Bonding - 48 hours in.

After much agonising and girding of loins BJ, Rosie and Hollie have been together since Monday lunchtime. Hollie, I think had realised that Herbie wasn't coming back and was looking very miserable on Monday morning.

The three of them spent a couple of hours huddled together somewhat shellshocked after being introduced in the pen in the conservatory on Monday. I felt awful seeing them like that   but there was some mutual grooming going on which gave me hope. Once the shock had worn off Rosie (predictably) started getting nippy but BJ seemed to be acting as a peacemaker. There was no out and out aggression though so I left them together and spent a cold, miserable night sleeping on the floor next to them.

Yesterday it was BJ who was playing up. Rosie was still warning Hollie away and BJ had got humpy. This meant Hollie was jumping away everytime they approached her, even with non-threatening overtones. At this point I was beginning to wonder if this was all a mistake. However being tired I nodded off and when I woke up an hour later all three were sat together. This carried on into the evening so I left them on their own overnight.

They were all sat together again when I went to them first thing this morning   There has been some minor humping today but on the whole they look more settled so I am beginning to feel hopeful that this may work.

Oh and Sparky, was it you who said not to give them too much space too soon? Well this afternoon as it has been decent weather I was blitzing the shed for them to move back into, hopefully at the weekend. I happened to glance through the conservatory window. To my disbelief three rabbits were happily exploring the conservatory together     One of them had bitten through one of the cable ties holding the pen together and all three had busted out. As there was no aggro I let them stretch their legs for a bit.

If there are any bunny bonding vibes going spare send them this way, I am not ready to say they are bonded just yet. Some anti-stress vibes would be good for me too - I think I have aged 10 years since Monday   

This is great news love at a very upsetting time. Loads and loads of bonding vibes are on their way.

Hugs

JO xx

great news! lots of bonding vibes going your way!

You folks can have all the vibes in the world.
Bonding, distress, let's stick together and have fun, peaceful, playful and youthful ones.
How about this?
Sending love to you

You know what Vanessa? You deserve a bit of good luck. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that the little blighters keep it up and play nicely.

I hear that Oil of Olay do a very good anti-ageing cream! Might be worth piling some on

Good luck hun, I hope it works out, sounds good so far so fingers crossed for you.

    

Sixer wrote:Oh and Sparky, was it you who said not to give them too much space too soon?  Well this afternoon as it has been decent weather I was blitzing the shed for them to move back into, hopefully at the weekend. I happened to glance through the conservatory window. To my disbelief three rabbits were happily exploring the conservatory together     One of them had bitten through one of the cable ties holding the pen together and all three had busted out. As there was no aggro I let them stretch their legs for a bit.

It was me, but you see, that was unauthorised space. They would have been far too busy being pleased with themselves about busting out for any aggro   

You can never tell how bonds are going to go until you start one, and this sounds really promising  

Good Luck Vanessa   

I'm glad to hear they're all making good progress

I'm sending lots of bonding and anti-stress vibes your way

What news brim the warren today?

Sparky wrote:

Sixer wrote:Oh and Sparky, was it you who said not to give them too much space too soon?  Well this afternoon as it has been decent weather I was blitzing the shed for them to move back into, hopefully at the weekend. I happened to glance through the conservatory window. To my disbelief three rabbits were happily exploring the conservatory together     One of them had bitten through one of the cable ties holding the pen together and all three had busted out. As there was no aggro I let them stretch their legs for a bit.

It was me, but you see, that was unauthorised space. They would have been far too busy being pleased with themselves about busting out for any aggro   

You can never tell how bonds are going to go until you start one, and this sounds really promising  

Silly me - fancy forgetting there is difference between authorised and non-authorised space     

Katieb wrote:What news from the warren today?

Positive news really - when I checked in on them this morning Rosie and Hollie were squashed into the grassy house together. I have increased their space a wee bit today and put a couple of litter trays in the pen instead of loose hay and also put a cardboard box in. BJ was a bit protective of the cardboard box but there was no nastiness.

They have had a couple of free range times in the conservatory to stretch their legs which they have enjoyed. Again BJ has been a bit chasey but again with no real intent. Tonight all three have piled into the (very large) supper bowl together.

So all in all, if I dare to say it I think we have a trio. I suspect Hollie may be the odd one out at times but I remind myself that she at least has bunny company. Both BJ and Rosie have groomed her though and she has also groomed them.

I fully expect there maybe some humping/chasing when they move into the shed with it being a new environment but what I have witnessed up to now hasn't given me any cause for worry. I think what helped in the very early stages was that all three respond to their names so that when I felt I needed to step in a firm "BJ/Rosie/Hollie no!" was enough to stop them in their tracks.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that we have some nice weather    over the weekend so that I can get them out into their shed and initially keep an eye on them. So much for all the jobs I meant to do around the house this week!!

So glad to hear that they seem to get on. Well done.
Topping up with let's stick together vibes    

I'm so pleased this seems to be going well. Long May it continue

This is great news - keeping everything crossed for happy loved up bunnies once they move outside cxx

Great news   

Top up vibes on the way love, I am so pleased that they are getting on so well.

Hugs

JO xx

That is fantastic news hun, so glad she has company again and keeping fingers crossed it all stays well and happy for them and you.

    

This is fantastic news - I hope they keep it up when they go outside

Outside let's stick together vibes sent. And lots of them....

Well, they are out in the shed. All seemed fine at first then BJ started to do a Gabriel and went into 'hump monster' mode. Not that Hollie and Rosie would let him, they kept moving away. I sat with them for almost three hours ( ended up with numb bum and legs) but there was no aggression, just BJ making a real nuisance of himself.

When I went out an hour later with their tea they seemed mors settled so fingers crossed BJ just has to get the humpiness out of his system.

I have a humpy bunny here too....maybe he thinks spring is coming....

Im so glad they all seem settled and happy. Sending nose rubs to all.