Lonely Bunny?

[Jesse97]

I have a rabbit, Jonah who seem happy and content but I sometimes wonder if he’s lonely. He has a 4 by 3 (56 by 42 inches) c and c cage and is free run of my room for most of the day except night time when I have to keep him in his cage. I know that rabbits don’t NEED other rabbits as company but would it benefit him. If I where to get another rabbit would it be enough space if I let them free run of my room during the day but then would have to lock them in the 56 by 42 inch cage at night ( by the way, it also has a 42 by 14 inch loft)?

 

[Beka27]

I’m not sure if that space would be big enough. When you bond rabbits, it’s not uncommon to need a second litterbox, so keep in mind that the space may be more cramped. Are you able to expand the cage, or build a couple additional levels (full levels)?  

You would need a second cage or pen for during the bonding process, so another option is to get an xpen for the second bunny and then somehow combine the two when they’re bonded…

[lindsay715]

I think that if you have the resources for another rabbit, it really does benefit them to have a partner.  In my mind, these are the resources:

Space:  Two bunnies of course means more space, but you also have to take into account that they will need separate living areas during the bonding process.  X-pens can solve this problem pretty nicely.  Separate litter boxes and feeding areas will also be needed for bonding. 

Time: Bonding requires lots of time… your time, specifically Facilitating the bonding process means that you will have to supervise lots of “dates,” which will be short at first, but will eventually require a couple hours of your attention.  These dates can go on for months before they are ready to live together.  If you adopt a bunny that is not litter-trained, you will also have to take training time into account. 

Money:  I’m not sure if your little guy is neutered, but if you decided to get another bunny, having both of them fixed is essential.  (Even if you just have one bunny, it is very important.)  The surgery can run from $100-300 for each rabbit.  With a new addition you will also be doubling feed, hay, and veggie purchases, and more vet checkups as well. 

I sure there are more things to take into account, but those are the issues that come to mind.  Rabbits don’t mind alone time, but I think it is very enriching for any social animal to have company. 

[Jesse97]

Thank you everyone for your comments. And yes, he is neutered and the shelter I would be getting the second rabbit spayed/neuters rabbits before if they are the right age. I am defiantly going to consider all these ideas. I do have an extra cage for during the bonding process but like all you said I’m still not 100% that there is enough room for them. I would just want the best for my rabbits considering the rabbit I already have. I just don’t want my rabbit to be lonely. Thanks again to all who gave their input. I am still deciding if its a possibility.

[Elrohwen]

That’s a fairly small space for two rabbits. Mine live in a 4’x4′ pen when we travel with them and they can tense with each other after a while (even though they have time out daily). It depends on the pair I guess and their relationship (one of my buns likes to chase the other, so more space is better)

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