Bonding Giants to Dwarfs?

[BlackTigers_Curse]

For Research, But would like it if people respond quickly because I will be getting rabbits soon and want to know what breeds to look for

Title says it all; Would it be possible to bond a Flemish Giant with a small breed like a Netherland Dwarf? Would it be safe for them? (Giant won’t crush the Dwarf)

[Sirius&Luna]

There’s no reason why they can’t, the breeds of a rabbit don’t effect their bond. It’s all about personality.

It would make the bonding more dangerous, as if they had a scuffle then obviously the dwarf is at a huge disadvantage. But hopefully you could intervene before it got to that stage anyway.

My rabbits have a small-ish size difference, 1kg and 2kg, and I do find that the bigger one can be a bit careless with the smaller one. The other day she jumped onto the sofa where he was sitting, and landed on his head. He was fine, but I do worry that she could unintentionally injure him sometimes.

The other thing to consider is that giant breeds have a shorter life span, so you might end up with a dwarf that is then bereaved quite early (I believe 5-6 years versus 10-12 for dwarves. That was what really put me off getting a giant breed myself, the heartache!).

You will also need to have them both neutered/spayed before you start any bonding.

[Bladesmith]

Clover, a 15 lb. American Chinchilla (With a little Giant Chin in her, we think.), with Dawn, our little 2 lb Netherland Black Otter Dwarf.  Best buddies.  Both unfixed females.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By Bladesmith on 10/26/2017 7:12 AM

Clover, a 15 lb. American Chinchilla (With a little Giant Chin in her, we think.), with Dawn, our little 2 lb Netherland Black Otter Dwarf.  Best buddies.  Both unfixed females.

 

[BlackTigers_Curse]

Thanks, I will be getting them from a local shelter, so they will be Spayed/Neutered.

[DanaNM]

My Bertha isn’t a giant, but she is 9 lbs, and bonded very strongly to Bunston, who was only 3 lbs. During bonding Bunston was actually the aggressor, I think because he was scared of her!

But yeah, no reason why they can’t bond, and you have to be very careful of injury with same-sized rabbits too.

I know with some species of wild animals, fights over territory or females are more likely to happen when animals are more evenly matched in size… so I’ve always wondered if bunnies would sort out their dominance more quickly when one was obviously bigger. I haven’t found that to be the case with my own bonds, but still curious about it!

. . . 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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