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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Should I get a friend for my bunny?

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    • FlakeyBiscuit
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        Hello everyone, this is my first post to the forum, and I would greatly appreciate you bunny-loving opinions!!

        I took in an older dwarf rabbit from a friend about a year ago, not really wanting a rabbit but feeling sorry for his situation I took him in. His name is Obsidian, and he is currently 6 years old, not neutered, and hasn’t had a bunny friend his whole life. In fact, the first 5 years of his life before I got him, he was passed from friend to friend, only living in those small, standard rabbit cages, and as far as I could tell had never been given fresh greens or regular grooming or nail trims, etc. He would sit in one spot in his cage ALL day, and eat, drink, sleep, and go to the bathroom in the same corner of the cage. Well, anyway, over the year I’ve had him he’s gotten back to normal bunny-hood, and has a 7×3 foot cage/playpen area, gets greens daily, and regular care and he’s been a lot happier (I think lol).

        Obsidian as been living in our extra room up till now, and it is open and the cats and dog get to go in and visit him throughout the day (which was done after time and safe introductions and the bunny looooooves them and the visits), but my husband and I are going to be having a baby soon, and are planning on turning that room into the baby’s room. Obsidian is going to have to end up in the basement unfortunately…. But my cats and dog basically never go down there, and neither do I except to do laundry. Now, obviously, I’d do the regular morning and night feedings and visits and cleanings… So he would see me then, but I worry that he is going to be so lonely downstairs and I don’t want him to go back to being a mindless zombie bunny!

        SO FINALLY TO MY QUESTION xD

        Do you guys feel that it would be worth it to get him a companion when I move him downstairs to the basement?

        Again, he is approximately 6 year old, unneutered, male dwarf rabbit. Also, I had never wanted a rabbit in the first place and my husband is not very fond of my accruing zoo lol And Obsidian does love chasing and snuggling up to my cats and dog (even more than me!). I don’t really want another bunny, but I want what is best for my current bunny!

        If I did get another one, I am planning on a adopting an older, spayed, female.

        So what do you guys think? Yes, he needs a companion? Or no, he’s lived by himself this long and will not adjust well to having another rabbit with him?


      • Tessie
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        1231 posts Send Private Message

          Welcome to the forum!
          And congratulations on the baby!

          I’m going to keep my answer short and simple: Obviously it’s your choice but I think no, don’t get another one.
          1) your bunny will need to be neutered and then wait for recovery, this takes time and money
          2) bonding can be a long and stressful process
          3) more bunnies = more effort and more money
          4) “I don’t really want another bunny”

          If he really can’t be anywhere but the basement my advice would be work out a way to spend more time with him down in the basement. Maybe move a sofa in there and watch tv or read down there?


        • FlakeyBiscuit
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            Thanks for the reply!

            And here I thought I didn’t want another bunny, and yet I’m disappointed to hear you suggest not! But even despite that, the other items need to be considered carefully. If you don’t mind, I had a few questions about your list.

            Is neutering him necessary even if the female is spayed? With him being already an adult, isn’t it often more harmful to neuter?
            And is bonding always stressful? I was thinking that since he tries to cuddle with even my cats and dog that he may be eager for a buddy. Although, I know I’d have to pick the female carefully…


          • LBJ10
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              Even though he is 6 years old, the fact that he is not neutered would interfere with bonding. Even though the girl would be spayed, that urge to mate may still be triggered in him. You may find that that is all he wants to do and the girl bunny would not appreciate it. Is it more harmful to neuter him at this age? Most likely not. But your vet would probably want to do blood tests to make sure everything is working okay before they will neuter him.

              The bonding process isn’t always stressful. It really depends on the rabbits involved. My boys were a very easy bond. Leopold spent the first few sessions establishing his dominance and Wooly did not resist. They became friends quite quickly once Leopold was reassured he was top bunny. I think they were living together permanently before two weeks of bonding sessions had passed, if I remember correctly. This isn’t always the case though. Some bonds are difficult and take many months of baby steps. Sometimes it will seem like progress is being made and then there will be a set back. So really, it’s hard knowing until you have the bunnies and you see how they react to each other.


            • FlakeyBiscuit
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                Okay, good to know. I will keep these things in mind and ask our vet at the next visit. But perhaps I will hold off on a buddy for now. I was honestly expecting more of a response that he would NEED a friend. Good to know that I don’t need to think of it as a requirement.


              • LBJ10
                Moderator
                16870 posts Send Private Message

                  A lot of bunnies do enjoy having a friend, but it isn’t a requirement. Many bunnies are just fine being solo. If you really want to pursue it though, I would suggest talking to your vet about neutering. That way you will be able to weigh your options a little better.


                • Beka27
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                    Is it absolutely necessary that he be moved into the basement by himself? Could you make him a corner somewhere on the main floor so he would still have interactions with your other pets and you guys? Just a small area in the living room/dining room would work and then he could have his playtime like normal…


                  • JackRabbit
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                      I think he would get pretty lonely by himself down there. Like Beka27 said, is there any way you could give him some space upstairs with everyone else? I think the companionship that he’s used to is just as important if not more so for him.


                    • Deleted User
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                        Sorry, I’m with Beka and JR….. you couldn’t make a small space for him upstairs??? My boy is a lone bunny and I have NO interest in getting him a friend – but he DOES have friends. My dog’s that he adores along with me! I honestly think my Henry would stress/fret if I restricted his access to us all. We set Henry’s house up at the end of the dining room next to the table which is located next to the kitchen that we as a family (including the dog’s) spend most of our time. I hate it! It always looks messy and is in your face, but to relocate him away from us is never a consideration – he is a family member and makes us whole. Not only would Obsidian miss out, I think you would too??? The things I may have missed out on if Henry wasn’t in our face – like an ‘accurate’ flop when he wants to land in that one spot on the floor that the sun shines through the window – so funny!

                        Someone (ages and ages ago – I have no idea who it was anymore) had a go at me cause ‘I’ thought it was important for bunnies to have company…. I still stand by it! I never stated what sort of company, but I was adamant that everyone likes and deserves company. If you still choose to keep Obsidian in your basement, I would definitely get him a friend. Not saying your like this (no way!), but outa sight – outa mind! And a new baby will keep you distracted!!! (Congratulations!)
                        And also consider…. would Obsidian appreciate a ‘bunny’ friend? Obviously Henry can’t tell me (ha ha ha), but I doubt he would choose a bunny friend over us! He is so used to us and our admiration for him, I doubt a another bunny could compare??? Regardless of what you are, we learn to love our environment and those that surround and love us – I’m sure Obsidian has embraced you all!

                        Good for you FlakeyBiscuit for asking the question, it just goes to show how much you care – I’m just sorry we didn’t respond the way you hoped. No one is against you getting another bunny if that’s what you really want, but ‘I’ think if it’s only for companionship, I rather you try and keep Obsidian up stairs with you, I’m sure you will both appreciate and be happiest in the long run.

                        All the best FlakeyBiscuit. Cheers.

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                    Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Should I get a friend for my bunny?