Bonded Bucks?

[LVKELL]

My family just adopted 2 rabbits. One is a 3 year old mini-lop and the other is a 1.5 year old holland lop. They are both males and they are not neutered yet they were considered a 'bonded pair' at the rescue. We have plans to get them neutered but with the cost and the limited vets in our area it may be a few months. Also, we may not be able to do both at the same time.

First, they act like bonded bunnies. The little Holland Lop (4lbs) is submissive to the larger Mini-Lop (6lbs). They sleep together and they snuggle a lot. Should I be worried about any fighting before we neuter them? They are in a large xpen enclosure at night and are moved to other spaces during the day (free roam on 3 season porch, free roam in basement when we are down there, and in a safe outdoor hutch space during nice days).

Second, when we neuter; which one should we neuter first? Does it matter?

Thanks! I had a lop when I was a kid so I know the basics but this is my first pair and I was not expecting them not to be neutered since we got them from a humane society (dogs and cats can never leave unaltered). When we went to look at them I assumed they were neutered but then the lady told me they were not after my kids had already fallen in love and we said we wanted to adopt. It threw me off but I thought it was fine until I got online....

 

[Augustus&HazelGrace]

With their age, it is possible for them to be bonded. I would try to neuter both at the same time and make sure they go to the vet together, it may break the bond if you don't and if you have to start over male/male bonds are the hardest. You may just want to wait and save up to do both at the same time, if they are not fighting then it should be fine to wait.

 

[LVKELL]

With their age, it is possible for them to be bonded. I would try to neuter both at the same time and make sure they go to the vet together, it may break the bond if you don't and if you have to start over male/male bonds are the hardest. You may just want to wait and save up to do both at the same time, if they are not fighting then it should be fine to wait.

This is super helpful; thank you! You say "at their age", may I ask what the key age is in this? Thanks so much.

 

[Augustus&HazelGrace]

As a rule, we say that baby bonds don't count. Which is pre-hormones, pre-neuter. Your rabbits are both way over the age for their hormones coming in, which is why I say that they could be bonded. It is extremely rare that two unneutered males bond, they are normally the worst ones to fight unneutered, but it seems to be possible with yours.

 

[zuppa]

Hi, I am in the same boat and was going to start topic myself. It is not recommended bonding two unneutered males I tried to keep two brothers together once they were from very calm parents and didn't fight but they humped each other a lot and I separated them finally when they were 3 months old. Their little brother, name's Donkey got even more humping so I separated him early and I wanted to keep him since he was born so he is about 5 months old now and is an amazing rabbit not only gorgeous but extremely good character and very well behaved. He kinda skipped all this teenage behavior (or maybe just late bloomer, he would try mounting a female if any chance and would spray his new hide and walls in his new place though) but he's very good with his toilet and generally very good rabbit, just like his father Fred.

About a month ago I placed Donkey's cage just in 40 cm from Fred's cage, I put a sheet of cardboard between them so they couldn't see each other, but one day this sheet just fell between cages while Donkey was running like crazy and moving everything around and they can see each other since then. I had no time to fix it immediately but it was surprising that they did not react like enemies or didn't even spray to each other direction. They kinda like each other Donkey is coming closer and staying watching Fred they not irritated or anything.

They are both very good and tidy rabbits, their toilets are very clean and they have similar interests, maybe Donkey is more active he's younger but they could really stay together, I think. I just worried about what is usually said that it is a big no-no bonding two unneutered males. Your story gives me some hope.

I don't want to neuter Fred I wanted to bond him to my female Smokey after she's spayed, I just think he's so tidy and he's happy in his own space Smokey would bring some disaster and his toilet is so perfect she is good but not as good as him. Donkey is completely same with his toilet if I'd put two boxes into opposite corners I am pretty sure they would only use their own spot, well I've got this feeling, but can be wrong surely.

There's no time pressure I will keep watching them and maybe will move them closer to each other and will see how it goes.

 

[zuppa]

Logged in again just to ask why do you want to neuter them? If they are adults and already bonded and happy what is your point? Thanks

 

[J3lly]

I have 2 male intact bucks. One is 4 months old and the other is 4 months and 3 weeks. I will get them neutered at 6 months or earlier if I can find a vet who will do it earlier. They are still young so I keep expecting some kind of fighting but so far nothing. They are so good with each other. I did see some humping but not in awhile. They eat together, hangout in the litter boxes together, follow each other everywhere, snuggle together and a bit of grooming too. They have separate cages for night or when no one is watching but mostly their cages are open and they roam around the house together. I really think they love each other.

The younger one was supposed to be a female and I was disappointed when he ended up being a male because I thought that meant that they would never bond. But they are great together ...so far.

 

[LVKELL]

Logged in again just to ask why do you want to neuter them? If they are adults and already bonded and happy what is your point? Thanks

That was my original thought, but then I read things online and I think I am paranoid after reading all about the possible fighting. I am reassured to hear that it is unlikely at their ages. I was also thinking of waiting until I felt more of a need, like if they spray when loose or get protective of their space with people. Right now they are super laid back but they are still new. Also, I teach and if they don't spray I can bring them into my classroom and let them be free during school hours.

 

[LVKELL]

I have 2 male intact bucks. One is 4 months old and the other is 4 months and 3 weeks. I will get them neutered at 6 months or earlier if I can find a vet who will do it earlier. They are still young so I keep expecting some kind of fighting but so far nothing. They are so good with each other. I did see some humping but not in awhile. They eat together, hangout in the litter boxes together, follow each other everywhere, snuggle together and a bit of grooming too. They have separate cages for night or when no one is watching but mostly their cages are open and they roam around the house together. I really think they love each other.

The younger one was supposed to be a female and I was disappointed when he ended up being a male because I thought that meant that they would never bond. But they are great together ...so far.

My big guy does hump the little one sometimes; when he gets excited like when they are first let out to be free or when we bring in a really good treat. The little one just takes it and I push the big guy off... its annoying but I don't know if it is a problem?