Bond Your Bunnies
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This week in the lead up to Valentine's, we are launching our #bondyourbunnies education campaign, to help educate others on the importance of bonding but also to highlight the benefits for your rabbit.
Rabbits are a prey, herd species, simply meaning - they should never live alone. That doesn't necessarily mean that it is easy though, since we have domesticated rabbits and chosen their "warrens" for them. |
The Importance of Bonding Rabbits
What are the main reasons for bonding your rabbit:
1. Rabbits are a prey, herd species. This means they naturally live in large groups of their own kind, for proetction and safety. It is a built in desire for them to be able to communicate with other rabbits and to bond with them to help them feel safe and secure. Just as you would never see one lone sheep in a field, we should never be seeing one rabbit either.
2. Rabbits communicate with one another for a variety of reasons and this provides them mental and physical stimulation. In inhibiting this, often they can become destructive, bored and lonely.
3. Studies have shown that rabbits value rabbit companionship as their top priority and value this resource even more than food and space.
4. Unlike dogs, rabbits do not share their hierarchy system with humans and cannot fully integrate with another animal or human and bond with them. Although rabbits can co-habit with other species including us and show affection to other species, they cannot properly bond with them.
5. Studies show that domestic rabbits that are bonded live longer and healthier lives.
6. Once bonded, rabbits behaviour changes for the better and they can become calmer, more friendly and more confident. They become more active and show an increase in natural behaviours.
7. Rabbits hay consumption increases by around 70% once bonded. The more hay they eat, the happier and healthier they will be.
8. Rabbits will groom one another in places that we can't, inside the tear ducts and the ear canal which helps prevent ear and eye infections and abscesses.
1. Rabbits are a prey, herd species. This means they naturally live in large groups of their own kind, for proetction and safety. It is a built in desire for them to be able to communicate with other rabbits and to bond with them to help them feel safe and secure. Just as you would never see one lone sheep in a field, we should never be seeing one rabbit either.
2. Rabbits communicate with one another for a variety of reasons and this provides them mental and physical stimulation. In inhibiting this, often they can become destructive, bored and lonely.
3. Studies have shown that rabbits value rabbit companionship as their top priority and value this resource even more than food and space.
4. Unlike dogs, rabbits do not share their hierarchy system with humans and cannot fully integrate with another animal or human and bond with them. Although rabbits can co-habit with other species including us and show affection to other species, they cannot properly bond with them.
5. Studies show that domestic rabbits that are bonded live longer and healthier lives.
6. Once bonded, rabbits behaviour changes for the better and they can become calmer, more friendly and more confident. They become more active and show an increase in natural behaviours.
7. Rabbits hay consumption increases by around 70% once bonded. The more hay they eat, the happier and healthier they will be.
8. Rabbits will groom one another in places that we can't, inside the tear ducts and the ear canal which helps prevent ear and eye infections and abscesses.
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Buddy's Story
Buddys parents approached us in March 2019 for boarding for Buddy. He came to stay and it was clear he was anxious and a little defensive too, but underneath a sweet boy desperate for love. We quickly became connected to him and asked when his parents collected him whether they had considered a friend for him. Unfortunately he had previously had a friend when he was a youngster, but they had such a bad experience with hormones and fighting and had rehomed the other bunny for fear of Buddy being severely injured. This was enough to put them off, forever it seemed!
Over the following year, Buddy came to stay with us a lot for holidays and trips and we got to know him better. We completely adored him, but we could see what was missing. He was cared for so well and to the highest standard by his parents, there was no doubt how devoted they were to him. Slowly, we began sharing articles and opened up the conversation about bonding Buddy. It was clear they had so many worries and concerns and didn't want to jeopardise Buddy's happiness. We never pushed but gently encouraged the topic.
In January 2020, we got the email we had always hoped for! Buddys parents had decided we could start looking for a friend for Buddy! We couldn't believe it, but we were so excited for him. We didn't take this lightly, so we began compiling a criteria for the rabbit that would be just perfect for Buddy. It was quite the criteria! But it had to be just right.
No bun until then had been quite the right fit for all Buddys criteria. In the Autumn, a lovely little bun named Becky entered the rescue. While getting to know and assessing her, it became apparent not only what an amazing wee bun she was but how perfect she would be for Buddy. She fit the extensive criteria we had for him. Once we were absolutely sure she was perfect, we got in touch with Buddys parents who became really excited.
In January 2021, a whole year after the go ahead to look for a companion, we bonded Buddy with Becky. It went perfectly as we expected and they hopped off home a very happy pair. Since then, they have returned on many holidays and are more loved up than ever. Becky comforts and reassures Buddy and on the occasion he did become very poorly with GI stasis, she never left his side and gave him lots of love and attention.
Over the following year, Buddy came to stay with us a lot for holidays and trips and we got to know him better. We completely adored him, but we could see what was missing. He was cared for so well and to the highest standard by his parents, there was no doubt how devoted they were to him. Slowly, we began sharing articles and opened up the conversation about bonding Buddy. It was clear they had so many worries and concerns and didn't want to jeopardise Buddy's happiness. We never pushed but gently encouraged the topic.
In January 2020, we got the email we had always hoped for! Buddys parents had decided we could start looking for a friend for Buddy! We couldn't believe it, but we were so excited for him. We didn't take this lightly, so we began compiling a criteria for the rabbit that would be just perfect for Buddy. It was quite the criteria! But it had to be just right.
No bun until then had been quite the right fit for all Buddys criteria. In the Autumn, a lovely little bun named Becky entered the rescue. While getting to know and assessing her, it became apparent not only what an amazing wee bun she was but how perfect she would be for Buddy. She fit the extensive criteria we had for him. Once we were absolutely sure she was perfect, we got in touch with Buddys parents who became really excited.
In January 2021, a whole year after the go ahead to look for a companion, we bonded Buddy with Becky. It went perfectly as we expected and they hopped off home a very happy pair. Since then, they have returned on many holidays and are more loved up than ever. Becky comforts and reassures Buddy and on the occasion he did become very poorly with GI stasis, she never left his side and gave him lots of love and attention.
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Buddy's parents: "We just want to say a big thank you for matching Buddy and Becky Boo. He's sat currently grooming her and it's so obvious how much they love each other. As you know we were more than a little anxious having had Bud on his own for so long and after such a stressful first experience of a pair but he's adapted perfectly. We're delighted about his weight loss - and hoping it continues! He's definitely moving more (although still loves his afternoon naps - especially when she's finsihed being cheeky and snuggles in with him!) They're an absolute double act now. She is in his ears, and let's him know when it's time to be excited for food, and he covers for her by binkying around when I ask "who made all this mess". Buddy spends less time sleeping and more time eating hay, and he's looking slimmer and healthier as a result. Even his coat is shinier and softer. He is much less fussy with his diet and is trying (and getting excited about) new foods eg. different hays and some new forage bits. He's more playful and active. He's also much less nervous and will copy her "meerkat pose" to see what's going on rather than thump and run away from something new. There is absolutely no doubt that Buddy has benefited from having a companion. Things he's always enjoyed (fibastick time) are even more exciting than they were before and he does extra zoomies. He will do anything to snuggle in next to Becky in the afternoons even if that means lying on an uncomfortable toy or squeezing into the tiniest space beside her. In a previous bonding post I read "they might be happy, but they could be happier" and I truly believe this to be the case with Buddy. He loved attention from me (and still does!) but that's not the same as 24/7 attention and grooming Becky gives him. If you're worried about bonding your bun, talk to BBBB and be honest with them. We were so worried about adding a second but this was taken into account when matching Buddy to his perfect companion. We had to wait for her to come along and she was worth every moment. Also, let BBBB do the bonding for you if you can! There is no way I could have done those first few weeks - instead I enjoyed regular updates and photos. And the help didn't stop there when we brought them home - BBBB have always been there to answer my (usually silly) questions." |
Boaz's Story
In December 2019, Boaz's mom contacted us about her little bun Boaz. She had felt Boaz needed a companion, but had been through an awful experience with another bun and attempting bonding and she was very worried about Boaz mental and physical health. Unfortunately Boaz had later developed an issue with his knee being dislocated which meant lifetime mobility issues and extra care needed in his environment to prevent further damage. He had a secure, safe space in her home and an abundance of love, yet something was still missing.
Through the process, it was clear to us that Boaz mom needed a lot of support, guidance and reassurance. This had to go perfectly for them all, as she was very anxious about it and for good reason, as Boaz is her whole world. We began a criteria checklist for Boaz to ensure a perfect match and bonding process for them both.
In the Summer of 2020 a little bun came into the rescue, who we named little Baby. She was only young and had sadly had a spinal injury as a baby and been advised to be euthanized by the vet as she couldn't walk. The owners thankfully did not, and gave her to us to rehabilitate and find a forever home for. She was assessed by our vet team and the injury healed, she gained strength and was hopping almost normally other than slightly dragging her back legs a bit and occasionally falling over due to the way it healed. Otherwise, a normal happy bun. After lots of time, assessments and TLC, we knew she was just perfect for Boaz. Not only was she the perfect personality to compliment his and a compatible temperament type in terms of a relaxed bonding process, they also both needed the same "padded all one level" type home due to their little wobbly wonky legs!
Boaz mom was excited but very nervous about the process. In December 2020, a whole year after her initial response, Boaz came to us and was bonded to Baby. A perfect match it was indeed and everyone's hearts burst watching them together. They went home a happy pair and have went from strength to strength. A very happy ending for 2 buns who were destined to be together and who may otherwise have had very different outcomes.
Through the process, it was clear to us that Boaz mom needed a lot of support, guidance and reassurance. This had to go perfectly for them all, as she was very anxious about it and for good reason, as Boaz is her whole world. We began a criteria checklist for Boaz to ensure a perfect match and bonding process for them both.
In the Summer of 2020 a little bun came into the rescue, who we named little Baby. She was only young and had sadly had a spinal injury as a baby and been advised to be euthanized by the vet as she couldn't walk. The owners thankfully did not, and gave her to us to rehabilitate and find a forever home for. She was assessed by our vet team and the injury healed, she gained strength and was hopping almost normally other than slightly dragging her back legs a bit and occasionally falling over due to the way it healed. Otherwise, a normal happy bun. After lots of time, assessments and TLC, we knew she was just perfect for Boaz. Not only was she the perfect personality to compliment his and a compatible temperament type in terms of a relaxed bonding process, they also both needed the same "padded all one level" type home due to their little wobbly wonky legs!
Boaz mom was excited but very nervous about the process. In December 2020, a whole year after her initial response, Boaz came to us and was bonded to Baby. A perfect match it was indeed and everyone's hearts burst watching them together. They went home a happy pair and have went from strength to strength. A very happy ending for 2 buns who were destined to be together and who may otherwise have had very different outcomes.
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Boaz's mom: "I would say Boaz is a more relaxed wee bun since bonding - for example when he was alone he couldn't stand it when I left him by himself in his room - like would go nuts chewing on the bars until I came back into the room. I honestly think he hated being by himself! He still chews the bars but I watch them on the baby monitor and it settles down soon with Baby! And when they hear something that spooks them a bit they go to each other whereas in the past if Boaz was scared he would tremble and run around like crazy not knowing what to do with himself! But now Baby will groom his head and he settles down. Having Baby by him makes him feel safe! I think pre bonding Boaz was happy when I was with him but when he was alone I don't think he was a happy wee bunny. Boaz became unwell not long after bonding and I was worried how this would affect the bond being so new but they were amazing when they got home and each time Boaz had his meds Baby would run straight to him when he was back in the pen and lick his head and lie down next to him - sort of a comfort from another rabbit that I could never have given him! He will also now eat more things that are good for him which he would no ttouch before - his hay eating is better, and he will eat pellets, fibresticks and grass which he wouldn't touch before. Do I feel Boaz has benefited? Yes absolutely!! I thin he genuinely loves being with Baby and they are constantly grooming each other! The thought that he used to be alone all day when I was at work genuinely breaks my heart - now that I've seen him together with Baby I could never imagine him being alone again! My advice to others who have worries about bonding their bun: I was terrified to get Boaz bonded - I had attempted bonding myself and had a horrible experience I had no idea what I was doing and Boaz was a shaking nervous wreck for days (as was I) and sadly I ended up bringing the rabbit back to the rescue I got her from (not BBBB). I promised myself I would never put Boaz through that again and I thought this could never be the best thing for him. But after some time I decided that I did think I wanted to get him a friend - I contacted BBBB and decided that I would let them do the bonding - I was still terrified about sending Boaz away and I didn't really think they would manage to get him bonded after what I'd seen with the last bunny. But Jeniveeve was amazing and found him the perfect match. She did all the bonding for me and kept me updated the whole way through and still gives me advice. I could not imagine our lives without Baby now and she has done so much for my wee Boaz in terms of making him happier, more relaxed and a better eater. I thought maybe Boaz would ignore me when Baby came - but they both love attention when I come home from work and I get licked from all angles! I would advise anyone to get their bunny bonded as I genuinely believe it's the best thing that could have happened to Boaz - you won't know how much your bun is missing until you see them together with another rabbit!!" |