Asked on the Rabbit Forum by mmartin111 on 10/11/2006, 2:52 pm
Q: New Male Rabbit
Hi,
I need some advice on a new male neutered rabbit I have just had from a rescue centre last Saturday.
We got him with the intention of introducing him to our lady bunny (also neutered) who lost her last friend a little while ago.
He has only been spayed 3.5 weeks ago but since we have brought him home has been very agressive (bitten both of us, spraying, charging etc) and is showing his hormones are still fully raging and this has been getting worse not better each day so I don't think it is fear.
I need some good advice as to whether it is worth perserving with the rabbit. We haven't been able to introduce them at all yet as I don't want him to attack her and was expecting that he might have been showing signs of calming down. In your experience will we be able to pair this sort of rabbit with another? Sadly unless he can live with the other rabbit we will have to return him to the shelter which is a really hard decision to make. We have had grouchy bunnies before so can deal with that but this is full on agression.
Appreciate your help.
M
Answered by SweetBunnyKisses on 10/11/2006, 5:41 pm
A: New Male Rabbit
I'd suggest giving your new boy a chance. It usually takes about 6 weeks to fully recover from a spay/neuter, and besides that, he's also going through the stress of a new home. Give him some time to settle down. Talk to him calmly in his cage, and slowly pet his head until he gains trust in you.
When he is recovered from surgery, you can introduce him to his female friend. Even if he doesn't turn around for you, I would still wait and give it a try. Sometimes bunnies don't bond well with humans but they fit perfectly with other rabbits.
Put the two rabbits together (supervised) for increasing increments of time daily, and see how things go. If you see improvement, keep working at it. If not, maybe you can return him to the shelter and another match will come along your way.
