bonding two males?

[BunnyHibi]

I requested so before I got Shadow and everyone seemed okay with having two rabbits, even I wanted to get two rabbits 2/3 days after my birthday, especially when I was asked. After we got Shadow, again I requested if I could get him a friend last Christmas — my step-dad muttered “never going to happen”. Which discouraged me, but recently ever since the shelter started fostering rabbits again, I’ve noticed one or two I desperately want. They’re lop/lionhead mixes, or at least one of them are, another was a different version alike Shadow but isn’t. His name was Velvet. I don’t know the lionhead’s aside one of their genders. They also had a “bumble-bee” rabbit and a white-black one whom were eventually adopted. All of them are neutered, figuring it’d make bonding a bit easier since I don’t have to worry about aggression nor severe territorial behavior nor needing to do so myself, they’re also vaccinated from what I’m assuming. Are bigger breeds of rabbits easier to bond — I’m aware it’s recommended for a male & a female as a better pair but I find myself so incited in watching the rabbits to the point I really, really want them in my household. It’s disheartening knowing that my cage isn’t going to be big enough for the both of them, I did spot a giveaway cage for free that was perfect for more than one bun but sadly I was too late. 

Not sure if I should wait until we get a bigger cage, but honestly that’s probably going to be never. I’m too anxious to ask if I could get him another friend, looking at the animal in questions’ page of information and doesn’t look like they’d be too hard to handle. Giving the liability they’d be adopted before I get a chance. What’s good ways to help two males bond if I do manage to convince them? Shadow doesn’t look like he’s desperately yearning for a friend since I’m always giving him love & attention and I don’t know his general temperament towards another rabbit, reasoning being, I’ve turned 20 nine days ago, sooner or later I’m going to have to need another new job and he’s going to be alone, figuring he’d be better if he had a friend, but I’m so conflicted given our living situation.. :// 

[sarahthegemini]

If you don’t have the means to provide proper adequate housing, I.e. a large cage, then no you shouldn’t get another bun. Focus on upgrading your rabbit’s living area before thinking about bringing another bun into the mix. Tbh, I don’t understand why you don’t think you’ll ever get a bigger cage? Especially as you’re an adult…?

[Harley&Thumper]

Before getting a second rabbit, I would recommend making sure you have the space and resources to take care of both. I don’t believe a male/male bond is harder than a male/female bond it just takes more time and patience. Before adopting the second rabbit I would recommend taking shadow to the shelter and let him pick out a friend instead. That should make the bonding process easier.

[Deleted User]

I agree with the others. Until you are self-sufficient, it’s really hard for other people to want to carry the burden of two separate bunnies. One bunny can be a lot of work, but as someone with two separate buns, it is twice the work and it can be very stressful at times. They need to be in separate cages until fully bonded, which could take months. While they’re in the final stages of bonding, someone will need to be there with them 24 hours a day to make sure they cement their bond. Also on paper too hard to handle isn’t necessarily what is going to happen. As the others have said you need the resources and space to take care of them separately and when they are fully bonded. You also have to think of double the vet bills and every other cost. I really think you should wait until you’re able to provide more for your single rabbit before getting a second one.

[Mikey]

Dont get a second rabbit until you can afford the minimums. Each rabbit needs a minimum of an 18sqft cage and atleast double that (pen attached to the cage or free roam a room) outside of the cage for 7 hours a day, every day. You should also be able to offer both of them an hour a day of attention (grooming, feeding, watering, petting, talking, etc; doesnt need to be all at once, but throughout the day). Of course, make sure you can afford the double amount of food, toys, and litter. And have enough saved at the end of each month so that you can still afford basic emergency situations for both bunnies (vet visit, stasis fluids, and critical care, for example)

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