One or two rabbits?

[Valisa]

I am a little unsure as to wether I should adopt one or two rabbits. I’d love to adopt a bonded pair so that they keep each other company, but perhaps I should begin with one? I know I could always try and bond another rabbit to the one I already own, but bonding can prove to be a tricky task. I’m just not sure! 

[MeggoWaffle]

I would definitely recommend two. Rabbits are social creatures and they are more interested in their own kind than in humans. Rabbits are less destructive when they have a friend, probably because they don’t get bored as easily, and they are a great comfort to each other in times of stress and/or illness. For example Piper cleans Nona’s ears because Nona can’t anymore.

I acquired my first rabbit not by choice; she was left behind by the roommate of a girl I subletted from for a summer. Got her a friend the next summer and MAN bonding was rough. I would say they were not fully bonded until a year later when we drove across the country together. So if you want to avoid the potential aggravation, I would go for two.

[MoveDiagonally]

I think one is a good place to start. One bunny can be happy if they get plenty of human love. They sleep the day away for the most part so I wouldn’t worry about them being lonely while you’re at school. I’ve never noticed my single rabbits to be more destructive or less joyful. 

Two bunnies are a lot of fun too. I enjoy having groups of bunnies.

Something to keep in mind an discuss with your parents is the cost difference. Are they willing/able to pay for dally care/medical bills for two bunnies or is one more realistic for their budget?

[Beka27]

I would also start with one. This is your first bunny and there is going to be a learning curve. If you’re more interested in having the bunny be a friend for you, single bunnies tend to bond more strongly with their human. You can always get a second later on (in a year or two or three). There’s no rush.

[tanlover14]

I have to agree with Beka and MD – I would start off with one. You can really develop a bond with your single gal or guy before deciding to take on the handling and finances of two. Make sure you’re ready for two!

I am also a firm believer (no offense Meggo) that bunnies really can develop very strong bonds with their humans. I don’t think any of my rabbits really prefer human or bunny companions. They treat me the same way they treat the other bunnies they live with (I have a bonded quintet). Whenever we come home or come out they immediately run up to the side of the x pen to greet us. And they hate being ignored. Some of mine love to play while two of my others love to cuddle. I think you can learn a lot from a single bunny and how to build a successful relationship with one before adding in a new one.

Just my own personal experiences to help you decide!

[hannaroo]

I brought two bunnies being told ‘always buy in pairs’ and although I love them more than anything, it would’ve been easier starting at one. I brought litter mates thinking they were both does.
4 weeks later I had to seperate them and it turned out one was male. I didn’t have an oops litter (thank God) but came close. I ended up splashing out on seperate accommodation and spending alot of time cleaning up after territorial territorial droppings! I wanted to avoid bonding as I was worried about it but had to do it anyway.
They are also very expensive and I would suggest insuring your bunnies as illnesses can creep in quickly and unexpectedly. Spaying/neutering is also expensive (a great reason to adopt is that this is mostly done before they rehomed)
They are a joy to own and love each other very much but start at one! Bonding isn’t usually too hard and a member of staff at a rescue can help you if you get stuck! Good luck!

[Valisa]

I forgot to mention that I have owned a rabbit before. And I feel totally awful and guilty for this, but I was given to her as a birthday present at the age of 6, and she was housed outdoors, because we didn’t know any better . Although she did lived outdoors she still lived a good life and died peacefully at the age of 10. Unfortunately the last month or two, she had to be housed indoors, because of bad arthritis. She couldn’t stand up for long, before falling back down. It was incredibly sad.

So know that I know better, and have done a lot more research, I have educated my parents about the benefits of housing a rabbits indoors. They are still a little unsure, especially about the smell. So I think it would be best if I started off with one, and then see how everything goes.

[Valisa]

And also if I do decide to bring another rabbit home, I know I’ll have lots of help from you guys!

[Beka27]

Don’t feel bad about your first bunny at all! She lived a long life and she was loved. You did the best you could, and besides… You were six! Six year olds don’t do research on pet care ;o) Most of us (myself included) made mistakes with our first bunnies, but what counts is that you’re here now, learning and absorbing everything you can!

[kcomstoc]

I would also start with one just because the bunny living indoors will be new for your parents and you….I don’t think my bunny stinks. He lives in the bedroom with us and the room is not that big so we would notice if he stunk. He keeps himself pretty clean and we clean his litterbox several times a day so it’s really not stinky at all just say if the bunny poops for territorial reasons on the floor it’s very easy to vacuum I mean it’s really small and round easy clean up. for pee clean up it’s 50/50 white vinegar and water, very easy. Just let them know bunnies are not as stinky as they seem…..good luck on your bunny search

[tanlover14]

I agree with Beka. Do not feel bad about your last bunny – when you’re given a bunny at the age of six how are you supposed to know?? No one could possibly expect you too. I’m so happy you’re coming online now, doing the research, and asking for advice though. It shows you’ve grown a lot as a person. I feel like everyone on here has slipped up at the very leastonce when taking on a new bunny and trying to learn.

My buns live in my dining room (right next to the table) and they don’t smell either. As long as you keep their litter boxes clean they are fine. As kcom said, the poos are VERY easy to clean up. I actually just throw them back in the litter box with my hand although a lot of buns are pretty good about the poos also. I don’t even use the 50/50 solution of vinegar, I just use full vinegar and dump/spray it when I clean the litter box AND if they have an accident. My bunnies are all on carpet and the vinegar takes the stain RIGHT out. I’ve never had a stain after using vinegar on any accidents. It will probably take a few days for your bunny to decide where he wants his litter box to be (they usually pick a spot) so if he has a few mistakes in the beginning don’t fault him too much!

[Valisa]

Thanks for being understanding, it makes me feel a lot better! And thanks everyone for the advice, it’s greatly appreciated! I can’t wait to be able to share tons of photos and videos with everyone when I do get my rabbit! I’m just so excited!

[justwildbeat]

Congrats on deciding to get a rabbit! Ditto on starting out with one rabbit, you can always decide to get another later. I’ve never had an issue with odors especially with the litter box. You’d have to stick your head into cage to really notice it.

[oatmealpie]

My husband and I adopted two bunnies, and I would only recommend it if you have a second person to help out with some of the bunny care. It’s wonderful that they can keep each other company, but there have been several times (getting back in their pen after playtime, taking their meds) where it’s tricky to get them both on the same page. One bun will be back in the pen, and by the time the other one decides he’s ready to go back in the pen the first one has slipped out. If you have a second person to help you wrangle the buns, go for it. If not, there will be times where you feel outnumbered and overwhelmed.

[Shen]

Hi i am a newbie. I am living alone in my apartement (64 square meters) and have to work around 8 to 10 hours (start from 7 am) a day 6 days a week. I about to have my first bunny. i have done a little research, i found that (bunny owners) different bunnies have different personality, some do fine being alone with a lot of toys, some don’t do very well. But expert gives big no.

It confuses me, I’m afraid he will get lonely as i leave him regularly but with two bunnies i am not sure how to bond and train them in the same time plus they will become my first. I have experience getting two dogs in the same time before, but i think that bunnies are different matter.

And from my research i also read that bunny hates to travel or moving around to a new places, if he was fine with it, there is a vet near my workplace which also offer boarding service for rabbit

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