Space Requirements for Two Rabbits?

[Ryes]

No rabbits yet but we started out thinking about one and now are considering two as pets. They will be 5-5.5 lb lops. I'd like to hear from experienced owners about the living and transport space requirements between one and two rabbits. Specifically, do two rabbits require more cage space? Do they need separate carriers or just one bigger one? Any other input on requirements for two versus one would be welcome.

 

[Blue eyes]

One or two really need about the same amount of space. The carrier should always be a shared one. Bonded rabbits should not be separated, so they go everywhere together. If one is sick, the other has to go with him/her to the vet.

For housing, I'd suggest taking a peek at the following thread. I'm linking the one for 2022 housing since the 2023 housing is still new and doesn't have many examples...
https://www.rabbitsonline.net/threads/2022-indoor-cages-add-your-photo.103444/
Another consideration when figuring space requirements is how much time (realistically) the rabbits will get outside of their enclosure on a daily basis. This is explained in more detail at this link:
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/housing-options.html
And finally, in case you are not aware, rabbits don't automatically just get along. Having rabbits in bonded pairs is ideal, however one cannot get two baby rabbits and expect them to continue to get along. They may very well become aggressive towards each other once hormones kick in. They can fight viciously to the point they can no longer be housed together. BUT, there is an easier solution. You can consider (again, in case this is something of which you are not aware) getting an already bonded (meaning they are also already fixed) pair of rabbits. This would be ideal especially for new bunny owners. Getting an already bonded pair is a pleasant way to enter the world of rabbit ownership.

Rabbit rescues often sell already bonded pairs. They would also be vet-checked, personality assessed, and you can meet them in person and see if their temperaments and behavior are compatible with your desires. (This can't be done with baby rabbits since their baby personalities have little to do with what they'll be like as adults (6 mos). One can't affect their personality either by starting with a baby -- contrary to popular myth.)

Welcome to the forum! So glad to see you researching ahead of time before acquiring any rabbits!

 

[Ryes]

One or two really need about the same amount of space. The carrier should always be a shared one. Bonded rabbits should not be separated, so they go everywhere together. If one is sick, the other has to go with him/her to the vet.

For housing, I'd suggest taking a peek at the following thread. I'm linking the one for 2022 housing since the 2023 housing is still new and doesn't have many examples...
https://www.rabbitsonline.net/threads/2022-indoor-cages-add-your-photo.103444/
Another consideration when figuring space requirements is how much time (realistically) the rabbits will get outside of their enclosure on a daily basis. This is explained in more detail at this link:
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/housing-options.html
And finally, in case you are not aware, rabbits don't automatically just get along. Having rabbits in bonded pairs is ideal, however one cannot get two baby rabbits and expect them to continue to get along. They may very well become aggressive towards each other once hormones kick in. They can fight viciously to the point they can no longer be housed together. BUT, there is an easier solution. You can consider (again, in case this is something of which you are not aware) getting an already bonded (meaning they are also already fixed) pair of rabbits. This would be ideal especially for new bunny owners. Getting an already bonded pair is a pleasant way to enter the world of rabbit ownership.

Rabbit rescues often sell already bonded pairs. They would also be vet-checked, personality assessed, and you can meet them in person and see if their temperaments and behavior are compatible with your desires. (This can't be done with baby rabbits since their baby personalities have little to do with what they'll be like as adults (6 mos). One can't affect their personality either by starting with a baby -- contrary to popular myth.)

Welcome to the forum! So glad to see you researching ahead of time before acquiring any rabbits!

Thanks for the links and information. We will probably get a male and female and have them spayed/neutered as soon as they are old enough. We're looking forward to having them around.

 

[Diane R]

Thanks for the links and information. We will probably get a male and female and have them spayed/neutered as soon as they are old enough. We're looking forward to having them around.

I strongly recommend getting a bonded (already neutered and vaccinated) pair from a rescue centre, not babies. Babies are more fragile, much harder to litter train, you don't know whether they will bond (and bonding can be very difficult and time consuming), you will very likely have to separate them, then have the grief and the expense of neutering. Much, much better and easier to adopt a neutered pair. For advice on housing see: Indoor Housing