Dating

After driving to Appleton with the two boys in tow - in order to date them with a few prospective female bunnies of all ages and sizes - we returned with a young Flemish Giant/Checkered Giant girl.  A few months, not yet spayed (to happen soon!), she was about the only girl that Licorice did not get cranky about or lunge at.

First dates in our kitchen did not go as well as I hoped.  Discouraging.  Licorice continues to act innocent and disinterested and will suddenly charge and nip.  No blood - not even fur - but I have immediately stepped in to prevent that because I cannot bear the thought of the bunnies suffering so much as a scratch.   I have been doing dinner dates with greens, some pellets, a couple of treats - lots of petting and soothing speak.  Squirt gun at the ready - though that doesn't seem to dissuade either of the boys... or maybe I'm not quick enough on the draw.  I feel so comfortable with body language and communication in so many animals - but bonding bunnies is not one area I have much experience with and I was so spoiled with how easy Penney and Theo were.  

Yesterday was disheartening.  Enough so that I had my own mini meltdown.  First Licorice thumped and grunted and went after Fleur.  She didn't seem to care or mind - but I also quickly moved him out of the area.  I then thought to try Fleur with Theo.  Not my brightest idea given that the area was still scented with Licorice and Fleur had been present for some time before Theo.  I regret that.  They went nose to nose - it almost seemed confused as to what they intended - and it ended up in lunge and boxing (with my hand ended up the recipient).  Shook my own confidence and I've been thinking hard ever since about these three buns and my strategy and if I'm cut out to do this.  I know I have the patience - but I'm not sure I can stomach anything other than the rabbits whispering sweet nothings into eachothers ears.  It's so hard!