Meet Livio - Lily's new husbun. *pic heavy*

I think it is time I actually introduce Livio, Lily's new husbun. I have been putting it off for weeks now, It just never felt like the right time especially as I have not done a RB tribute thread for Flopsy. I figured it is time for me to introduce you to our new boy as he has been here over 3 weeks now. They have been bonded 4 weeks tomorrow, I just felt it was too soon to introduce him beforehand. I was also worried that people would think that I had rushed into getting Lily a new friend.

We weren't intending on getting another rabbit without trying to bond Lily with Pickle & Pixie first. So I contacted Cottontails Rabbit Rescue (Mairwen) and discussed with her about wanting to attempt to bond the three of them into a trio, this was on the Sunday (19th of October). She agreed to give it a go so we arranged to go along to the rescue that evening! So we went along with our pair Pickle & Pixie and lonely Lily who was bereaved just 3 days before.

When we arrived at Cottontails, I had a good look around at all the lovely bunnies and fell in love with them all - as you do!
Too much cuteness to handle at once!

Then we placed the three of them in the neutral 'bonding run'. Lily was very self-assured considering she was in unfamiliar surroundings. After about 5 minutes she started bossing poor Pickle about, she nipped him and luckily he did not retaliate. He knew not to stand up to her. My poor shy Pixie was cowering the whole time and as Lily would approach her, she would then lunge towards her if she came too close. After another 5 minutes or so together the girls then ended up in a scuffle, by this point we decided it would be best not to risk it any further.

It could of potentially worked out however I think poor Pixie would of eventually been left out. It wasn't worth upsetting her as she is such a gentle little girl.

So we were then left with the decision of what to do next. We came to the conclusion with Cottontails that Lily would need a submissive male given her reaction to Pickle & Pixie. Cottontails only had one neutered male available for match-up that day as others had been reserved. I met him and fell in love, he came over to me and let me give him nose rubs. He was just so full of character. Mairwen said that they had some more males arriving in the next few weeks that we could try Lily with. So I thought that it would be worth trying Lily with Livio (formerly Nibbles) so when we next went, we would know whether or not to try him.

So Lily was introduced to 'Nibbles' and this time she was completely different. He was very humpy and she was submissive and allowed him to do the deed. As the introduction went well, we decided to leave Lily there with Livio so that they could continue to bond. I would normally bond myself however I had nothing ready and I had long college days so wouldn't of been able to supervise. I felt really guilty leaving Lily as she really did not look too pleased to start with - bless her!

Livio is a 10 month old black Lop, we believe dwarf lop ( I have not weighed him yet!) He was very well loved and cared for. He fell out with his male friend hence him ending up in rescue, they chose to keep one of the males and paired him up with a female. Livio really is such a lovely rabbit with the perfect cheeky character.

http://cottontails-rescue.org.uk/nibbles/

They got on really well and the next day, Cottontails uploaded these photos of them together...





After 3 days at the rescue, the pair came home and spent the next 6 days in the kitchen (in a bonding pen)

Here are some pictures from when they first came home, literally about half an hour after!











The bonding pen



















He loved exploring the house while inside..... he even knows how to go up and down the stairs.









I love this photo of them sunbathing in the sun together!



When they moved out into the newly renovated shed after 9 days in total in neutral territory -



Exploring!

















Naughty Livio on the hay rack!



Settled down with Lily!



Checking out the run and marking his territory.... boys will be boys..







Such a relief to finally introduce and show him off to you all.

He is stunning, what a lovely boy. So happy for her and you.

Jack he is beautiful!!

You should never worry about sharing your decisions with us. We never judge, only support and we all know that all of the things you do for your buns are with their happiness at heart.

I happen to think that you did exactly the right thing and its so wonderful to see another bun given a wonderful forever home. Just lovely xxxxxxx

What a cutie

They make a gorgeous pair!!

Hello Livio, handsome man. It is lovely to see Lily with her new partner. I look forward to a lot more pictures in the future Livio is a very lucky bun to have found such a wonderful new home

Bunny harmony, they are adorable love.

Hugs
Jo xx