You and your Bonded Pair at Home and at their Vet .

Once we have feel that the there is a good match. We will teach the parents the skills on the bonding with their own rabbit and possible Forever Friend. We teach them what to look out for and how to handle things. Each case is different.

When you have a bonded pair of rabbits, remember that they are always watching you. In many ways they are like siblings watching their parents. How you treat them can affect their bond and their sense of security.

Treat Them Equally

  1. Treat each rabbit the same when the other is present.

  2. Always give treats to both rabbits at the same time.

  3. Make sure there are extra resources available such as litter boxes, toys, and water bowls so they do not feel the need to compete.

Rabbits and Scent

Rabbits rely heavily on scent to recognize each other and maintain their bond.

  1. If their scent glands are cleaned, both rabbits should be cleaned at the same time.

  2. If someone else trims their nails or cleans their scent glands, consider bringing their own blanket so they keep familiar smells with them.

  3. If you are fostering other rabbits, it is best to keep the fosters in a different room.

  4. Unfixed rabbits may spray. If unfixed foster rabbits spray near a bonded pair, it may disrupt the bond. If a bond breaks, you may need to go through the rebonding process.

Exotic Vet Visits

  1. If possible, bring both rabbits to the veterinary appointment. They can comfort each other and will be exposed to the same unfamiliar smells.

  2. Consider bringing a spare carrier in case one rabbit needs to stay overnight.

  3. If one bunny becomes sick, you may need to temporarily separate the pair into side-by-side housing. This allows you to monitor whether the sick rabbit is eating and using the litter box. The only reliable way to monitor this is to separate them for a few days if necessary.

When One Bunny Passes Away

In the sad event that one rabbit passes away, if possible allow the surviving rabbit to spend a little time with their companion. This helps the remaining rabbit understand that their forever friend has passed away and can help with the grieving process.