Advertise on podcast: The Bunny Coach Podcast with Fiona Murphy

Send us Fan Mail Podcast #53 — How Long Does Bonding Take? In this episode of the Bunny Coach Podcast, we tackle one of the most frequently asked questions: How long will rabbit bonding take?  The short answer — there's no magic number. The deeper answer involves understanding your rabbits, reading their behaviour, and knowing when to step in, step back, and move forward. Resources Mentioned Bonding Quiz — Fill in the quiz linked in the show notes to tell us what's happening with your bunnies and receive a personalized email response.Tell Me What Is Happening Free Bonding Assessments — A limited number of 15-minute calls are available each week to chat through your situation and explore available options.Free 15 Minute Call Who This Episode Is For New bunny owners anxious about starting the bonding processAnyone mid-bond who isn't confident they're reading behaviours correctly or seeing progressOwners dealing with complicated or stalled bondsNeed Help Bonding Your Rabbits? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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: Beyond Coexistence — Show Notes Ever looked at your rabbits and thought "yep, they're bonded, they haven't fought in ages"? This episode dives into one of the most misunderstood aspects of rabbit bonding: the difference between coexisting and truly being bonded. In this episode: Why "they haven't fought" doesn't mean rabbits are actually bondedA cautionary tale from a client whose rabbits' bond broke shortly after coming home from a rescueHow professional bonding services vary — and why speed isn't everythingWhy large spaces can make rabbits look bonded when they're really just avoiding each otherHow adjusting space (bigger or smaller) can reveal what's really going on between rabbitsA case where changing space led to more communication — and a better outcomeWhy occasional friction and boundary-testing can be a good sign, not a bad oneThe risks of taking rabbits home from a bonder without a truly established relationshipWhy there's no fixed "number of days" formula for bondingThe key question to ask instead of "are they fighting?": what relationship are they actually building?Why even rabbits that seem to "instantly click" should still go through the full bonding processKey takeaway: A quiet, peaceful pair isn't automatically a bonded pair. Look at the relationship being built — communication, boundaries, and hierarchy — not just the absence of fighting. Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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  The human side of rabbit bonding — stress, exhaustion, reassurance, motivation and why the person doing the bonding needs support too.  This week's episode is about a side of rabbit bonding that rarely gets discussed: the human doing the bonding. While most advice online focuses on rabbit behavior and technique, this episode explores why supporting the person is just as critical to a successful bond. Topics covered: Why bonding can be exhausting and all-consuming if you let it take over your lifeLooking after clients holistically — eating, sleeping, taking breaks, and staying connected to life outside the bonding penA real example: a client bonding six rabbits who I told to take a break rather than start a new bondWhy taking time off isn't giving up — but also why consistency matters mid-bondThe emotional rollercoaster of bonding: self-doubt, anxiety, and needing reassurance rather than more instructionsHow being too close to the situation can make it hard to see progress, and why an outside perspective helpsHelping owners decide what's right for their rabbits instead of following a rigid checklistWhat real support looks like: encouragement, perspective, decision-making help, and even guidance if a bond isn't working outThe reminder that your relationships, work, and wellbeing matter just as much as the bonding processKey takeaway: Sometimes the best thing you can do for your rabbits is look after their human. Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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 isn't a checklist — it's hundreds of tiny decisions. And getting even one wrong can cost you weeks. Today I'm breaking down why 'just follow the steps' advice fails rabbit parents, and what actually separates a smooth bond from a stressful one Bonding rabbits isn't about following a rigid checklist — it's a series of daily judgment calls. In this episode, the Bunny Bonding Coach breaks down why so many rabbit parents get stuck second-guessing themselves, why identical behaviors (chasing, mounting, nipping) can mean completely different things depending on context, and why it is really about knowing when to act, not just what to do. Resources: Learn more about personalized bonding support at TheBunnyBondingCoach.com Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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 The Honest Truth About Which Bonding Support I'd Recommend for You One of the most common questions I get asked is: "How do I know which support option is right for me?" And it's a great question — because every rabbit, every rabbit parent, and every bond is completely different. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes and explain exactly how I decide what level of support to recommend. Spoiler: it's never a one-size-fits-all answer. What I cover: Why I look at the rabbits, the owner, and the bonding goals togetherThe difference between a confident, knowledge-seeking rabbit parent and one who needs more hands-on support — and why that changes everythingReal examples of two rabbit parents with similar rabbits who needed completely different supportWhy I'd rather recommend the cheaper option if it's the right one for youHow to find out which support is the best fit for your situationLinks mentioned: 🐰 Bonding options: Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach📞 Book a free 15-minute Bunny Bonding Clarity Call: Free 15 Minute Call Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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 Have you ever said — or heard someone say — "My rabbit hates other rabbits" or "My rabbits are unbondable"? In this episode of the Bunny Coach Podcast, we're busting two of the most common (and most discouraging) bonding myths out there — and explaining what's really going on when your rabbits fight. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "my rabbit hates other rabbits" is almost never actually trueWhy "my rabbits are unbondable" is a conclusion most people reach far too soonThe real reasons rabbits fight when they first meet Why social media and bunfluencers are giving rabbit owners an unrealistic picture of bondingThe setup mistakes that make fighting almost inevitable — and how to avoid themWhy some of the closest, most loving bonds start off the most volatileIf you've given up on bonding after a bad first session — or you're scared to even start — this episode is for you. Most rabbits are bondable with the right partner, method, and process, even if it doesn't look that way at first. Links & Resources: 📋 Fill in the Bonding Quiz for a FREE personalised email response: [link]📞 Book a free 15-minute Bonding Assessment call: [link] (limited spots each week — grab one quick!)Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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 Are you accidentally stopping your rabbits from bonding — by being too involved? If you're sitting in the pen session after session, stepping in at every squabble, you might be the reason your bond isn't working. You've become the third rabbit. Ever feel like you're doing everything right with your bonding sessions — and still not getting results? In this episode, Fiona breaks down one of the most common (and most well-meaning) mistakes rabbit owners make: becoming the third rabbit in their own bond. In this episode: What it means to be the "third rabbit" — and why it's holding your bond backWhy sitting in the pen can do more harm than goodThe real reason dominant behaviors like mounting, nipping, and fur pulling need to happenWhat goes wrong when you step in too soon How to know when to intervene and how — without doing too much or too littleWhy watching real bonding sessions on video is the fastest way to build your instincts Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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 Does your rabbit chew furniture, ignore hay, or have litter box issues? 🐰 You’re not alone!  In this episode, Fiona is interviewed by Anne Angelo Webb of The Animal Intuitive®, solving some of your common bunny challenges!  Together, we’ll explore: ✨ Why rabbits chew on furniture and wires ✨ What causes aggression and how to calm it ✨ Tips for selective or picky eaters ✨ How to fix litter training problems ✨ The keys to happier, healthier bunnies If you’re ready to understand your rabbit on a deeper level, this conversation is packed with practical, compassionate guidance to help strengthen your bond. 💕 Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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 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 lifeRelated 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? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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/monthsThose anxious about starting the bonding processOwners who have had a failed bond or been told their rabbits are unbondableAnyone overwhelmed by conflicting advice onlineThose considering getting a second or third bunny VIP BONDING SUPPORT PACKAGE - One To One VIP Bonding Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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 bondsHow emotional dynamics influence rabbit behaviourWhy context matters more than isolated incidentsThe questions I ask when analysing bonding sessionsWhy rabbit bonding is more nuanced than many people realiseHow understanding the “why” behind behaviour changes the way you support a bondWe 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? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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 bondingWhy some rabbits seem fine in large spaces but fight in carriers or pensWhat rabbits still need to learn, even when they “get along”The role hierarchy and communication play in long-term bond successWhy unresolved dynamics can show up weeks or even months laterThe subtle signs that a bond may not actually feel secure to the rabbitsWhy “they seem fine” isn’t always enoughHow to create a bond that feels stable, safe, and trustworthy long termI 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? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! 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 onesThe story of Daisy and Cooper — and the moment that made my dayWhy relaxed body language and chosen closeness matter more than "no fighting"How a bond becoming more secure can look very quietWhy it's easy to get caught in a panic spiral during bonding — and how to step back and observe insteadLinks & 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 startedYou've started bonding but aren't confident you're reading the behaviors correctly or have run into issuesYou feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice onlineYou're thinking about getting a second or third rabbitYou're not sure whether you need support — or what kindThanks for listening to the Bunny Coach Podcast! I look forward to chatting to you next time. Fiona x Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits? Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny Coach 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 and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us! The Bunny Coach Podcast helps you can create a calmer, happier life for your bunnies and a more peaceful home for you.