Rabbits are social animals! Most rabbits crave the companionship of another rabbit. Human companionship can not fully replicate the close bond that is shared between rabbits. Adopting a friend for your bunny is giving him a gift of joy. It also saves two additional lives: the one you bring into your family and the new space you’ve made available at the shelter for another rabbit to be rescued.
Rabbit pairs groom each other, sleep, eat, and play together. They support and protect each other. They keep each other company when we are busy or away — constant companions against loneliness and boredom. Bonded rabbits form extremely close attachments and are a constant source of happy, sweet and loving interactions.
Introductions between rabbits should be done gradually and should be supervised by someone experienced with bonding bunnies. Your local rabbit rescue can help with this. Allowing your rabbit to meet several eligible singles is a part of the process. Your rabbit — not you — should choose who she wants to befriend. Female to male bonds are generally the easiest, but they’re not the only option. Size and appearance are unimportant to making a good match — rabbits don’t care about these things and we should attempt to follow their lead.
Adopting an already bonded pair is a great way to bypass the dating and bonding process. It’s a sweet deal: you get to take home two loving rabbits whose relationship is already sorted out and established. Shelters and rescues often have already bonded rabbits ready for adoption. One of the best things you can do for your rabbit is to help him find a friend for life. Help her get out and mingle! Adopt a friend for your single!
Considerations with two
- Both rabbits must be vaccinated against RHDV2.
- Rabbits must be spayed/neutered. Introductions can begin 30 days
after s/n surgery. - Bonding must be done carefully — rabbits are territorial and can
seriously harm each other if introduced improperly. - Costs will increase (food, hay, litter, veterinary care).
- Pairs are less destructive because they are less prone to boredom.
- Rabbits grieve the loss of a friend and most will want a new companion
after a period of mourning.
More Info:
Video: Should I Get A Friend For My Rabbit?
SDHRS: Finding Your Rabbit A Companion
Bunnyhugga: Companionship For Rabbits
©Copyright Amy Ramnaraine. All Rights Reserved. Republished with the permission of the author.
