is it a bit cruel?

[rach83]

I only have one rabbit Lily, shes 5/6 months and about to be spayed.

shes obviously a house bun and has free roam from 7.30am-8pm everyday. then goes in her house over-night.

Shes a lovely friendly bun always runs over to see me and asks for strokes, and is always binkying so i think shes pretty happy!

but…..do you guys who own more than one bun, think its a bit cruel keeping her with no other rabbits?

Im wondering how easy it would be to get her and a neutered male to bond? shes quite a dominant bun i think, she likes to nip us and is pretty cheeky!

or would another female be best? i think id be so worried leaving them alone incase they fight! 

just wonder if shes really happy on her own or would it make her life so much better to have a friend??

[Karla]

I have to say that she will be much happier with a bunny friend. I had Karl on his own to start with, but eventualy I felt that he seemed bored and lonely although he had plenty of toys, was free roaming and I spent hours with him. I have two now, and they are so happy together. It is so obvious how much it means for them to have bunny company.

And having two isn’t really that much hassle. It actually makes things easier as I no longer have guilt feelings. Now I now that he is not bored or feeling lonely for sure.

The easiest combination is male-female. Karl and Molly bonded within a few days – I think the bonding was particularly easy, because they had both been recently neutered so their hormonal level was still high making them overly interested in each other.

[rach83]

also forgot wanted to ask about mixing sizes! Lily is a standard rex, could i have a mini rex with her or is it better to get the same size bun?

and if i do get another whats the worst case scenario?

[rach83]

thanks karla, yes im starting to feel guilty that shes on her own, although she has plenty of human company i know its not the same.

she will be getting spayed next week, and i have seen a young male i like, would i need to get him spayed before introducing if shes spayed?

or could i wait as he wont be old enough for the op for a while yet?

[Jenna, Chubs & Comet]

While I think having a bunny friend makes a bunny happier,they can be happy with just human companionship as well. Iit can be very stressful for them (and for you) to go through the bonding process and although I think it’s worth it, don’t do it out of guilt, because it can be very frustrating! Also, size does not matter when it comes to choosing a friend, and although they say a male/female match is easiest, this is not always the case!

My advice, if you decide you’d like to get a second bun friend for Lily, is to let her choose her friend. This made my bonding process MUCH easier. Chubs went on about 13 dates before he chose his friend (another male) and I can’t imagine what it would have been like if we just chose the bunny we wanted (because they hated each other!) Most rabbit rescues will allow you to bring your bunny in for “dates” and if there’s none in your area, I found Chubs’s friend on craigslist and we just met for a date. There are a lot of bonding journals in the bonding thread that go into a lot of detail on how it works and what worked for them, etc. I’m technically still bonding my two, but only because we needed to get Comet neutered to stop all his humping.. haha. There’s also this article- http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/bond.shtml as well as the article under bonding on this site, and under the House Rabbit’s website.

Hope that was helpful!

[rach83]

there is a bun rescue near me i think. will have to check it out. yeah letting her choose a friend sounds like a great idea!

thats what i was worried about, if i just bring one home, and they hate eachother….i think i will contact the bun rescue and pay them a visit, only thing is i think most of them have been outside buns, so not sure if they’d let me take one as a house rabbit.

i would have considered getting her a friend earlier, but i was waiting for her to be spayed first to avoid any accidental breeding!

[Karla]

Posted By rach83 on 10/18/2009 01:22 AM

thanks karla, yes im starting to feel guilty that shes on her own, although she has plenty of human company i know its not the same.

she will be getting spayed next week, and i have seen a young male i like, would i need to get him spayed before introducing if shes spayed?

or could i wait as he wont be old enough for the op for a while yet?

I think that could work just fine. I did introduce Karl and Molly on a bunny date, but in all honesty, I had already decided on taking Molly. Molly was not that happy about Karl, he was chasing her around to hump her, and she was really scared at the first meeting. But after a few days, they were inseperable. We didn’t even go through the proper bonding process – I had to go away for a few days and had given my boyfriend strict orders, but when I came home both bunnies were out of their cages and bonded. He hadn’t bothered doing the bonding process, and thankfully, it was no problem.

Rabbits are social creatures. I really think that having two bunnies is the best you can do. The people in here on this Forum are very concerned about their bunnies and take good care of them, so I would never think bad about someone in here having just one bunny as I know it is a well-thought decision. Most people I met IRL, however, with just one bunny normally just have one because they have no knowledge about bunnies and it’s just easier for them to have one. Or so they think
 

[rach83]

ANOTHER question, sorry!

have just had a look online at the local buns for rescue, and OMG there is a beautiful continental giant male, neutered. just down the road from me…..but im thinking if he did try and hump Lily he could do her some damage because of his size?? am i right or does anyone else keep giants and standards together? 

 

[RabbitPam]

It’s great that you’re getting her spayed in a week. It’s best if you wait until a month after the surgery before introducing her to any males, since the hormones need to die down. Definitely do not introduce her to an unneutered male for another 4-5 weeks. A neutered male is best, since you won’t have to pay for that surgery too.

I would keep my eyes peeled on who’s available, then make some dates for her to meet some of these buns after the time has passed. She will know who is too big, small, etc. There are factors just like people that make two bunnies like each other or not get along. While you’re waiting, check out the costs and needs for two habitats and care should you get a second one and the worst case scenario – they can’t get along or be together – happens. Even if they love each other, read up on the bonding process so you have two cages etc. for their gradual bonding.

I don’t think a single bunny is lonely to the point of depression. It can depend on the bunny’s nature. But both my bunnies have been single with me, and they do their sleeping when I am at work. They socialize with me, or play around the apartment. They never met each other, and Sammy is very different than Spockie was, but she’s such a diva that I don’t know if she would get along with another bunny anyway.

[rach83]

well i did call the rescue today and ask about ‘wiggles’ the giant, he’s 1, neutered, and they said i could take Lily down there to meet him in neutral territory. i think as rabbitpam said i will keep looking about and im guessing Lily will choose the one she likes eventually!

and if not she can stay on her own! she seems perfectly happy, i just felt a bit sad seeing all the other rabbits together on here

and thought if im going to get her a friend i should get one while she’s still young. anyway she’s in for her spay next week and vaccinations also so will leave her to recover for a while after that. thanks guys

[jerseygirl]

 

but…..do you guys who own more than one bun, think its a bit cruel keeping her with no other rabbits?

Absolutely not. She has you and your family. They just like company – it doesn’t have to be in form of another rabbit. I had a single bun for over a year and she was happy. I always thought she was more of the single type too. Even with me around, she would go off to have alone time quite alot. She even still does this even now after I got the 2nd rabbit.  I think for house rabbits (as opposed to outdoor hutch bunnies and the bottom of the yard, only seen to be fed) they get to be part of the family and do well.   Bunny dating will give you more of an idea how she will do with a bunny companion if you do choose to go down that path.

 

[Desma]

Hunny Bunny is my very first rabbit. I got information on line to know what I was getting into before I got a rabbit. I have had pet ferrits years ago and rescued ferrets and love them but I am allergic to them horribly with a bad skin rash so I cannot have them anymore and besides that, bunnies would freak out at their scent because they are prey for them. I have also had a pet opposum etc. I have had pets of all kinds. I love to educate and bless my grandchilden with the importance of how we love and respect God’s creation. My Hunny Bunny is alone and she loves to play with the kitties but they reject her now because she got too big and I sense the disappointment and sadness of how she feels when she wants to play. She is mostly strongly bonded to me and I pay attention to her constantly and she seems to be very very happy. She is horribly spoiled and she is very smart and when you have only one rabbit, the advantage is when you pour yourself into one rabbit, it benefits and is very much nurtured more than you know when you give all your attention to one bun. She does not chew on carpets or electric cording etc because I had the time to train her. She made mistakes in the begining but over all, she loves to please me and not misbehave. She also allows me to hold her like a baby and rock her and sing to her and she falls asleep and honks, or, snores while I massage my thumb inbetween her toes. She loves her feet to be messaged. I am going to get a baby male Netherland Dward companion for her in about six weeks, he will be old enough. I am only concerned about her jealousy and rejection so I have to be careful, but, over all, I am much positive that she is so loving and gentle, she will accept him.

[MooBunnay]

To answer the question about keeping different size bunnies together you might want to go down to look at the post in the “Lounge” forum about the odd couple Really, bonding is all personality based, with size, and gender being second. Really, you need one bunny to be dominant and the other to be submissive, so while a male/female bond is usually easiest, it really depends on the bunny’s personality.

As far as keeping a single bunny, I think it is really up to what is best for you and your bun together. If you feel that one is enough for now, then don’t feel bad. You can still give your bunny lots of love and attention, and then get a second bun when/if you are ready. You don’t want to stress yourself out by forcing yourself to get a second one if you aren’t ready yet. It sounds like you are a really good bunny Mom, so don’t worry too much, your bunny is getting love, attention, and good care, which is a lot more than some bunnies get.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I agree-not cruel to keep her seperate-as long as she gets lots of attention from you. I found my best bond was with my single female. BUT I also find that they seem happier in pairs.

For the size-those teeth can do damage. Size-I don’ think it’s that big of a deal. I have a 9 lb rabbit with a 3 pound, bonded pair. And a 7-8lb with a 4 lb. Honestly I love size difference because I know exactly who’s poos belong to who-so it’s easy to monitor poop

[rach83]

one thing that does worry me is that if lil and another bun dont get on and i have to keep them seperate, it then means ill have 2 to give attention to at different times, and that would cut down on time spent with each rabbit.

im going down the bunny dating route….going to wait until shes recovered from spay and then take her to the rescue on a few dates.

if she gets on with another i will hopefully bring one home…and if not ill accept that she’s happy on her own

thanks for all the helpful advice guys, will let you all know if she gets a friend

[Monkeybun]

Monkey’s crossing her ears for you for luck!

[Beka27]

Buns can definitely be happy and content as singles, with plenty of human love and attention! So I wouldn’t feel guilty as long as she’s getting a lot of love from you…

As far as people saying their buns are “divas” and would probably not like another bun… I HAVE a diva. She is as attention-seeking and Princess-like as they come… and I had the same hesitations with her. Let me tell you tho… having a mate is just one more “person” to dote on her… so SHE LOVES IT! Even the “diva” buns like to have a bunny mate…

[Adalaide]

I likely won’t be getting Freya a mate. She’s my spoiled little brat. While I would be willing to dedicate the time needed to properly care for two buns seperately and take the time to bond them, if they didn’t bond it would be devistating. I am not (at least at this time) willing to take time away from Freya for another rabbit just because they can’t get along. She gets a lot of attention. She binkies all the time (assuming I do not have a camera) and generally seems very happy. I just don’t see the need to give her furry companionship when she seems quite content with slave companionship. Besides, another bun wouldn’t be able to give her raisins, this makes my company far superior.

[Hedi]

My 6lb Mini Lop Cooper is bonded to Pookie who is a 2.5lb Dwarf and they are the best of friends and bonded immediately.

We did bunny dating with Carrera and Hoopie and it went ok at the rescue but then when we tried at home Carrera didn’t want him at all. Carrera is 6yo and is very set in her ways and I think she is happy being alone.
We kept Hoopie because we fell in love w/ him. I know he would love a friend but 5 buns would be too much for me to clean up after. But he loves my husband so much that he follows him around like a puppy. Hates not being w/ him when he is out.

Buns are all just so different that you just wont have a clue until you get in there and do bunny dating. I strongly suggest that you dont get your heart set on a specific bun and let your bunny pick out her mate. You may be surprised who she chooses.

[hooty22]

Felony is an only-child and has been for almost 3 years. He’s very happy, and loves hanging around me. He’s kind of weird around other animals (cats and dogs). I think it’s because he doesn’t know hes a rabbit and he tries to boss them around by running full force at them and head butting them.
I think bunnies can be very happy as the only bun as long as the humans are social with them.

[Desma]

That is so funny. I recently watched a youtube video of a bunny wanting to butt heads with a goat and of course, goats love to butt heads

[hooty22]

He does it all the time. It actually hurts! He’s head butted my ankles a few times like that… It makes me certain he has no idea what kind of animal he is.

[rach83]

im not getting another bun just yet, as ive just found out we are moving in a month! so lots to do not the right time for another to watch and bond. Lily is also being quite a handful…..and has decided to start peeing on the bed again!!! (i never grab her to put her in, i tempt her with veg…my boyfriend however the other day did grab her to put her in and it seemed to start after that, wondering if thats something to do with it????) anyway..Lily shall have my full attention for a bit longer!

[wendyzski]

I always planned to get another rabbit after I’d had Pepper because I’ve always read that they do best in pairs.

Pepper, however, doesn’t know how to read.

I took her bunny-dating THREE SEPARATE TIMES and she ended up beating up everybun she met – boys and girls.  We had one possible (as in she didn’t attack him immediately) home to foster for a week and she had him terrorized – grabbing the bars of the pen in her teeth and lunging and growling.  After the poor boy spent the weekend hiding in his litterbox I gave in and brought him back.  He found a home a few weeks later.  Even the rabbit coordinator at the shelter finally gave up.

Then Pepper developed chronic pasteurella which is highly contagious so getting a second bun would most likely mean having a second sick bun.  Looks like it’s just me and her then.  She is free-range except for the computer room. She sleeps under my bed, and usually choses to hang out in whatever room I’m in.  I’ll be watching TV and she’ll be lying on the rug nibbling on a magazine, just chillin.

[bunnytowne]

That felony bun is a charactor.   Head butts.  I bet he and ruby would be head butting happy 

OH my poor Pepper thats so sad.  I wonder if he picked up the horrid P from a bonding session.  Yikes.

cotton does enjoy a friend in Ruby or did anyway  but I would have to work hard at bonding them again. 

Cotton is my little buddy anyways.  He comes bouncing at me leaps upon me and insist on pets.  So yes he is happy and Ruby is too.

She perks up when I talk to her and I go in and pet her one on one for an hour then later b4 bed I give her comp again.

[wendyzski]

Pepper was a park dump at puberty, then came through animal care and control and then spent almost an entire year at the shelter – any one of those places is a possible pasteurella site.  But we’ve got it mostly under control now.

[rach83]

Well i think Lily seems very happy, always wanting strokes, binkying, follows me around..heres some updated pis of her, and boy has she grown quick!!  She actually seems much happier to see me now she has restricted time for coming out, temporarily so i can supervise her more for her toilet training!

[jerseygirl]

I’ll say it again…She’s Amazing! lol, is she blowing a raspberry there in that first pic? Perhaps it’s the defined routine you’ve got for her currently she is responding too? They do like routines! So she knows when it’s “down time” for napping and when it’s time to come and play etc

[rach83]

Posted By jerseygirl on 10/24/2009 01:50 AM
I’ll say it again…She’s Amazing! lol, is she blowing a raspberry there in that first pic? Perhaps it’s the defined routine you’ve got for her currently she is responding too? They do like routines! So she knows when it’s “down time” for napping and when it’s time to come and play etc

maybe yes, she does seem calmer and happier, and the litter trainings picking up well again now.

Thanks she is amazing! shes so friendly and does full on side flopsies for strokes for me, lets me stroke her belly

 

[Author]

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