantly try to fight no matter what environment they are in (car, stroller, etc.) or repeatedly try to fight through the bars of their separate pens or through the mesh, they are not ready for marathon bonding. ​Ideally, the buns should be able to share a carrier on the way to Pepper's Place without fighting. Even buns who strongly dislike each other can usually do this in a moving car. If they are still fighting in a carrier in a moving vehicle, it is highly unlikely that Alisha will be able to bond them using the marathon method (short-term bonding). They may still bond eventually, but probably not in a 1 - 2 week period. Alisha is happy to reschedule your bonding date if you would like to postpone it (highly recommended if the buns are not ready for marathon bonding according to the criteria above). Please feel free to call her to discuss your situation if you are unsure!
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