The process of finding a companion for your bunny is commonly called "bonding". 

Bonding rabbits is a stressful task, both for the bunnies and the supervising human. The person handling the bonding must be alert for any change in behaviour indicating that the bond is not going well and be ready to break any fight before it escalates and leads to injuries. 

For that reason, an experienced person in rabbit behaviour is required to bond rabbits. 

Our approach to bonding rabbits 

It is important to understand that we let your rabbit(s) choose their companion(s). We do not force rabbits to be friends. This will not work and will result in injuries or even death as there will be more chances for a violent fight over hierarchy to occur.  

So, while we ask your opinion on which rabbit(s) we will start the bonding with, there is absolutely no guarantee that your rabbit(s) will accept them as partner(s). 

It might even be that we didn't find a suitable companion for your rabbit(s) at that time. In that case, we recommend trying at a later time when other bunnies have arrived or contact another rescue. 

The bonding process 

During the bonding process, your rabbit(s) will stay at least a week to get any bond secure enough for you to take over the reins. 

We start by assessing how the bunnies respond to each other in a confine neutral space. We start in a space as small as a carrier. If the bond seems to go in the right direction, then we expend the space to a small pen, generally about 2x1 panels of a puppy play pen. If the bunnies are still doing well, we expend the space again slowly. 

There can be hours or days between each step. There can be setbacks where we need to downscale their space. 

If the bond fails, then we start over with another rabbit. 

Why do we confine the bunnies in a small space during the bonding process? 

Rabbits are territorial, so we have to take some things into account when introducing rabbits. 

1. A neutral space 

Rabbits need to be first introduced in a neutral space, containing no scents, no ownership over nothing whatsoever. Else, the rabbit owning the space will see the other rabbit as an intruder and will attack. 

2. A small space 

When a rabbit is introduced to a new space, their instinct is to claim that space for themselves. So, if you introduce a new bunny and a new space at the same time, then the priority for any bun will be to claim the space, thus they will consider the other bunnies an intruder and will attack. 

By starting in a small neutral space, the bunnies will have to share the space, spreading both their scents at the same time. We stretch that space until their bond is solid to start over in your home. 

How to inquire about bonding your rabbit(s)? 

• Send us a message via the form below. Please note, that your rabbit(s) must be desexed and vaccinated.
• If we have capacity, we will reply to you to discuss availability and send you a form to complete and email us back. 
• Once we receive the requested paperwork, and all is in order, we will confirm your appointment. 

For the reasons explained above, we DO NOT allow anyone to do the bonding at home themselves, so please don’t ask, as refusal may offend.