The use of sound and pressure in bunny bonding is very important. Take a look at this very short video clip to see how you can use thumb pressure on the inner cheek of the rabbit to keep the head facing forward when a bunny is thinking of biting the other one. Also check out the sound the handler makes which is a harsh, loud sound. The bunny will associate the sound with the hand pressure.
Note also how a sound, a calming voice encouraging and saying “good boy” when bunny is doing well.
Demonstration of bunny bonding with advice on use of sound cue and thumb pressure to prevent biting by Deanne Caruana May 2022
This is the method developed by Kim Cooney and used at The Rabbit Sanctuary.
This rabbit bonding method is what Kim calls her "Desensitisation Rabbit Bonding" method. It is based on the premise that the rabbits become used to each other. Fear is gone and the way is open to the rabbits to relax and come to trust each other. We start out on a training table.
TABLE BUNNY BONDING involves putting rabbits on thick blanket or towel on a table. Sit at the table with them and manage their movements with your arms and hands. Do not allow them to interact. Do not allow them to bite.
Stages of rabbit bonding:
1. Learn to handle your rabbits properly
2. Table Bonding
3. Bonding off the table
How to bond rabbits:
1. Table handling for owner & new bunny to bond
2. Table handling of both bunnies side by side contact then less controlled contact
3. Bunnies relaxed and sitting/laying together comfortably on table
4. Bunnies together on floor
(repeat steps 2-4 ten times with toilet / rest breaks every day for 3 days)
5. Bunnies together in original Bunny's enclosure:)
Extra Rabbit Bonding Tips:
Table Handling is done with people sitting at a table with a heavy cloth or blanket on it. Heads controlled to stop biting. Use both hands. Buns must not be allowed to bite. Rabbits should be desexed.
This method of bonding rabbits is used successfully at The Rabbit Rescue Sanctuary
NB. The main thing is not to let the rabbits hurt, upset or distress each other in any way. Firm control of each rabbit must be maintained until rabbits are settled and happily sitting together. What we are trying to do is desensitize them to each other so that they trust each other.
The table used should be sturdy. The bunnies relax more if the people sit down and relax.
Rabbit bonding is so important, not just to rabbits, but their owners too. In fact matching your rabbit with another rabbit, in a successful union that lasts a lifetime
BUN FUN - BUNNY BONDING
AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE BY THE RABBIT RESCUE SANCTUARY
