In order to keep momentum on the bonding front and to see what would happen if I put Amelia and Harriet in the bathtub, I did just that. This time I took the sensible precaution of wearing gloves and putting on an extra sweatshirt. I put some towels in the tub, I didn't want any dangerous scrambling, though maybe one is supposed to present the bonding buns with a uniform, slippery, cold arena. I'm not sure. At any rate, once in place the two showed some curiosity, then some biting. I rubbed them both down with Rosemary so they'd smell the same and they had a Parsley snack. It seemed like a good sign that they would eat together. At one point they were both asking the other for grooming, so I rubbed both their heads simultaneously.
Who is cuter? I am! No, I am! No c'est moi! Not! it's me, me, me......
This is a technique one of the Rabbit Haven bonders showed me. Nipping and tousling still happened, but I stopped it as soon as I could and settled them both down with head rubs.
I am thinking the important thing is to change the energy from attack to calm. At one point both rabbits were happily tooth purring under the gnarly garden gloves with which I chose to arm myself .....Finally I felt like they done as much as they could and it was nap time for bunnies. I tried picking them both up at once and that really did not work. Someone who is mostly white is just too big.
Harriet waited in the tub while I ferried Amelia back to her room.
Settled again with the fence between them they napped within 6 inches of each other. I am curious to see what Tyler and Harriet would do in the tub, or even Tyler and Amelia, Or if I could get a hold of Sydney try her and Harriet, or put three in the tub, not sure if I could get all four in, or what about........The movies that make up Scenes From a Bathtub can be viewed HERE, HERE and HERE.
Now the girls, a fence just is not an attractive fashion accessory, so can we take it down and be happy with each other?
20 comments:
Oh, that last pic - both are definitely in the "you are a worthless bunny" position. But keep trying, it's bound to work soon!
A. It is hard to be angry with one passing you parsley;
B. Don't mess with "The Glove!"
This is going to work! All we've ever "bonded" is pairs, and they pretty much took care of themselves. I better contact Tom Hanks to plan on a major documentary soon.
Awwww
Things are hopping right along! You're getting there!
I agree with FAD, things are purring right along. I'm learning a lot from these family additions and when I get my bun(s) I'll already have a good database.
Harriet - clam & quiet.
what lovely photos and videos, glad to see you're all making progress.
Gloves....good idea.....maybe some kevlar?
WOW! That 1st pic sure looks like a snuggle, which means definite progress!!! Congrats!!!
Bunny bonding can be so nerve-wracking/scary, and it's hard not to let those emotions rub off on the buns. But you, D, seem to have the perfect personality for it, which may be why you have so much success - Cool, Calm and Collected - (Calm, Assertive Energy, as Cesar Milan would say -- I know he's the "dog" whisperer but I find that a lot of his theories on dominance, agression, and energy affecting your pet can be effective with any animal)!!!
Harriet looks adorable sitting in the tub waiting for you to come get her.
I think I vote for Harriet
but it is a very close thing....
It looks like things are coming along. Good idea about rubbing them with herbs so they'll smell the same.
That was a great idea about the Rosemary. Harriet looks so precious in that picture. Such an exciting adventure to follow along on. Thank goodness you had gloves this time!
hugs and friends,
shell
If Harriet does not work out, I know a certain lady lives over the hill here from me who has a free cage right now!!!!
You know, before I could rejoice with the 3 buns bonding, and now we have a challenge for 4-buns-bonding..well, I guess, the more the merrier :)Is there any difference between male or female bonding..or it's all the same. I wonder what happens when the cage goes up..all 4 of them..with furs flying everywhere..eek, maybe not :P Happy week D!
What are you going to do with All These Bunnehs??? (and no - there is no way to determine who is cuter. Impossible task!)
Hey RG I heard that!
It's great to see the videos. Makes me think I may give it a try. Maybe.
WOW you're just plain amazing! ;-)
Do you think they have secret planning meetings when you are not looking?
Harriet: Hey, Amelia, next time you bite my bum then I'll try to sit on your head.
Amelia: Good idea Harriet, then she'll have to give us extra parsley so we stop.
Wow, this is so interesting... I have read about bonding in the bath before, but never actually done or seen it so the videos are great. Harriet has such BIG EARS!
You are doing a brilliant job and it's all looking really positive I think.
Charlotte
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