Best age to acquire bunny?

[Bunnyblue]

Hello! I have researched this topic and have seen answers both ways. I currently have a neutered male ND who is about 9 months old who is litter trained. We would like to give him a mate and through research have decided to get a female which we will spay. My question is whether or not it’s preferable to get an older bunny who has an established personality but may lack litter training or to get a younger bunny who we can raise and handle as a house pet but whose personality would be unknown until older? Any and all responses are appreciated!

[DanaNM]

If your intention is to bond, I think the easiest situation is to get an already spayed/neutered bunny, preferably one that you can have your bun meet in a “speed date” before adopting. If there is a shelter or rescue in your area, they would be my top recommendation.

If you get an unspayed female, it takes several months for hormones to settle post-spay, and you won’t be able to have a good sense of whether she will get along with your boy, as their behavior towards each other is different when they are hormonal.

The age itself is not so much of an issue in terms of the actual bond, and personality towards humans doesn’t reflect what they will be like with other bunnies.

What makes you think older bunnies would lack litter training? Or are you referring to getting an older, unspayed bunny, and then spaying?

. . . 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.  

[Bunnyblue]

Thank you for your response! Yes, I am weighing the option of taking on an unspayed older bunny that may have an established personality but lacks litter training and has likely had little human interaction vs the unknown personality of a baby bunny, that can be socialized and spayed early on. These seem to be the choices in our area. ?

[Author]

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