Will 8 week old, non related bunnies get along?

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This topic has 4sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 3 months ago by Wick & Fable.

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- 10/18/2021 at 12:23 PM
  viv
  Participant
  4 posts
- 10/18/2021 at 12:26 PM
  Wick & Fable
  Moderator
  5831 posts
  Baby rabbits will often get along with other rabbits easily due to the lack of hormones facilitating territorial aggression, dominance assertion, and mating urges– however, this does not mean that it is recommended to put baby rabbits together. Firstly, the likelihood of mis-sexing baby rabbits is high, so separation is needed to avoid accidental pregnancies. Secondly, the ‘baby bond’ is expected to be temporary, meaning that once the baby rabbit begins experiencing puberty, there is a good chance the baby bond will break and suddenly become chasing, nipping, and fighting. You can read more about the ‘baby bond’ phenomena here: https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-bunnies.html
  
  I recommend keeping them separate from each other until both are one-month post spay/neuter. From there, you can begin the bonding process, which is outlined here: https://binkybunny.com/infocategory/bonding/
  
  It is simply not safe to keep two baby rabbits together unsupervised, so taking time to establish two separate, large enclosure spaces now is recommended and will also be helpful once you begin bonding as well.
  
  The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 10/18/2021 at 1:00 PM
  viv
  Participant
  4 posts
  Thanks for your prompt repy…my text did not come through I guess but I think you have answered my enquiry.
  
  “I recently got two young bunnies. Female is 8 week and male just a few days younger. I got them the same day and kept them in adjoining areas , alternating living quarters a number of times daily. After 2 days I tried them together in a neutral area and the male promptly attacked the female drawing blood. They are now in adjacent areas and seem comfortable eating close to each other with no signs of aggression. I continue to switch up the cages. I realize they will need to be separated anyway in a couple of weeks as I will be neutering both of them as soon as they are old enough.
  
  My question is: Is there any point in trying to put them together at this point or should I wait? I presume they are still keeping each other company being in close proximity but I would like to do what is most likely to result in eventual bonding. I have had rabbits before but never two.
  
  Thank you for any advice that you may have to offer.”
- 10/18/2021 at 1:03 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9064 posts
  At this point I would just keep them separated until they are both castrated. You don’t even really need to worry about switching cages yet, living side by side is fine, because they will smell very differently to each other once they hit puberty and then again once they are neutered/spayed. Do be EXTRA sure they can’t get to each other, because at 12 weeks females can get pregnant. Never underestimate an un-neutered male bunny’s ability to get to a female! They also can (rarely) mate through cage bars, so having a buffer between them is a good idea.
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 10/18/2021 at 1:24 PM
  Wick & Fable
  Moderator
  5831 posts
  Agreed that there is no benefit in trying to have them interact/bond/be together at this point. A bond working is not contingent on whether or not they meet at this phase, but if they get into a nasty fight, that can make bonding challenging once they are fixed (in addition to potential pregnancy).
  
  Sorry your text didn’t go through the first time! Indeed, bonding tactics will not work due to their age, and at this point, it sounds like there isn’t even a baby bond either.
  
  The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
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