Speed Dates/Bonding

Speed Dating for Bunnies

Interested in having your Fluffy Bunny do some speed dating to potentially meet their bun-mate?

Rabbits are very social creatures and are happiest when they have another furry friend to snuggle up to. Particularly if your rabbit will be alone for much of the day, we recommend that you adopt a second rabbit as a companion. Even with human interaction, companions offer benefits that no human ever can. If you are considering adopting a rabbit, please consider a pair of bunny companions or finding your bunny a friend. First step is doing Bunny Speed Dating.

Speed Dating Overview / FAQs

Please reach us at dutchiebunsrescue@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Location

Speed-dating is conducted in a neutral location (Bunnies can be very territorial).

We hold these either at our DBR Bonding Specialists house or at one of our event spaces.

Bunny Language 101

Bunnies are a talkative bunch if you learn to understand them.
It is important to know and understand your furry friend's language before doing speed dating and bonding. This helps you be well prepared and know how to help direct our Bonding Specialist on your bunnies' behaviors during the speed dating process.

Here is a great article from Small Pet Select on Bunny Language.

How many bunnies can my bunny meet?

We recommend that you introduce your bunny to at least 2, 3 or 4 different buns and we watch the bunny for various signs that they will or will not bond – we call this Bunny Speed Dating!

What to expect:

We will introduce your rabbit(s) to a selection of adoptable rabbits to see if they might get along.

First, we introduce them in a neutral, empty, small space to interact more intimately and see if how they interact.
If they seem to have potential, a litter box will be added and possibly a little more space.
Rabbits are very territorial and by slowly introducing neutral items, they are less likely to fight over the items.
After testing out multiple rabbits, the DBR team will select who they believe will get along the best with your bun
At this point, your rabbit and their new friend will be ready to go into bonding (You can see our bonding options below).

Key things we look for:

Positive signs we look for during speed dating include binkies from one or both buns, grooming each other (initiated by one or both), and mirroring (when they copy each other’s position and behavior, like flopping or grooming). Flopping or stretching out during a bonding session is a true touchdown toward winning the bonding game – it means bun is relaxed enough to not fear being attacked by the other bun.

How to get started:

If you are interested in having your fluffy bunny meet one of our available bunnies, please complete this form and we will be in touch with you to set something up.

Speed Dating Inquiry

Bonding

Has your bunny found a potential mate but now you need to make sure the bonding process is smooth?

We recommend that you do Bunny Speed Dating first, this should not be an arranged pairing and you should let your bunny do the picking on their companion.

Rabbits are very social creatures and are happiest when they have another furry friend to snuggle up to, especially one they picked.

The more the rabbits have in common, the likelier it becomes. Things to consider include:

Age. Rabbits of the same age will have similar energy levels. This will aid in the bonding process. The pets should have a similar lifespan. It’s traumatic for a rabbit to lose a partner.
Health. If two bonded rabbits live together, everything will be shared, including diseases. You’ll need to ensure that both pets are physically robust and can withstand illness.
Breed. Different combinations can work, but the rabbits are likelier to bond if both are similar breeds. It makes communication easier.
Temperament. Every rabbit is unique and has a distinct personality. Don’t attempt to bond a grumpy, antisocial rabbit with a happy-go-lucky partner. They will drive each other crazy.
Life Experience. If the rabbits are not newborns, they will hold memories of the past. This could include bad experiences with particular pets. Learn about this in advance if you can.

WE OFFER 2 DIFFERENT LEVELS FOR BONDING

Bonding Basics | Level 1

This consists of a onetime visit with our Bonding Specialist after doing speed dating and have found a potential companion for your furry bun. Our specialist will provide tips to doing the bonding at home.

(This is not recommended for first or new bunny owners)

Cost: Free
Time: 1 in person visit with our specialist
Location: 1st visit is either at our DBR Bonding Specialists house, your house, or one of our event spaces.
Communication: Our Bonding Specialist will be available for as needed questions.
Care: Instructions will be given on how to do bonding at home.

Bonding Hybrid | Level 2

The hybrid model is a blend of level 1 and level 3.

Cost: $40 (covers time & supplies)
Time: 2-4 weeks (Blend of time with Bonding Specialist and time at home with instructions)
Location: Blend of at our DBR Bonding Specialists house, your house, or one of our event spaces.
Communication: Our Bonding Specialist will have set times to meet and discuss with you over the next 2-4 weeks to help you through the bonding process.
Care: Since this level is a blend of time with the bonding specialist and in your home, the bonding specialist will have instructions and a plan for your bonding experience.

Sometimes bonding doesn't work.

Sadly, some attempts at bonding rabbits are not successful. Just remember that it’s not a character failing of either rabbit. The rabbit may bond perfectly well with another rabbit. You just had an unfortunately incompatible pairing. Before you abandon all hope of bonding your rabbits, ask if you’ve done everything you can.

Did you engage in all appropriate pre-bonding behaviors?
Have you given both rabbits enough space to bond in neutral territory?
Did you slowly and steadily increase the time the rabbits spent together?
Have you provided enough distractions?
Have you been consistent with the bonding for at least six months?

If you answered yes to all of the above, you likely have a problem. Your rabbits may be unlikely to bond. This leaves you with a decision to make.

House the two pets separately, knowing they cannot mingle.
Work with our DBR Bonding Specialist if you haven't already.

Frequently Asked Bonding Questions

Please reach us at dutchiebunsrescue@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What to expect?

First, we re-introduce them to their match. (This will be done in the first bonding session held in all levels with our Bonding Specialist).
During their bond they should always be in a neutral, empty, small space to interact more intimately and see if how they interact.
Rabbits are very territorial and by slowly introducing time together in a neutral space and to slowly bring in neutral items, they are less likely to fight over the items and space.
Progression will happen throughout the bonding process, usually they start with ignoring each other, then they start to communicate and sniff each other, they will begin to share and play together, start grooming each other.

What is needed?

Neutral Space
Extra X-pen
Extra litter box
Extra food/water bowl

It is important to know that they will not be living together instantly, even if the speed dating or first bonding session went well. It is important to do slow small introductions in a neutral area.

Do you know the Bunny Language?

Bunnies are a talkative bunch if you learn to understand them. It is important to know and understand your furry friend's language before doing speed dating and bonding. This helps you be well prepared and know how to help direct our Bonding Specialist on your bunnies' behaviors during the speed dating process.

Here is a great article from Small Pet Select on Bunny Language.

What to do if bonding doesn't seem to be working?

Did you engage in all appropriate pre-bonding behaviors?
Have you given both rabbits enough space to bond in neutral territory?
Did you slowly and steadily increase the time the rabbits spent together?
Have you provided enough distractions?
Have you been consistent with the bonding for at least six months?

If you answered yes to all of the above, you likely have a problem. Your rabbits may be unlikely to bond. This leaves you with a decision to make.

House the two pets separately, knowing they cannot mingle.
Work with our DBR Bonding Specialist if you haven't already.

Interested in finding a companion for your Bunny?

Speed Dating for Bunnies

Interested in having your Fluffy Bunny do some speed dating to potentially meet their bun-mate?

Speed Dating Overview / FAQs

Bonding

Has your bunny found a potential mate but now you need to make sure the bonding process is smooth?

WE OFFER 2 DIFFERENT LEVELS FOR BONDING

Sometimes bonding doesn't work.

Frequently Asked Bonding Questions

Great Bonding Resouces

Interested in finding a companion for your Bunny?

Speed Dating for Bunnies

Interested in having your Fluffy Bunny do some speed dating to potentially meet their bun-mate?

Speed Dating Overview / FAQs

Bonding

Has your bunny found a potential mate but now you need to make sure the bonding process is smooth?

WE OFFER 2 DIFFERENT LEVELS FOR BONDING

Sometimes bonding doesn't work.

Frequently Asked Bonding Questions

Great Bonding Resouces

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