Second bunny

[Kristian]

Hello everyone,

We adopted Marshall, our 12 month Mini Lop cross 4 months ago and think we would like to get him a friend. He is still quite shy and affectionate at times, but stills hates being held.

Would a second bunny who is more comfortable with humans and affectionate help Marshall be more comfortable too? This isn’t the reason why we want a second bunny. We just think it would be nice for him to have a friend.

Thanks!

 

[Imbrium]

An outgoing bunny can definitely influence a timid one. I've witnessed a rabbit teaching another one how to binky, how to jump up to other levels of the condo, etc. A shy bunny can gain confidence from following the lead of a more dominant bunny.

That said, a rabbit that hates being held will probably always hate being held, heh. Does he hate it no matter what, or is it more about being picked up? I've had a number of rabbits and they've all been tolerant at BEST about being picked up. Our rabbits all end up loving to lay in bed with me to snuggle and watch TV. Sometimes they sit in the condo looking like they're begging for cuddles and attention... but when one of us goes over there to get them, 9 times out of 10 they play "hide and go screw yourself." It's just hardwired instinct for prey animals to avoid getting "got". They also hate being held up in the air (when you're standing/carrying them, I mean). Then I get them to the couch or bed and set them beside me/against me (not in a lap) and - presto - cuddle bunny.

I dunno about Australia, but in the US there are many shelters that will let you bring your existing rabbit in for "dates" with rabbits they've got up for adoption so that you can get an idea for how compatible they are. Shelters who don't allow it often allow you to exchange a rabbit you've adopted if the bond really just isn't working out. If you can't do bunny dates, look for a place that will let you spend a decent amount of time one-on-one with potential friends... m/f is the easiest bond, so look for a confident female .

 

[Kristian]

Thanks for your reply!

Marshall hates being held up high definitely but won’t sit in my lap happily and would NEVER cuddle on the bed next to me. He just runs away, wants to be in a corner. If I hold him while sitting, he will tuck his face into my arm and hide. My dream is for him to sleep next to me or on the couch happily.

Because of this behaviour, I try not to pick him up or cuddle much at all. If out of his cage roaming, he’ll allow me to walk up to him and enjoys head/cheek rubs. Closes his eyes in pleasure haha. He also will come to us and head bump us when we are sitting in the floor.

Yeah, they do bunny dating here in Australia too and we will do that back at the same rescue we got him from. This time I hope to pick a friendlier more affectionate bun who has more confidence around humans. I’m hoping they can teach Marshall a thing or two. Marshall is however a rescue from a kill farm where he was mistreated so I understand why he’s so weary. Poor little thing. He is so beautiful.

Can a neutered male be bonded with another neutered male? There’s a gorgeous bun up for adoption but he’s also a male. If not, I’ll start looking at females!

Again, thank you for your detailed response, I really appreciate it!

An outgoing bunny can definitely influence a timid one. I've witnessed a rabbit teaching another one how to binky, how to jump up to other levels of the condo, etc. A shy bunny can gain confidence from following the lead of a more dominant bunny.

That said, a rabbit that hates being held will probably always hate being held, heh. Does he hate it no matter what, or is it more about being picked up? I've had a number of rabbits and they've all been tolerant at BEST about being picked up. Our rabbits all end up loving to lay in bed with me to snuggle and watch TV. Sometimes they sit in the condo looking like they're begging for cuddles and attention... but when one of us goes over there to get them, 9 times out of 10 they play "hide and go screw yourself." It's just hardwired instinct for prey animals to avoid getting "got". They also hate being held up in the air (when you're standing/carrying them, I mean). Then I get them to the couch or bed and set them beside me/against me (not in a lap) and - presto - cuddle bunny.

I dunno about Australia, but in the US there are many shelters that will let you bring your existing rabbit in for "dates" with rabbits they've got up for adoption so that you can get an idea for how compatible they are. Shelters who don't allow it often allow you to exchange a rabbit you've adopted if the bond really just isn't working out. If you can't do bunny dates, look for a place that will let you spend a decent amount of time one-on-one with potential friends... m/f is the easiest bond, so look for a confident female .

Thanks

 

[Velveteen Lop]

Thanks for your reply!

Marshall hates being held up high definitely but won’t sit in my lap happily and would NEVER cuddle on the bed next to me. He just runs away, wants to be in a corner. If I hold him while sitting, he will tuck his face into my arm and hide. My dream is for him to sleep next to me or on the couch happily.

Because of this behaviour, I try not to pick him up or cuddle much at all. If out of his cage roaming, he’ll allow me to walk up to him and enjoys head/cheek rubs. Closes his eyes in pleasure haha. He also will come to us and head bump us when we are sitting in the floor.

Yeah, they do bunny dating here in Australia too and we will do that back at the same rescue we got him from. This time I hope to pick a friendlier more affectionate bun who has more confidence around humans. I’m hoping they can teach Marshall a thing or two. Marshall is however a rescue from a kill farm where he was mistreated so I understand why he’s so weary. Poor little thing. He is so beautiful.

Can a neutered male be bonded with another neutered male? There’s a gorgeous bun up for adoption but he’s also a male. If not, I’ll start looking at females!

Again, thank you for your detailed response, I really appreciate it!



Thanks

I personally have had success with bonding two neutered males, as well as a fixed male and unfixed female. In my opinion, I think that is would work, as long as neither bun is aggressive or territorial. The rabbit date is a great idea! Try that, and keep a close eye on the both of them. I would also recommend seeing how they do at home (if thats possible), since Marshall lives there and is comfortable and knows the place, he might be territorial with a new rabbit being introduced.
Just make sure you know what you are doing, and supervise them at all times! Two males can be unpredictable, but if you have your heart set on the new bun, go ahead and try it out. Good luck!