Hey,

I’m by no means an expert but I did a lot of research when trying to bond my boys so I’ll answer your questions based on what I learnt (not necessarily correct)

1. I think so. EVERYTHING I read stated rabbits must be neutered before bonding. The hormones that they have when unneutered makes them unpredictable and aggressive (I know you say he isn’t aggressive – my guy wasn’t either, not to me, not to the dog but when another rabbit came – holy was he different!) I think if you want success you should get both neutered.
2. I don’t think so. Mine was of unknown age, assumed to be 1-2. No problems.
3. I’ve not heard of it but not specifically researched it.
4. No. Once they are bonded they live together. From my small insight into bonded bunny world (mine haven’t been bonded for long) they are pretty much inseparable and will turn to each other when in fright or stressed as well as just on adventures, such that many people don’t even separate them for a trip to the vet.
5. Completely. I found my guy who lived on his own before I had him and then nearly a year on his own with me has come out of his shell since being bonded. He is more adventurous, gets way more voluntary exercise and is more affectionate to me too. The new guy is a bit crazy anyway so difficult to tell what his thoughts in life are but he is more trusting of me since being bonded.

There is loads of info out there on bonding. Even the journals on this forum are extremely helpful. Go at your own pace and respect the buns and try to read their reactions. What works for others may not work for you and vice versa.

Good luck!

hi, welcome to the forum. I joined the forum when I started bonding my third pair. My first 2 were super crazy easy. This 3rd pair, is more difficult than I thought. The forums are great. Prior to this forum, I was googling my questions, but struggling to find something applicable. I agree with Ness on reading other’s forums. The advice given on websites iw generic and good, but each bunny is different, so other people’s experiences help.

1. Yes, neuter him. That being said – My first pair met while they were still intact. If you pair an intact male, he will be harassing her with his procreation attempts, and she might not take kindly to that. Humping in the dominance play during bonding – is different to intact mating. They will have a hard time relaxing and being buddies – if he is constantly trying to mate her.

2. As long as he is healthy, it shouldn’t be a big problem. Older males have tougher tissue, but the procedure should still be fine. My latest male is an unknown age. He has been estimated to be 2 years old by some vets, and a senior by others. His neuter was fine.

3. Haven’t heard of it. It is generally discouraged.

4. They live together as snuggly bunnies

5. Absolutely. My single bunnies are happy, they enjoy being petted by me, and they binky. But I’m not with them 24/7. A pair of bonded bunnies can spend their time together while you are at work/not at home, when the single bunnies would be on their own. Once you have seen how incredibly snuggly a bonded pair of bunnies are, you will agree that having a bonded pal is something every bunny needs to experience. Compare it to – getting love and attention for the amount of time you are able to spend with them – to getting love and attention 24/7. Which would you prefer if you were a bunny?

5. Bunnies and humans have different languages, cultures, values. Bunnies and bunnies have the same of those. Your bunny woudlljust love to be with another bunny who speaks the same language, and has the same values and culture. There are things that bunnies communicate that they understand, and we don’t.