Bonding uneutered male and unspayed female

[Samantha]

I was thinking about getting another rabbit so my bunny jack wouldn’t be lonely, but I read that I can’t bond him with an unneutered male because they could fight. Jack is not fixed and I am not allowed to fix him because my dad says it shortens their lifespan. I know of the potential for kits however, the rabbits would not be in the same cage and they would only be together when they where playing. If this is still a risk would it be possible for me to just have a spayed female and non fixed male? I am new to this whole debacle of rabbits and just was wondering for future reference or should I even get another rabbit.

[Wick & Fable]

I would advise cross-checking everything your dad says with multiple sources online, because what he says is not true. Neutered rabbits do not have a shortened life-span, and neutering a male rabbit typically makes them much more happy day to day because they are not consistently frustrated by the need to mark territory, defend territory, and mate. Your dad would probably like a neutered male rabbit more because he would most likely be less destructive. Here are all different sources you can show your dad that can better inform both him and you about the benefits of neutering:

http://rabbit.org/faq-spaying-and-neutering/

http://articles.extension.org/pages/33105/spaying-and-neutering-your-rabbit

http://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-health/spaying-or-neutering-your-pet-bunny/

http://rabbitresource.org/care-and-health/spay-neuter/why-should-i-spay-or-neuter/

http://rabbits.life/how-long-do-pet-rabbits-live/

— Getting another rabbit is also a big commitment, especially starting out. Both rabbits need to be fixed, at least 1 month needs to past after each surgery to their hormones can get situated. During that entire time, they CANNOT be together in the same area, or even areas directly next to each other because rabbits can mate and fight through bars. After both are fixed and a month passes, THEN you can begin to introduce for SHORT periods of time, eventually increasing over a period of months to them permanently being together. This is called rabbit bonding, and it’s a long process that requires a lot of space, patience, and attention. It can’t be done half-heartedly.

I recommend learning more about the best possible rabbit care for Jack, then after establishing he has the best quality life and set-up, discuss whether another rabbit may be an option.

Can you describe his lifestyle, environment, how often he sees you and others, diet, etc..? Also, has he seen a rabbit-vet before?

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.

[Samantha]

Thank you for your post, he lives in a big cage. I get him out several times a day and he is very comfortable with being held. His temperament is very sweet and when he is playing on the floor he often jumps on my lap. He sees others on a daily basis and is very friendly with new people once he smells them. He has never been to a vet before however I do regular health checks on him. I suppose I can look into neutering him it might be beneficial because he sometimes sprays in his cage and it smells very bad.

[sarahthegemini]

Unless you want to deal with a litter, no. You do not put unneutered and unspayed rabbits together.

Also, rabbits do not just have play dates. They are either bonded or not which means they either live together or they don’t. They don’t just play together. 

[Mikey]

Putting rabbits together for “play dates” often ends in blood. Rabbits are territorial – especially hormonal rabbits – and they do not allow strangers into their space. If you get a second, theyll need to be bonded or theyll both need to be single and away from one another.

Neutering mellows our male buns and eliminates the risk of testicular cancer (although not common in young bunnies, it is on the rise in older bunnies). Females need to be spayed as their chances for uterine cancer hits 80% around age 3.

[Samantha]

Thanks! I defiantly won’t get another rabbit then 0-0 he is great friends with my guinea pig Bella though, so I guess that’s all he needs.

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

I would still advise you to see a vet, rabbits need their vaccinations each year. Myxomatosis and RHD are two horrible and lethal diseases which can also affect indoor buns. You can carry it indoors through contaminated soil etc. Vaccines are pretty cheap, we pay €35 each year for both shots and a check-up.

[Wick & Fable]

Vaccines don’t apply if you live in the US I believe.

Wick has never been vaccinated. We’re Northeast us.

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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