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Same Size, Same Breed, Opposite Sex? What REALLY Matters When Pairing Your Rabbits

If you've ever searched for a friend for your bunny, you've probably come across a long list of "rules" — they should be the same size, the same breed, opposite sex, a similar age... (or you may be panicking that the pair you have already don't fit the 'criteria') But how much of this actually matters?

In this episode, Fiona Murphy, the Bunny Coach breaks down the most common rabbit bonding myths and replaces them with what her experience supporting over 500 bonds worldwide has actually taught her.

In this episode we cover:

• Size — does it really matter if one rabbit is bigger than the other?
• Breed — will same-breed rabbits get along better?
• Age — should you match your rabbits' ages, or get a baby?
• Gender — the big one. Are male-female pairs really easier? Can two males bond?
• Siblings and baby bonds — why rabbits that grew up together aren't necessarily bonded for life
• Related rabbits — do shared genetics mean they're more likely to get along?

And she shares what actually DOES make a difference:

Whether you're looking for a companion for your bunny or you already have two rabbits you're desperate to make work — this episode will give you the reassurance and clarity you need.

🐰 Free Get Ready for Bonding Class — thebunnybondingcoach.com/get-ready
🐰 Bonding Quiz — tell the Bunny Coach what's happening and get a personalised email back — Tell Me What Is Happening
🐰 Free Bonding Assessment — limited spots available each week —15 Min Call For Bunny Bonding Clinic

Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits?

If you're struggling with rabbit bonding, or you're planning to and want to get it right from the beginning, I offer 2 FREE ways to get started:

• Answer a few questions online and receive personalised advice by email - Tell Me What Is Happening

OR

• Book one of my Free Bonding Assessment Clinic Slots - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! - 15 Min Call For Bunny Bonding Clinic

Once I understand your situation, I can recommend the most suitable support option for you and your rabbits.

Because when bonding is done correctly, your rabbits can move from stress and conflict to a calm, happy partnership much faster.

NOT BONDING AT THE MINUTE? Take a look at www.fionashappybunnyclub.com for enrichment, behaviour and care support from an expert!

Subscribe to the Bunny Coach Podcast

Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

The Bunny Coach Podcast helps you can create a calmer, happier life for your bunnies and a more peaceful home for you.

Send us Fan Mail

Feeling like your rabbit bonding is stuck in Groundhog Day? In this episode, the Bunny Coach tackles one of the most common frustrations in rabbit bonding — slow progress — and explains why it doesn't have to take months. Whether you're just starting out or you've hit a wall, this episode is packed with insight on how to bond your bunnies faster and with less stress.

Who This Episode Is For

• Rabbit owners whose bonding feels stuck or has gone on for weeks/months
• Those anxious about starting the bonding process
• Owners who have had a failed bond or been told their rabbits are unbondable
• Anyone overwhelmed by conflicting advice online
• Those considering getting a second or third bunny

VIP BONDING SUPPORT PACKAGE - One To One VIP Bonding

Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits?

If you're struggling with rabbit bonding, or you're planning to and want to get it right from the beginning, I offer 2 FREE ways to get started:

• Answer a few questions online and receive personalised advice by email - Tell Me What Is Happening

OR

• Book one of my Free Bonding Assessment Clinic Slots - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! - 15 Min Call For Bunny Bonding Clinic

Once I understand your situation, I can recommend the most suitable support option for you and your rabbits.

Because when bonding is done correctly, your rabbits can move from stress and conflict to a calm, happy partnership much faster.

NOT BONDING AT THE MINUTE? Take a look at www.fionashappybunnyclub.com for enrichment, behaviour and care support from an expert!

Subscribe to the Bunny Coach Podcast

Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

The Bunny Coach Podcast helps you can create a calmer, happier life for your bunnies and a more peaceful home for you.

Send us Fan Mail

People often ask me how I can help them bond their bunnies if they are located somewhere else in the world - after all, I am not right there beside them!

I have helped people in Ireland, The UK, all over Europe, Canada, USA, Australia, - and some more far flung places too, successfully bond their bunnies.

If you are curious, listen to this episode and find out exactly how it works and how I can help YOU!

Fiona x

Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits?

If you're struggling with rabbit bonding, or you're planning to and want to get it right from the beginning, I offer 2 FREE ways to get started:

• Answer a few questions online and receive personalised advice by email - Tell Me What Is Happening

OR

• Book one of my Free Bonding Assessment Clinic Slots - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! - 15 Min Call For Bunny Bonding Clinic

Once I understand your situation, I can recommend the most suitable support option for you and your rabbits.

Because when bonding is done correctly, your rabbits can move from stress and conflict to a calm, happy partnership much faster.

NOT BONDING AT THE MINUTE? Take a look at www.fionashappybunnyclub.com for enrichment, behaviour and care support from an expert!

Subscribe to the Bunny Coach Podcast

Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

The Bunny Coach Podcast helps you can create a calmer, happier life for your bunnies and a more peaceful home for you.

Send us Fan Mail

Rabbit bonding can be one of the most stressful experiences for any pet parent. When the "one-size-fits-all" checklists fail, how do you move forward?

In this episode, I chat to Dixie Louviere of the Animal Posse Podcast - We discuss why some bonds get "stuck," and what actually are the keys to a successful long-term partnership between your rabbits.

About Animal Posse 🐈

The Animal Posse Podcast shares heartwarming stories and crucial insights to make a real difference for animals in need. As a project of the Unwanted Feline Organization, they are a community of animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education.

You can catch their podcast here - Animal Posse Podcast | Animal Rescue Stories & Pet Help

Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits?

If you're struggling with rabbit bonding, or you're planning to and want to get it right from the beginning, I offer 2 FREE ways to get started:

• Answer a few questions online and receive personalised advice by email - Tell Me What Is Happening

OR

• Book one of my Free Bonding Assessment Clinic Slots - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! - 15 Min Call For Bunny Bonding Clinic

Once I understand your situation, I can recommend the most suitable support option for you and your rabbits.

Because when bonding is done correctly, your rabbits can move from stress and conflict to a calm, happy partnership much faster.

NOT BONDING AT THE MINUTE? Take a look at www.fionashappybunnyclub.com for enrichment, behaviour and care support from an expert!

Subscribe to the Bunny Coach Podcast

Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

The Bunny Coach Podcast helps you can create a calmer, happier life for your bunnies and a more peaceful home for you.

Send us Fan Mail

🐰 “Not All Mounting Is Dominance”
Why context matters in rabbit bonding behaviour

In this episode, I’m sharing a real bonding case from inside my One to One VIP support programme that perfectly demonstrates why rabbit behaviour can’t be interpreted in isolation.

A rabbit who appeared “dominant” at first glance was actually communicating something very different — and it’s the perfect example of why bonding behaviour can’t be reduced to simple labels.

We explore:

• Why the same behaviour can mean very different things in different bonds
• How emotional dynamics influence rabbit behaviour
• Why context matters more than isolated incidents
• The questions I ask when analysing bonding sessions
• Why rabbit bonding is more nuanced than many people realise
• How understanding the “why” behind behaviour changes the way you support a bond

We also talk about:
🐇 Rabbits begging for grooming
🐇 Why one bunny was basically saying “absolutely not” 😂

This episode is especially helpful if you’ve ever found yourself spiralling over a specific behaviour and wondering:

“Is this normal?”
“Is this dominance?”
“Should I be worried?”

Because bonding is not about ticking behaviours off a checklist.

It’s about understanding the relationship between the rabbits in front of you.

And often, the exact same behaviour can mean completely different things depending on the context.

Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits?

If you're struggling with rabbit bonding, or you're planning to and want to get it right from the beginning, I offer 2 FREE ways to get started:

• Answer a few questions online and receive personalised advice by email - Tell Me What Is Happening

OR

• Book one of my Free Bonding Assessment Clinic Slots - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! - 15 Min Call For Bunny Bonding Clinic

Once I understand your situation, I can recommend the most suitable support option for you and your rabbits.

Because when bonding is done correctly, your rabbits can move from stress and conflict to a calm, happy partnership much faster.

NOT BONDING AT THE MINUTE? Take a look at www.fionashappybunnyclub.com for enrichment, behaviour and care support from an expert!

Subscribe to the Bunny Coach Podcast

Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

The Bunny Coach Podcast helps you can create a calmer, happier life for your bunnies and a more peaceful home for you.

Send us Fan Mail

🐰 DID YOU WIN THE RABBIT LOTTERY?
Why some “instant bonds” aren’t actually secure bonds

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest misconceptions in rabbit bonding: the “instant bond.”

Some rabbits appear to fall in love immediately. No fighting. No drama. No stressful bonding sessions. It can feel like you’ve completely skipped the hard part.

But… is that always a true bond?

In this episode, I explore:

• The difference between coexistence and genuine bonding
• Why some rabbits seem fine in large spaces but fight in carriers or pens
• What rabbits still need to learn, even when they “get along”
• The role hierarchy and communication play in long-term bond success
• Why unresolved dynamics can show up weeks or even months later
• The subtle signs that a bond may not actually feel secure to the rabbits
• Why “they seem fine” isn’t always enough
• How to create a bond that feels stable, safe, and trustworthy long term

I also share a real-life example of a pair who appeared bonded on the surface, but whose behaviour suggested the hierarchy still hadn’t been resolved.

Because while instant bonds do happen — and sometimes you really have won the rabbit lottery — a secure bond is still something that needs to be built intentionally.

This episode is for you if:
🐇 Your rabbits seemed to bond immediately
🐇 Your rabbits only fight in small spaces
🐇 You’re unsure whether your rabbits are truly bonded
🐇 You want a safer, more stable long-term relationship between your rabbits

A bond shouldn’t just “look fine.”
It should feel secure for the rabbits too.

Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits?

If you're struggling with rabbit bonding, or you're planning to and want to get it right from the beginning, I offer 2 FREE ways to get started:

• Answer a few questions online and receive personalised advice by email - Tell Me What Is Happening

OR

• Book one of my Free Bonding Assessment Clinic Slots - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! - 15 Min Call For Bunny Bonding Clinic

Once I understand your situation, I can recommend the most suitable support option for you and your rabbits.

Because when bonding is done correctly, your rabbits can move from stress and conflict to a calm, happy partnership much faster.

NOT BONDING AT THE MINUTE? Take a look at www.fionashappybunnyclub.com for enrichment, behaviour and care support from an expert!

Subscribe to the Bunny Coach Podcast

Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

The Bunny Coach Podcast helps you can create a calmer, happier life for your bunnies and a more peaceful home for you.

Send us Fan Mail

Sometimes rabbit bonding success isn't about one big dramatic moment — it's in the tiny interactions that most people miss.

In this episode, I share a beautiful video update from a client whose rabbits, Daisy and Cooper, I helped bond in person. Daisy had been a solo rabbit for some time, and Cooper came from the local SPCA. Their bonding had a tricky start as they worked out their hierarchy — but watching them genuinely relax into each other is exactly why I do what I do.

In this episode I cover:

• Why tiny interactions are often more telling than big dramatic ones
• The story of Daisy and Cooper — and the moment that made my day
• Why relaxed body language and chosen closeness matter more than "no fighting"
• How a bond becoming more secure can look very quiet
• Why it's easy to get caught in a panic spiral during bonding — and how to step back and observe instead

Links & resources mentioned:

• 🐰 Take the Bonding Quiz — tell me what's happening with your bunnies and I'll send you a personalized email response: [link in show notes]
• 📞 Book a FREE 15-minute Bonding Assessment — limited spots available each week, so grab one while you can: [link in show notes]

Who this episode is for:

• You're worried about bunny bonding before you've even started
• You've started bonding but aren't confident you're reading the behaviors correctly or have run into issues
• You feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice online
• You're thinking about getting a second or third rabbit
• You're not sure whether you need support — or what kind

Thanks for listening to the Bunny Coach Podcast! I look forward to chatting to you next time. Fiona x

Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits?

If you're struggling with rabbit bonding, or you're planning to and want to get it right from the beginning, I offer 2 FREE ways to get started:

• Answer a few questions online and receive personalised advice by email - Tell Me What Is Happening

OR

• Book one of my Free Bonding Assessment Clinic Slots - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! - 15 Min Call For Bunny Bonding Clinic

Once I understand your situation, I can recommend the most suitable support option for you and your rabbits.

Because when bonding is done correctly, your rabbits can move from stress and conflict to a calm, happy partnership much faster.

NOT BONDING AT THE MINUTE? Take a look at www.fionashappybunnyclub.com for enrichment, behaviour and care support from an expert!

Subscribe to the Bunny Coach Podcast

Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

The Bunny Coach Podcast helps you can create a calmer, happier life for your bunnies and a more peaceful home for you.

Send us Fan Mail

When Bonded Rabbits Fall Out — Episode #38

In this episode, I share the story of Joey and Chandler, two bonded mini Rex brothers whose relationship broke down once hormones kicked in — and how we got them back together again.

What we cover:

• Why bonded rabbits fall out
• Why babies often get on, but adults struggle
• The importance of neutering and waiting 8–12 weeks after
• Why keeping them separate in the meantime is essential
• The dangers of repeated bonding attempts without a plan
• How to read bonding behaviors — when to step in vs. wait
• Joey and Chandler's happy ending 🐰

Key takeaways:

• If they loved each other once, they can love each other again
• Never underestimate the damage rabbits can do to each other
• Bonding needs a process — observation, setup, and timing

Ready to get your bunnies bonded?
Take my quick quiz 👉 [LINK IN SHOW NOTES]

Send me a message or fill out the quiz and I'll send you a personalized email — no obligation at all.

Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits?

If you're struggling with rabbit bonding, or you're planning to and want to get it right from the beginning, I offer 2 FREE ways to get started:

• Answer a few questions online and receive personalised advice by email - Tell Me What Is Happening

OR

• Book one of my Free Bonding Assessment Clinic Slots - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! - 15 Min Call For Bunny Bonding Clinic

Once I understand your situation, I can recommend the most suitable support option for you and your rabbits.

Because when bonding is done correctly, your rabbits can move from stress and conflict to a calm, happy partnership much faster.

NOT BONDING AT THE MINUTE? Take a look at www.fionashappybunnyclub.com for enrichment, behaviour and care support from an expert!

Subscribe to the Bunny Coach Podcast

Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

The Bunny Coach Podcast helps you can create a calmer, happier life for your bunnies and a more peaceful home for you.