If you are only thinking about a trio because you don’t want one of your buns to have to experience another one dying then no, it’s not worth it. Dying is part of life as is grieving; one will always die before another. If there are other reasons, then it’s a different story and there doesn’t necessary need to be bonding stress if you have time and let the buns choose.

I don’t think anyone should get another bunny for their other bunny(ies). You should only get a third rabbits if YOU want one and have the time, money, and space for another. For example, what if the third bunny doesn’t bond with your pair? Will you have the time and space to house and care for a bonded pair AND a single rabbit indefinitely? What if your bonded pair breaks up during bonding? Can you house/care for 3 single rabbits? At least two of which would be giant breeds and need a considerable amount of space.

These are questions I would ask your self before considering trying for a trio. There are a lot of possible negatives and a lot of possible positives. 

All that said, bonding my trio was very worth it to me and I’m glad I did it.

Your screen name is “Flemish Giant”, so… I think that’s what MoveDiagonally was referring to. :o) (If your screen name is entirely inaccurate, send BB an email and she may be able to change it to something else that fits better.)

If you’re happy with your pair, I wouldn’t rock the boat with a third. Even if the rescue does preliminary bonding for 1-2 weeks, there will still be an adjustment period when they are back at your house. It could be an additional several months until everything is back to “normal”.

I mean, if you have the time and space and you’re committed to getting them bonded (and keeping them bonded when they’re back on their home turf!), go for it. Just be aware that it’s likely to be a bumpy road.

As long as you got the space, motivation and keep all parties healthy then why not. Fact is we can’t be certain that rabbits are happier with a bond mate much less a colony of them, there has never been a study on it so that as a detriment gets ruled out.

By going through a shelter you give another rabbit a home. Positive. If you enjoy rabbits and feel like you want more then its a move that would make you happy. Positive. The negatives are extra stress from failed bonding but that’s a thing that could happen with a pair at any time. Just be careful and always make sure the buns are happy and healthy.

Hey there Flemish – As someone with a bonded five-some, I thought I would comment and give you some positive and negatives of having such a big group!

To begin – having a bonded group is AMAZING. It’s definitely worth it in the end BUT there is A LOT to getting to that point and there is no guarantees. There is absolutely NOTHING better than watching my clan all snuggled up after dinner. Literally it makes my heart melt every single time.

You should really consider the things MD said. She’s completely right. Do NOT get a another bunny for those reasons. Never for your other rabbit. Because as she said there is absolutely no guarantee they will bond and no guarantee they will STAY bonded. Bonded bunnies can break up at any point and become unbondable even after years of being together. Although you have a rescue willing to help you – there is STILL no guarantee. They bond for 1-2 weeks BUT most bonds take far longer than that. Especially in a group because of the many different dynamics you have between them. I also think you shouldn’t decide based on your bunnies personality. You SHOULD in the sense that you need to find a bunny that fits well with yours BUT in my personal group I’ve figured out that the saying “Opposites Attract” seems to be VERY true. I have three very hyper Tans and two very mellow Lionheads. My hyper Tans have been bonded since very young but oddly enough each Tan has become “best buds” with one of the calmer ones. They compliment each other in a way. SO with that being said, you may have the OPPOSITE reaction to what you would think when trying to bond a hyper bun to your already hyper one. You also have to be ready if something happens such as your current pair splits up and kicks out the other bonded bunny. It’s very common for this to happen and if this DID happen, would you think about adding a fourth so everybun would have a partner? Another member on the forum had to do this recently while bonding a trio. Her rescue kept the buns for a bit to try and bond also and it just wouldn’t work so she ended up adopting a fourth since the WHOLE point was so the buns would have friends. Which seems to be important to you with your rabbits also.

I also was of the mindset that it wouldn’t be more work having more buns if they were all bonded and in the same area but really it is. It really equals four times the mess as one. And it means I have to give my love and attention to each bunny still as you want them to remain very connected and bonded to you, not just your other rabbits. Working full-time now, I can honestly admit that sometimes it’s very difficult to give all five the time and love they deserve each night separately but I’m lucky to have a boyfriend who can help out with that each night also.

Just make sure you are ready for an additional bunny in the house! I always think I am but it’s ALWAYS a shock. Adding in another bunny can be VERY stressful and time consuming. In both bonding and just simply caring for them.