So I've been thinking about getting another bun for my 8 months old rabbit (we got him almost 2 months ago). I'm not home a lot because of school (I get home at 3-6pm), so I thought it would cheer him up a bit to have a friend. He's also a little aggressive, maybe because he's in his cage (it's a 2 story rabbit hutch so it's fairly big) all day and only gets out in the evening. Would another bun make him less aggressive or happier? Also what bun is best for an 8 months old male rabbit, like male or female? (He is neutered btw). I was thinking about a baby, I just don't know what gender.
A friend for my bun
- Thread starter hxkev
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Getting a 2nd rabbit is really up to you because many rabbits do just fine as single rabbits. They tend to nap most of the day anyway, so being away then is no big deal.
If you do decide to get a 2nd rabbit, be sure it is also something you want as well (not just for your rabbit).
You absolutely do not want to get a baby. The reason for this is that bonding can be difficult and there are no guarantees. With a baby, there is no way to predict whether or not they will bond. (They will likely get along until the baby's hormones kick in, but that is no predictor of whether they will bond for real.) You'll just get attached to the baby over the months until he/she has been fixed and healed. If the two decide, then, to not get along, you'll be stuck having to house two rabbits separately for the next 10 years.
To avoid all that and to have the best possibility of a successful bond, bring your bunny to "date" some other fixed rabbits (females typically will be easier with a male, but a male could possibly work too). This is pre-screening for potential compatibility. Many rescues allow this and if, after you bring them home, they decide to not bond, the rescues typically allow for an exchange until you find a compatible bondmate. This method (with already fixed rabbits) is the best way to ensure a successful outcome.
Here's a great link on bonding:
http://www.cottontails-rescue.org.uk/information/bonding-bunnies/
If you do decide to get a 2nd rabbit, be sure it is also something you want as well (not just for your rabbit).
You absolutely do not want to get a baby. The reason for this is that bonding can be difficult and there are no guarantees. With a baby, there is no way to predict whether or not they will bond. (They will likely get along until the baby's hormones kick in, but that is no predictor of whether they will bond for real.) You'll just get attached to the baby over the months until he/she has been fixed and healed. If the two decide, then, to not get along, you'll be stuck having to house two rabbits separately for the next 10 years.
To avoid all that and to have the best possibility of a successful bond, bring your bunny to "date" some other fixed rabbits (females typically will be easier with a male, but a male could possibly work too). This is pre-screening for potential compatibility. Many rescues allow this and if, after you bring them home, they decide to not bond, the rescues typically allow for an exchange until you find a compatible bondmate. This method (with already fixed rabbits) is the best way to ensure a successful outcome.
Here's a great link on bonding:
http://www.cottontails-rescue.org.uk/information/bonding-bunnies/
So what age would you recommend for him? Should they be like 4 months old because then they can be spayed right away or should they be the same age or older than my rabbit?
Esthezyl
Member
I think a lot of us bunny owners have been there, wondering if our buns weren't lonely when we're not there. But then there are precautions you must take if you want to be sure you will effectively give your bun a friend instead of a hated rival.
First of all, your bunny and their new friend should both have been spayed/neutered for at least 2 months before you even try to bond them.
The reasons are multiple: Basically, spaying/neutering not only eliminates risks of cancer especially for females, by numbing their reproductive instincts, it generally makes bunnies calmer and if your first bunny was litter trained, there are less chances that they will forget their toilet manners once introduced to an invader (You don't want to experience 'Poop wars' , where each tries to spread their scent everywhere and of course outside of the litter box, so ALL the area becomes toilet). You will have way less possibilities of (possibly lethal) fights for dominance or territory too. Because believe me, when a bunny or worse, two, have decided they hate each others, they will try to kill even through bars. But even if they are not fighting, I'm sure you still will want to avoid them spraying pee everywhere on things they want to claim, including the other bunny they want to show who Boss is, and also chasing and humping, nipping and biting both the other rabbit, but possibly also you because your place in the house will change too
. I have had that problem in the past, with my very adorable and cuddly little female becoming untouchable (grunting, nipping, hitting with both front paws each time I tried to touch her) after I introduced her a rescue male, and even after I got him neutered, it took me months before, I ,managed to rebond with her. She also got food aggressive, which means that she would start by attacking the other bunny at the simple sound of pellets in their bag (she probably reminded of her time in the pet shop, where she had to get her food first or don't get any at all). So really, put all the chances on your side, and first of all, get both fixed! Then wait till they have become adults, because false bonding happens often with babies. Once they are adults, the bonding generally has to be redone because hormones kicking in changes everything.
It is said that a female/male pair will be easier to bond than same sex pairs, probably because even fixed, they will eventually form a couple. But I've seen pretty any kind of combination till now. And there are bondings that are easy and fast, others that take time, LOTS of time and efforts and different bonding methods till you find the right one (separating both for weeks and making them switch places for example every two days so that they get used to the other's scent, or 'stress' bonding, where you put both in a cardbox and shake it a bit so that the stress/fear make them bond faster. Plus other techniques). What you can do if you want more chances to find the best partner for your rabbit, is to go to a shelter and ask for a cal, already fixed, adult bunny. Then you can ask the staff to let you introduce them and see how they react to each other. You would also save a bunny from possibly getting killed. Just saying.
Good luck!
First of all, your bunny and their new friend should both have been spayed/neutered for at least 2 months before you even try to bond them.
The reasons are multiple: Basically, spaying/neutering not only eliminates risks of cancer especially for females, by numbing their reproductive instincts, it generally makes bunnies calmer and if your first bunny was litter trained, there are less chances that they will forget their toilet manners once introduced to an invader (You don't want to experience 'Poop wars' , where each tries to spread their scent everywhere and of course outside of the litter box, so ALL the area becomes toilet). You will have way less possibilities of (possibly lethal) fights for dominance or territory too. Because believe me, when a bunny or worse, two, have decided they hate each others, they will try to kill even through bars. But even if they are not fighting, I'm sure you still will want to avoid them spraying pee everywhere on things they want to claim, including the other bunny they want to show who Boss is, and also chasing and humping, nipping and biting both the other rabbit, but possibly also you because your place in the house will change too
. I have had that problem in the past, with my very adorable and cuddly little female becoming untouchable (grunting, nipping, hitting with both front paws each time I tried to touch her) after I introduced her a rescue male, and even after I got him neutered, it took me months before, I ,managed to rebond with her. She also got food aggressive, which means that she would start by attacking the other bunny at the simple sound of pellets in their bag (she probably reminded of her time in the pet shop, where she had to get her food first or don't get any at all). So really, put all the chances on your side, and first of all, get both fixed! Then wait till they have become adults, because false bonding happens often with babies. Once they are adults, the bonding generally has to be redone because hormones kicking in changes everything.It is said that a female/male pair will be easier to bond than same sex pairs, probably because even fixed, they will eventually form a couple. But I've seen pretty any kind of combination till now. And there are bondings that are easy and fast, others that take time, LOTS of time and efforts and different bonding methods till you find the right one (separating both for weeks and making them switch places for example every two days so that they get used to the other's scent, or 'stress' bonding, where you put both in a cardbox and shake it a bit so that the stress/fear make them bond faster. Plus other techniques). What you can do if you want more chances to find the best partner for your rabbit, is to go to a shelter and ask for a cal, already fixed, adult bunny. Then you can ask the staff to let you introduce them and see how they react to each other. You would also save a bunny from possibly getting killed. Just saying.
Good luck!
bonding the rabbits can take time. so make sure to be prepared to do that. it may not be an easy process. according to most, a male and female bond is the easiest, then male and male and hardest are two females. it's up to you to decide what pair you want to have.
Age isn't the issue. Neuter status is what is most critical. As long as the potential bondmate has...
1., already been spayed (at least 3 weeks prior to meeting) or neutered (at least 6-8 weeks prior), and
2., has met your current rabbit in order to pre-screen for potential compatibility.
The key here is that the other rabbit must be already fixed (and had time to heal and hormones to fully dissipate). Spays and neuters typically aren't performed til about 4 or more months of age. The new rabbit could be a few years old or still under 1 year and do just fine, provided he/she is fixed.
Allen Wrider
Well-Known Member
I'm not sure if there's anything like this in your area, but rabbit shelters are a good place to go to find potential bond mates. Most often times (as is the case with House Rabbit Society), these shelters will be able to set up "dates" for your bunny to meet potential bond mates. Depending on where you go, they might charge for these sessions, but it is a good idea to let the bunnies meet and see how they would get on before you bring one home.
As for age and temperament, you want a rabbit that has been spayed or neutered and is of similar age range and size as your bun. Male/female bonding is the easiest, though two males can also bond if they get on well enough and are both spayed.
Just be prepared, because this process can take months if you get a tough cookie. I myself am bonding two females and because the second one was basically dumped in my lap, the first had no time to adjust to the idea that she was getting a sister. If you rush these things, it'll be harder on your bun.
As for age and temperament, you want a rabbit that has been spayed or neutered and is of similar age range and size as your bun. Male/female bonding is the easiest, though two males can also bond if they get on well enough and are both spayed.
Just be prepared, because this process can take months if you get a tough cookie. I myself am bonding two females and because the second one was basically dumped in my lap, the first had no time to adjust to the idea that she was getting a sister. If you rush these things, it'll be harder on your bun.
