Bunny dating and is it too late for a second bunny?

[Noodles]

Hi all! I’ve had Cinnabun for almost 2 years now. She’s a free roam holland lop and she’s anywhere from 8-9 years old. I’ve been thinking about getting her a nice lil boyfriend lately!  The reason I couldn’t before is because I’m in college and I live in the dorms, she’s my ESA and we are only allowed to have 1. I’m graduating this May and moving to Boston to start my new job in July. My bf and I will be moving in together and we are currently looking for apartments and are settling on a 2BR apt, so that bun can have a room that’s entirely hers as well as the ability to roam the apartment. 

I have really wanted another bunny to bond her with, I’m just not sure if it’s 1) the right thing to do at this time, considering her age 2) if she would even get along with another bunny – I feel like she will be quite aggressive/dominant. In terms of her age, she’s never had any abnormal medical problems and she is quite healthy for her age. In the 2 years I’ve had her she’s never had stasis (knock on wood) and the vet is always surprised by her age considering how active she is, we’re always wondering if the rescue I got her from lied about her age lol. 

Additionally, has anyone tried bunny dating? Like, bringing your bunny in to the shelter and having them go on “dates” to see their initial reaction to each other? I have heard of many people doing this, what kind of interactions should you look for during this process? I’m also wondering when would be the best time to adopt another bunny. My timeline is a little something like this: moving out of the dorm mid-May, staying at my parents’ house until July/late June when I move in, then move in with Cinnabun. Not sure if I should wait until moving into my new apartment to adopt the new bunny if I decide to do so? I know that Cinnabun does great with moving and is not really stressed out by it (I move between my parents’ house, the dorms, and wherever I intern throughout the year) but a new bunny probably would be. 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!  

[Three Little Bunnies]

I have heard of speed dating but never used it. Good reactions would be ignoring each other, grooming themselves or each other, and flopping. My first two bunnies are perfectly alright with traveling and the third one has not traveled enough to know for sure. You could adopt a bunny that is approximately Cinnabun’s age who she gets along with. Good luck!

[Asriel and Bombur]

I’m in Boston, and the MSPCA shelter here doesn’t allow bunny dates. We tried with Asriel when we didn’t think the boys would bond. We were told none of the MSPCA shelters in the area allowed that. The MSPCA shelters here also aren’t super knowledgeable about buns either. There’s a shelter in Providence, but unsure as to how they do it.

Age doesn’t really matter with bonding, just their personalities. At 9, I’d still like to think she has some good years left If you can get one of the Boston area shelters to let you do it, just choose based on their interactions and who you think looks to be the best fit.

Bonding: if you wait till you’re fully moved into your permanent place, that would be best. Give each bun a month to settle in to the new space, then prebond for a good month, then start sessions. You’d be able to easily make a neutral area for sessions that neither bun can access until you start.

Side note: If you’re new to the Boston area, PM me, and I’d be so happy to let you know the most amazing vet in the area!

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