I definately think it is worthwhile to have two bunnies.  My first bunny was very good on her own, but I also felt guilty about leaving her all day while I worked.  I got her a friend (a neutered male) and they bonded very quickly.  They are definately "in love".   I don’t feel as bad now about leaving them.  I have one single that I am trying to bond with my pair, as I feel bad for him being alone all day. 

I think she might benefit but you must think of your own financial situation as well, that is really more important. While she might benefit, she will also be okay alone too as she does have you when you are home. I had a single rabbit initially and before I did rescue work and he was just fine and really didn’t want the company of other rabbits. In many instances these are choices that the owner makes to get their bunny a friend.

I’ve read that bonded bunnies tend to be happier buns, and my bonded pair has a lot of fun together. But, since finances won’t allow for it, then it sounds like a good idea to just stick with one bun for now. If she’s getting lots of play time with you in the evenings she is likely still a happy solo bunny. Adding toys to her house will help her pass the days, although I have to admit that my bunnies sleep most of the day anyhow!

My Pepper is a single bun.  I’d like ot get her a companion, but she hasnt’ liked anybunny she’s met.  I have been traveling a lot recently, and I know she misses me.

When deciding on getting a second bunny, your financial position needs to be considered, I think it’s best that you wait for a better time.  Pepper might do better with a companion to romp around with and whatnot but she does have you and your affection.  I know that bonded rabbits tend to live longer however, my first adoption from the HRS was a single bun ^Trixie^ (it rarely happens) that would not bond with anyone. She was just as happy as could be being the only bunny.  If your bunny gets sick, feel confident that you can take care of her in the best way possible rather than not being able to take one in due to financial constraints.  Offer up a new toy, rotate them out and give her interesting things to do and explore while you are gone.  I think you’ll find that most bunnies just snooze throughout the day so she really isn’t deprived.  Rabbits are a diurnal animal, which means they are most active at dawn & dusk.  Are you able to give her a romp in the morning before you go to work? When I get up, I let my two out, even if it is just a 1/2 hour while I take my shower, get ready etc. Don’t feel bad, I know bunnies are masters at making you feel guilty with those doe eyes and cute fuzzy face, but hey, who wouldn’t miss being out all the time and being with their human? Spend as much time with her as you can, which you do and don’t be sorry for her not having a companion right now. Maybe down the road when things are better, then you can try bonding her.

I agree that the finances need to be a huge factor in considering adding a pet.  I have had quite a few pet financial setbacks lately and have seen the problem w/ people having to get rid of pets due to finances.  I think my Jessi is very happy w/ her bunny boyfriend Leo.  She seems happy to have a cuddle bunny and seems to party w/ him a great deal of the time. 

I would also recommend the posts from…dudley’s mom (?)  She was considering getting rid of her bun b/c she couldn’t spend much time w/ him.  Everyone had a lot of good input, so that may be helpful.

I got my first bun 1 month ago..rescued/adopted from a person who could no longer care for Beepers any longer..he was kept in a 50 gal tupperware container for 8-10hrs a day then let out with another rabbit…all was well until he was neutered…the other rabbit was not and the other rabbit started picking on him and fighting him…so he would run and hide..he was also terrorized by a 3yr old..then the dog he buddied with died….So He has been through alot of changes when I got him…he is 1 1/2 yrs old nuetered Satin so he is a small rabbit..he was supposed to be litter trained..but thats not the case…now he is in a nice big cage…he is not happy at all…he looks so miserable…Itry to let him run free but he poos all over…we are working on that…but do you think a companion would make the adjustment better for him? Or do I just let him get use to the new normal cage and litterbox and the way things are going to be here…any suggestions would help

Jany,

Yes, I believe another companion would help him. It sounds like he was bonded to the dog and, it seems the other bunny as well. When this bond is broken, the remaining bun does go into a depression over missing their friend. The good news is that the easiest bun to bond is a neutered male. So, if it is possible, I’d suggest bringing Beepers to a shelter and have a couple of bunny ‘dates’ with some lucky gals. Note, he might, during the date, mount the other rabbit. This is nothing to concern yourself with as he is just showing dominance AND an interest in the little lady.

Also – could you post a larger picture of beepers. His coloring looks fantastic!

two bonded bunnies seem to be the ideal situation, but you’re right that you need to have finances to cover both.  also remember, that sometimes even thru bunny dating, pairs just don’t get along once at home and they may need to be housed separately for a few weeks, a few months (or forever).  if only every bunny bond was a "sure thing", you’d have less to worry about. 

Meadow is a single bun (and single pet period).  i would love for her to have a companion, but i think she’s pretty happy here with us.  i stay home with her most of the time (with my son too) and she does not lack attention.  i would be very worried however that she might have problems bonding, and we do not have space in our house for two separate bunny set-ups.  her space would end up having to be cut in half, and i don’t want to do that.  she’s a really good rabbit, very lovable, and "an-almost lap bunny".  so i also worry a bit (selfishly) about that love being taken away from me.  we may get her a friend someday, but not right now.

do people have experiences with buns that were troublemakers making a complete transformation with the presence of another bunny?  i’d also worry that the second bun would be a bigger troublemaker than the first…

I think as long as lone bun gets plenty of attention, what bun doesn’t know wont hurt her. However I’m a huge advocate for a best buddy, as now after Bean & Bum both settled into one another they wouldn’t be without each other and it’s lovely knowing Brian has a companion whilst we’re out at work etc, and also lovely knowing I have Beany and not some horrible family, or left to the clutches of the big nasty men where we got her from, who would have been more at home in The Hills Have Eyes!!!!

At the end of the day tho, do what YOU feel is right, and what you feel you can cope with.  🙂

I started out with one bunny but read SO much about the bonding and how they do better with a partner. I had my single bunny for about 2 1/2 years before I got 2 more. They got along fine, then my first bunny passed away at 3 yrs from a liver disease. I was given another bunny that took forever to bond with the 2 I had left! But they finally are all 3 bonded and happy. I have a 4th bunny that I rescued that has back trouble and isn’t allowed to hop up on things, or even into a litter tray. I keep her in my bedroom apart from the others. I let her out with the others some times but she doesn’t want anything to do with the other 3. From the experiences I have had with these total 5 bunnies, I think it’s good either way. The times I had single bunnies I realized I bonded with them. I work during the day and wasn’t always there, but the bunnies seemed so happy and would follow me around the house, interact with me, talk to me in their own way, scratch on doors to find me, etc. The bunnies that bonded with one another don’t do that. They interact with one another and not so much with me. The bunny that is single now in my room seems to enjoy her alone time. In fact I started working from home in Nov and when I do sneak into my room she’s almost always asleep, or else I’ll scare her just walking in. I really feel she enjoys that time alone too, and when I’m around and she wants attention she always lets me know. She seems happy and doesn’t seem to care about the other bunnies when they are around, she just hides behind my back and snuggles up to me instead. So I believe if you feel you are happy and like the relationship you have with your bunny now, then things are ok. If you do decide to get another bunny, I feel you will lose some of that closeness you have now, but your bunny would be happy with a friend if she finds one she likes. I think each bunny is different.. some may need a bunny partner, others seem quite content with a human partner. =)
Just my 2 cents. =)

I wish I knew the right answer…I know Beepers is not happy…maybe he just needs time to get use to things here and new cage…litter training…and try to forget his other freinds…his bad conditions and just start over…I just needed so insight….being my first bunny and all…thank you all…it all helps…keep it coming…

I went through the same thing with Cadbury. A few months after I got her, I started thinking she would be happier with a bun buddy. I took her “dating” at the rescue, and brought home the bun she liked most. However, it did NOT go well at all. She’s an only bun again now, and she seems very happy. She has a large cage with a run that she stays in when I’m gone, and she hops around with me in the evenings. I think she’s one of those bunnies that is actually happier on her own. She also has the dog to play with (though her cage, they aren’t loose together yet).

I wouldn’t feel pressured to get another bun – I’m sure your bun is happy to have you!

Janymae – I know its tough when youo see that one of your animals is suffering, but the best thing you can do for him right now is to give him lots of patience, lots of pets and attention, and lots of treats I also read to my bunnies every night before I go to bed because I think my voice helps to calm them down. Also, if you are feeling a bit insecure about how to best help him, try getting in contact with a local rabbit rescue. http://www.rabbit.org has a lot of chapters, and perhaps someone in your area could meet your new bunny and see if they can offer any advice. It sounds like he’s had a very rough time. Bunnies REALLY thrive on regularity and schedules, so another good idea is to keep Beepers on a very strict schedule, feed his veg at the same time, his pellets, his hay, clean his cage at the same time etc. That can really provide him a lot of ssecurity.

Lornatrae – I agree with what everyone has said – the best way to take care of your bunny is to make sure you are adequately prepared for whatever your bunny may need. Once you can provide that AND more, then it is time to consider another bunny, but again, the best way to provide for a second bunny is to also be prepared to provide whatever they need too