Domino and Pebbles

So, many of you know this but for the benefit of newer members I will explain the story. Peanut Butter and Jelly were a pair, and so were Domino and Pebbles. (Domino is also Jelly's son). When PB died, I made a trio. It worked, but it wasn't perfect. Pebbles was often left out, because they both adored Domino. Then in September 2012, Domino got E.C very badly. He couldn't walk properly for months, and he needed to be inside because he couldn't have coped with the cold or the other two girls, he hated being near them.

Jelly died on Tuesday, and ever since Pebbles has been pining badly. Which surprised me because the two girls were never that close, it was a means to an end for them, they both wanted company and they had each other, but they were't bunnies that were besotted or anything. Although, in the last year they have grown closer together. Pebbles won't eat, she won't eat hay or pellets and is just eating a little bit of veggies.

Once I knew Jelly was dying, I made the decision to reunite my original pair - it made sense. I have never seen two more loved up bunnies than these two, and Domino is SO much better now he could live outside with Pebbles because she is so gentle and because of the shed set up not having any levels to it.

So, I just put them together. Theyve been together half an hour so far, and we have had no chasing, no humping, no thumping, nipping - zilch. We've had mutual groomings, and flops, and nomming hay together. Pebbles is one very very happy girl right now.

Domino, on the other hand doesn't seem too fussed but I'm sure he will be later!

Aww! I hope they remain happy

This is so lovely

I'm really glad they're back together and hope they can stay this happy - I'm sure they will!

Me too. I miss Jelly like crazy, but this is like the sweetest silver lining. I don't need to rush out and get a friend for Pebbles that feels like a replacement or a rushed thing, I am just bringing these two love bunnies back together. Plus, I was just talking to my mum and she said when we went from the hutch to the shed it made everything SO much easier for me with the fibro and cfs, imagine how easy its going to be to JUST have a shed, no indoor area to sort daily, it's going to be so much easier.

Of course, it goes without saying that if I could have a happy, healthy Jelly back of course I would - you guys know that. My heart is simply breaking but at least there are some silver linings to give me a little bit of happiness and a smile when it would be so easy to fall apart.

This is lovely to see, and I'm glad it gives you some comfort hunni xxxx

Sending you a love top up

What wonderful news love, things like this give you a warm glow inside. Thank you for sharing that lovely photo too. I am so sorry to hear about Jelly.

Hugs
JO xx

There is something"good" coming out of every tragic situation.
I'm glad they re united so well! Sending hugs for you and love vibes for the bunnies!

Unfortunately there has been a few problems with the bonding. The short version is Pebbles IS a submissive bun, she's always been bottom. But, Domino is weak - and she knows it. He can't mount her, he falls right of and then rolls over, and she escapes. So he literally can't assert his dominance. So, then she tries - and he goes ballistic. Partly because he is always top bun, but also because he freaks out when she touches his back, it really frightens him

They are so in love with each other, obsessed. They lay together, groom, flop. But unfortunately we can't seem to establish who is top bun and every evening Domino is getting tired and stressed. So I am separating them at night, (very small spaces, they literally have half a puppy pen each) but they can see each other - because otherwise they can't see each other and Pebbles won't eat. So I am then putting them outside half the day in an eight foot run each, side by side, then bringing them in for more time together before splitting at night.

It's the best solution, but I do feel bad seeing them in such small spaces. But when they are together they are so happy.

This is a shame

Is there any way you could work towards building a more permanent divide in your shed for them? I was looking at aviary panels when considering divides for my pet room. This way they could still see and touch each other but Domino wouldn't get so stressed? Then you could maybe let them out for free time together regularly as well xx

I don't really want him outside unless he is gaining something like permanent companionship, it wouldn't be fair on him i don't think. He's so happy inside, and alone - I can't put him outside unless he's got something he won't get indoors.

Theyve been much better today, no scuffles at all, he still can't hump her but he's trying less and less, so who knows!

Ahh, I see - that's fair enough!

Fingers crossed things continue to pick up from here

I had to be a little inventive, but I seem to have sussed it. I put them in a small (and I mean small, like a little triangle!) so that Domino could actually keep up with her and...well...hump her! Then I put them back in the small pen, and theyve been okay, he basically needed to assert his dominance and he physically couldnt do it, he just slid off her and rolled over!

But they seem fine now, i think we're going to be okay

Well done!
May I ask....
Bubbles often humps Bertie and he will submit with head down just awaiting approval. Is she now running the warren? Is this normal? Do I need to do anything or be concerned? Don't get me wrong he doesn't seem to suffer or mind. If she gets to much he just hops off because they got a lot of space at the moment. Do you think it could cause trouble if they would be in a smaller space like a shed?
Well glad he got it sorted and hope they will keep on bonding!

Thats completely normal, putting their head down to be groomed is actually a sign of dominance rather than waiting for approval, he is asking to be groomed by her. Pebbles and Domino both ask, but if Domino asks, he will always get, where as if Pebbles asks, she will only get groomings sometimes, or he will push his head down as if to say "you first". So it sounds like Bertie is your top bun in your pair.

It doesn't matter who is the top rabbit in the pairing, the only reason I was "helping" Domino is because his mind says top bun, and his body doesn't, but Pebbles is so submissive he will never be "lower" than her, which I know because of them being paired before. With Peanut Butter and Jelly, Jelly was the top rabbit - it doesn't matter who it is

Jelly used to hop away from Pebbles sometimes too, sometimes they just like their own space its completely normal and okay

I am glad they are happy and sorry for your loss, I have been so busy I did not know, hugs to you hun

Our Mr Snuffles used to nudge us for a fuss, even though he had bun friends. The funny thing was, as soon as he had had enough, he woud push our hand away as if to dismiss us LOL!!

Hugs
JO xx

Love to you all - I hope that Pebbles and Domino continue to be happy together xx

Me too

Hugs
Jo xx

They are now both living outside, it's very strange not to have my Domino indoors with me!