better to have a friend?

[Briana]

Hey, I just wanted to start this because I was curious if it was better to have a friend for your bunny? Does it help them throughout the day? I give my bun, Sammy, a lot of attention but I love bunnies and I wanted to know if they’d rather have a bunny friend. 

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

Bunnies are very social creatures…but if you pay a lot of attention to your bun – it’s not necessary to get him a friend.

We did – and I don’t regret it….because when they eat together or groom each other, it’s absolutely adorable. And some say that buns get into less trouble when there’s two buns, because they’re less bored. But my buns don’t really play together – so they’re still chewing on everything! just as much as before. The one negative of having two buns that we found was that their litter habits are worse now, and it used to be perfec! I also understand that it’s not reasonable to expect perfect litter box habits with multiple buns.

[rayray]

I have a single bun myself. He’s alone during the day, but even when I am there he just sleeps and eats. If he does come out of his cage, he’ll just sleep in his dig box or under the pillows on the couch. He appears to be very content and binkies, plays with his toys and gets me to play tag with him in the evenings. lol!
I’m sure every bun would not be opposed to having a friend, but I think if you give him/her the attention they need and deserve, they can live very happy lives as a single rabbit.

[Starah]

Hello!
I currently have two buns, Patsy and Pascal. They are the third and fourth buns I’ve ever loved.
My two previous bunnies were lone rangers and both had lots of time, attention and affection. Both of them were always very happy and full of love.

Patsy and Pascal are brother and sister so have always been together. As much as I’d say my first two buns were happy, the love between two buns is indescribable and now that I’ve had two together I don’t think I could go back to a single bunny, purely because knowing that my babies have company during the night or whilst the house is empty is nice. It’s really lovely to watch them snuggle down together and groom each other, but they are still very much their own buns and go off exploring on their own etc.
When Patsy was poorly a few months ago Pascal didn’t leave her side – adorable! Of course there will always be issues that you need to be ready for – what if Patsy’s illness was contagious and I’d had to separate them? Surely that would make her recovery even harder right?
My two are separate at the moment because Pascal has just been neutered but they are clearly pining for each other and hate that the cages separate them.

So yeah, I’d say having a bunny friend is lovely, but it also brings the odd moment of heartache. As for the less destructive thing – my buns have every toy money can buy and yet gnawing at the cage bars is still the most fun thing ever, so I don’t really buy that theory – maybe I just have a pair of tinkers on my hands!

[njbunny]

So glad you asked this and I hope more people jump in with advice. I have been contemplating adding a friend for my bun as well but am terrified that I will regret it if his litter habbits go downhill or if he stops paying as much attention to us because now he has a friend. My male right now is PERFECT. He is so sweet and follows us everywhere. He loves our company and is never far behind. Because of this I feel like he needs another bun since he is so social and loving but on the other hand I want him to be that way with us, not another bunny! He does get a good deal of attention from us but he also has a lot of time on his own during the day. I am so torn on this one!

[mrs. coach]

I’m also contemplating this, but am scared of losing my current bun’s perfect behavior — excellent with her litterbox, only chews toys, super sweet with everyone, loves pets, no issues when we put her in her carrier/take her to the vet.  My bun doesn’t seem to crave attention like some buns do…she definitely demands pets and follows me about certain times of the day, but lots of times she’s just asleep/lazing, or exploring.  She likes clicker training and gets excited about it, which is cute and interactive.  

I get the feeling she likes her space and might have a hard time sharing, but that’s probably not necessarily well founded.  She’s just generally low key — she’s kind of like a kindly grandma bun.  

I’ve been worried that she’s TOO mellow and maybe needs a friend to add some spunk, though.  I want to do the right thing and allow for her happiness, but I couldn’t handle a fiesty bun or lots of mess or fighting.  I’m considering trying some dates and if just the right fit occurs (the rescue where we got her has a bun they think might be a good match/is of a similar temperament) I’d be down.  But I’m nervous to mess with a good thing.

[Deleted User]

I’ll just share ‘my’ situation with Henry…. he was bought home into a family of dogs and bonded with them. Don’t get me wrong, it’s adorable (and downright funny at times) – but!!! He is distant from us, and I can’t help but wonder if we would of had a more loving, cuddly relationship if it was just us and him? I hope this isn’t going off track by adding birds into the equation (I think most animals are simular?), but I had a lone bird who seemed to appreciate our attention, but like most of us, felt bad (being caged) so got him a partner. He no longer came to front of the cage to seek out our attention. My thoughts – if your pet doesn’t get much attention from you and is lonely – yes, definitely introduce a companion. But if you feel your relationship is time adequate/’quality’ and full of love, why ruin a good thing? Gee, tough one? Good luck with your decision….

[New Blue]

And that’s why I wont have more than 1 rabbit, we have animals for companionship, not to watch them like a zoo.

Call me oversensitive, but there is no point in having a companion animal if it doesn’t treat you like a companion. Its just like having a stranger living in your house. No one in their right mind wants that.

[Starah]

I’m sure some bunnies will have a tendency to stick with their companion rather than human. But surely this is just part of their own personalities as much as te fact that they have friends? Some lone buns are aloof as well!

Patsy and Pascal adore each other but also enjoy lots of attention and human contact too. Pascal is a sucker for cuddles, Patsy loves to sit on your lap and lick your hands whilst you groom her. If you lie on the floor you will pretty soon have two buns on your back who will happily sit there for ages and if you leave the room they’re like ‘where are you going?!?’

So I have just as much companionship with my buns as they do with each other. Thu are an no way ‘strangers’ and it’s not like watching animals at a zoo! It’s always about how much you put in to building a relationship with them – just like with a line bun! Just because you have one doesn’t mean you will automatically have a perfect companionship. Just because you have multiple doesnt mean they will automatically ignore you. You have to put in the effort and I think it’s quite arrogant to assume that having multiples mean they don’t have any human interaction and are treated like zoo animals.

[Briana]

Thanks guys for all the amazing replies! I have a carrier for my bun and I tend to take him with me most places and he does live with about 4 other animals, but he’s mine in the house so he gets almost all of my attention as well as my boyfriends attention. So he does well with other animals and I don’t think he’d change much, I just wanted to hear everyone’s opinions about multiple buns

[Briana]

Hey I just wanted to say that you gave some great answers and I loved hearing about your bunnies!

[Buckley's Mum]

People have been asking about litter habits on multiple buns, i’m no expert, but my lone neutered male bun was not very good at the old litter training, he would go into his house and poop anywhere, I tried all sorts to get him to poop in the tray but in the end i gave up as at least he did it anywhere in his house and not on my carpet/floors. I then a couple of months ago I adopted a (then un-neutered) female (the rescue thought she was too young to be neutered at that time) and had been told her litter habits were perfect but when the two came home together all hell broke loose, the female pooped EVERYWHERE and literally pebble-dashed my floor from end to end and nothing in the litter box! After a conversation with the rescue, she went back a couple of weeks later and was neutered (I think the hormones kicked in when she was bonded with my boy) and after that instantly her perfect litter habits returned and since then she only poops/pees in the box AND she has managed to litter train my untrainable boy too! She definitely wears the trousers in that relationship and she obviously likes a tidy house! So litter training can be easier with two (no guarantee though!) x

[Deleted User]

I shouldn’t, but I’m gonna bite! Calmnight – suggesting if you have more than one of something (bunnies in this case) means your looking to watch them ‘like in a zoo’, or your not after the companionship is a little offensive, sorry. I have had many pets, and for whatever reason at the time have had individuals and multiples, some were caged like birds (except for the one I tamed and was free range) and guinea pigs (outside) and I never once had them for my amusement – but for the joy that they brought to our family. My Henry is a free range lone bun and I can assure you, he offers me no companionship what so ever! And yet other BBer’s who have multiple buns have amazing close relationships. I think what we were trying to offer Brianna was both sides of the story offering personal experience for her to make the right decision for herself – there is no right and wrong when deciding to partner your beloved pet. I personally wouldn’t partner my Henry, only because he causes me enough grief! (I couldn’t imagine him x2, lol!). But that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t work for someone else? As I learned and most suggest – at the end of the day, how a bun interacts with you depends on the individual buns personality first and foremost and all the rest comes after that.

[Briana]

Thanks for clearing that whole thing up with the zoo, I know what it is like to have lots of animals and I have a personal relationship with all of them. My whole life I have always had more than one pet and I love it, I love all their personalities, and different habits that make them … THEM. ahaha, but I think I give Sammy, my holland lop, enough attention and I think he enjoys having my boyfriend and me all to himself. He tends to run up to us and kiss us constantly, so maybe a while from now I’ll get him a friend but for now he seems happy. I love all the advice you and everyone else have given because even though each bun is different you can still always learn something from someone else’s experience! Thank you for helping

[Deleted User]

No probs Briana – don’t let what one person said affect or influence your decision. “I” personally, from how you have described your relationship with Sammy (a spoilt boy! ha hah…), wouldn’t introduce a partner yet either. Enjoy Sammy showing you the love (wish my Henry would show me some love – dam!). But if you decide to introduce a bunny friend later on, at least you got some good advice on what ‘may’ happen, & if you do, remember everyone will be here for you with guidance and support if you ever need it.
My boy is currently laying stretched out on the doormat without a worry in the world – how precious is that! (I wish I knew how to upload photo’s, he he heh….).

[New Blue]

I think you may have misunderstood me just a bit Henry.

Rabbits generally choose who to bond with, if there were no dogs in your house, I’m sure he would be bonded to you, though I don’t know the whole story so I cant judge.

Ive seen many people who adopt a second rabbit for a companion for their current one, and many times the rabbits will lose complete interest in their human companion. some people were so upset that they re home them, then they get a single rabbit. A single rabbit that has interest in human companionship is better than two rabbits who don’t want anything to do their human.

I don’t know if this happens the majority of the time, but just enough that its not worth the risk.

I may sound offensive, but the truth has so much value to me and it would be better if people accepted it more too.

[Starah]

I have to agree with AndHenry on this one Calmknight. You made a very generalised comment that, as someone who owns multiple bun, was qute offensive.

As AndHenry said, every bunny is different and every situation is different. To say that multiple pets will always be like caged zoo animals is just a tad arrogant!
My two are fully bonded and smitten with each other but they do NOT ignore me. They are interested in all the people in my house and seem to distinguish individuals too. They are far more interactive with me than my Dad for example.
I genuinely believe I have a good bond with both of them and that’s for two reasons;
1) I have put in the time and effort to be wih them and form a bond
2) their personalities!
I’m lucky they are both social critters who want to have lots of interaction.
I could have ended up with two who preferred their own company and may not have bonded with them. THAT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN FOR LACK OF TRYING! That is a point I really want to make clear because sometimes an animal won’t bond with a person for love nor money and that is a reflection on the animal’s personality!

I frankly am offended that your immediate assumption of anyone with multiple animal friends is that they adopted them purely to watch ‘like in a zoo’
I adopted mine for the companionship and the joy and love they bring. I did NOT adopt two so I could be lazy in their care since they’d have each other to play with, I adopted two because I wanted more to enjoy and love and care for!

[New Blue]

Actually that’s not what I meant when I said it was ‘zoo like’, that was my bad, I should’ve explained it better.

Some rescue centers and shelters say its so cute when they snuggle, play together, groom each other and other things… but that means nothing to me if they don’t like to interact with their human. I don’t want to watch them, I want to pet them and spend time with them, not watch them like a zoo where they just keep to themselves and don’t want any interaction with their human.

I can see you are lucky to have 2 rabbits interested in you, especially 2 very cute bunnies, but I don’t think your case happens very often.

[MissDashie]

It’s good for buns to have friends because they are social animals. Though if you pay attention to your bun, that will be enough…

[New Blue]

I thank you MissDashie, you understand me perfectly. I know rabbits are generally happier in pairs because they always have a companion, but I spend almost all my time at home and shes the most Binky/floppy bunny ever and craves my attention.

[rayray]

Really at the end of the day getting a 2nd bun is a gamble and you have to be willing to accept any outcome.
I had this experience with my budgie Peppy. And while I miss Peppy’s company I know he’s happy with his lover Pedro. Even though Pedro is a jerk, he’s my jerk and I’m stuck with him. lol!
I don’t completely see the “zoo” as being a bad thing. As long as the animals are well cared for both physically and mentally, then whatever floats your boat is fine by me.
As I said, my birds have become a somewhat “exhibit” in my home, but they are happy and my arms are open to them should they decide to love me (again). lol! Any animal I welcome into my home becomes family and I don’t give up my family that easily. And I do still try to force my love on all my animals, some are willing to accept it, some could care less.

[Briana]

Hahaha that’s what everyone says about sammy, is that he’s spoiled, but at least he’s a complete sweetie. Thanks for all your advice, and I think him by himself is definitely the best decision for now. I think he likes having everything to himself

[Briana]

Actually in zoos they have zookeepers and those people are who the animals bond to. you are just looking at it from a different angle. all animals in a zoo are seriously bonded to their humans, i guess you don’t watch animal planet much but animals need someone to bond with. I enjoy watching my bun run around and look cute but he runs up to me and cuddles too. Many animals in zoos have the people that take care of just them from the time they are babies so they become very attached. Also many zoos offer the opportunities to actually get involved with the animals.

[rayray]

I think regardless how many rabbits people have, you will find they are spoiled. haha!! Ziggy has taken over my living room with his toys, dig box and tunnels I’ve made for him. He really enjoys jumping on the loveseat he has taken over as well. So for now, Ziggy is happy as an only bunny child. I think he’s too bossy for a friend anyways.

[njbunny]

I have been watching this thread as I too have contemplated getting a bunny friend for spot. I think some comments were taken out of context or maybe misunderstood. I hope this thread becomes more of real life experience. I really would love to hear from those of you with bonded bunnies (past and future). How has the original bunny changed (good and bad) since the bond?

[Briana]

I think Sammy is too happy being an only bun, he is currently cuddled up laying against my boyfriend while I study and sit next to them. He seems to be very comfortable with us, and VERY comfortable with other animals. He is the most curious animal I have ever met. He has two friends a medium sized puppy called Mellon, and a full grown lab named Arnold so he does amazingly well with other animals. So I hope that when we do introduce another bun along the road he likes them. Thank you for all the advice, everyone It helped immensely.

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By njbunny on 12/09/2013 03:09 PM

I have been watching this thread as I too have contemplated getting a bunny friend for spot. I think some comments were taken out of context or maybe misunderstood. I hope this thread becomes more of real life experience. I really would love to hear from those of you with bonded bunnies (past and future). How has the original bunny changed (good and bad) since the bond?

I have had a single bunny twice: The very first time I got a bunny and currently with Viv.  All the years in between, were all bonded.   Short story is that I haven’t experienced any change in their behavior toward me.  However, I am able to be with them a lot and so they may see me as part of their group.  So I think it has to do with how much time you can put in. 

My first bunny Forrest continued to be as affectionate even after bonding with another bunny. And he was part of a trio for a little while. 

While the actual bonding experiences really varied from easy to horrible, I never felt like I was ignored by them.  If anything, I had to watch they didn’t compete for attention.  Example, if I gave Vivian attention while Jack was around, he would come running over, shove his nose by my hand or try and shove his bonded bunny out of the way if I didn’t get to him fast enough. Rabbits can live in groups, they are not necessarily strongly bonded as a pair like mallard ducks,  and I never excluded or ignored.  And I do personally love watching them interact together and also enjoy hanging out with them and being another bonded friend. I’ve never had to be an observer OR a bonded human companion.  It’s always been both for me.   An aloof or non-social bunny may change to be more trusting of humans with a bonded mate, but not always, and my affectionate bunnies have never stopped being affectionate with me.   It’s like having a family.  Just because of I have a sister, doesn’t mean I don’t pay attention to my brother.

Vivian hasn’t changed a bit — except she doesn’t get shoved out of the way by Jack anymore, so she feels less reservation about greeting me and and can enjoy more one on one attention from me.   But that has changed her experience with me, not mine with her.  

I choose to have Viv as a single bunny now for many reasons:  She is a senior and she has had some health issues which have been very expensive. I am being financially careful as there is no guarantee that a second bunny won’t have health issues.  I need to take care of my savings account!  Also as a 9 or 10 year old bunny, her time is limited as well, so I have reservations about bringing in a bunny to have his/her bonded partner be lost.    And I also don’t have the time right now to deal with bonding a pair.   It can go great, but it can also be difficult and stressful.   I do enjoy having two bunnies though and so I will definitely do that in the future, but for now it’s just Viv and I am happy with that.  

[njbunny]

BB thanks for the reply. This was very helpful. In your bonded bunnies did you notice a difference in litter habits after bonding? That is another of my fears….

[Deleted User]

My apologies Calmknight (I have never had a problem admitting that I could be wrong), I did take what you said the wrong way especially now that you have added to your post. I totally get what your saying – there is a risk you ‘could’ lose the affection of your bun by bringing in a companion and why would anyone want to risk that? Some decide that is a risk they are willing to take if they think it may make there loved pet happier? That’s how/why I usually make the decision whether to introduce another addition into our home. And as far as Henry and my dogs….. I do sometimes think because he bonded to the dogs that’s why he has no interest in us. Then other times, he’s just so dam ignorant ‘full stop’ – I can’t help but wonder is that just his personality? I’ll never know?????? Doh!
I do hate the ‘zoo’ comment (cause it ‘sounds’ so unpersonal/unloving), but in all reality I spose that is what we do with Henry and I didn’t want to fall into that category – because he is so hands off (except for his pats) we get our joy from watching his antics and cuteness. We love/adore him so much (sometimes more and sometimes less, depending on how naughty he is at the time, lol), as everyone else in our home, and that could have also contributed to me taking your post out of context. Again – my apologies!

[Briana]

I agree with AndHenry about the fact that it was something that sounded really hurtful and that was taken out of context but i think part of the fun of having lots of animals is that they all do bond together and if we work and make an effort to, then we can be bonded with them as well. I had to try really hard to bond with Sammy at first and in the beginning I wanted to give up because he seemed to dislike me and my boyfriend so much, but before I knew it with my effort he comes running to me now and gives me kisses day and night. Some relationships you just have to work really hard at.

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By njbunny on 12/10/2013 02:45 PM

BB thanks for the reply. This was very helpful. In your bonded bunnies did you notice a difference in litter habits after bonding? That is another of my fears….

During bonding, it always worsened, but you asked about after and so I can tell you that my experiences varied.  Most of the time they went back to where they were before and were good. Sometimes though, for whatever reason, they would lose their habits (not sure if there was some conflict going on or what) but I would then take steps to reduce their freedom and take time to reinforce litter training, and after a week that seemed to work.   And as the bunnies aged, their need to reinforce marking seemed to become less important. 

The actual litter box habits were always pretty good, but it was the territorial marking with a poo here and poo there that would get annoying if they weren’t fully bonded or one bunny felt the need to reinforce his/her place.  This only happened with two bunnies though and one of them would do that anyway even without a bonded mate, so that was part of her habits that I had to work on. 

Vivian has always been perfect with her habits (except DURING bonding) but before bonding, after bonding and now as a single bunny, she is perfect with urine habits and the only stray poo is one or two near her litter box that may come out when she jumps out. 

I know there is nothing definite about my answer — there are definitely no guarantees.  I just have had positive results with being persistent with retraining.  

[Author]

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