Bunny Grudges

       When bunnies interact in a non-positive way, one or both experience discomfort. While bonded bunnies live in blissful agreement, non-bonded buns have yet to work out their differences and agreements. If an altercation transpires between non-bonded bunnies, one or both can either forgive immediately, never forgive and eliminate the chance of bonding, or need time to debate whether or not to forgive. In other words, bunnies definitely hold grudges. This is why it is so important to keep all of their interactions gentle and amicable. Each bunny has a personality unique to them. One doesn't know whether they are apt to forgive or not until an incident transpires. 
           It has been my experience that bunnies who hold grudges usually do so for anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Just like with people, the intensity of a grudge depends on the intensity of the offense. In the worst cases, bunnies who were allowed to fight during bonding sessions held grudges for days, some never accepting or extending forgiveness. It can be difficult to tell if they have forgiven one another. In some cases, fights that caused injuries worthy of veterinary intervention often imprint negatively on the buns involved so that they would never feel safe around each other. Conversely, I have bonded bunnies whose fights were quite serious through the use of extended, slow, and patient interactions and consistent coaching. 
            To prevent grudges, keeping close track of all bunny interactions and monitoring their behavior toward and with one another is essential. Keeping the bonding session area neutral and clean, using voice-directed guidance, and allowing their touches to be friendly and hospitable are all tips to reduce the chances of offensive interactions.