Possible New Addition/Male to Male Bonding

[Gall]

I currently own an adult male lion head.  I got him from a family friend about 4 years ago when the family who owned him didn’t want him anymore.  He is an extremely easy-going and sweet boy.  He is very calm and has been socialized with everything from children to dogs (very strictly supervised). He is litter box trained and I even trained him to come when called.  He will hop right on the couch and snuggle. Right now I am a freshman in college and I live in a dorm so my parents have been taking over the care of my sweet little bun until next year when I get my apartment.  I will be taking him with me to school next year and I have been thinking about getting him a friend.  First off, I was wondering which one is easier to bond a male too? I was hoping to get another male, but I am worried about him becoming territorial.  Any suggestions, stories, opinions or pointers?

[LittlePuffyTail]

Hi and welcome to Binky Bunny.

Females are usually more territorial than males. However, which sex would be an easier bond is really impossible to determine. It really depends on the personality of the bunny. Your best bet, for an easy bond, is to let him chose his mate. Bring him to a rabbit shelter for “bunny dates”. He can meet potential mates and decide which one he likes best.

Just keep in mind, however, that any bonding, even a chosen mate, can be time consuming. You want to make sure you will have the extra time to work with them as bonding can often take weeks or months. You mentioned you will be at school so I suggest you consider the time and money a second bunny will require before you bring another home. You will need to keep them separate until they are a “cemented bond”.

Hope I’ve been helpful.

[Beka27]

I wouldn’t get him a friend, not now. He’ll be in the apartment with you (does the apartment even allow pets, not all do?) and you will be in the apartment quite a bit studying, reading, etc… This is a good opportunity for you to bond strongly with him. During the day when you’re in class, he will be relaxing and sleeping. He won’t be lonely. He sounds like a very sweet, attention-seeking bunny and I worry that you won’t like the behavioral changes that a bonded pair brings. Bonded pairs tend to keep to themselves more.

[Gall]

LittlePuffyTail – Thank you for that information, it was very helpful.
Beka27 – I would be in the apartment for a good amount of time. I am a student athlete though, so during the season I would be spending a little more time away from the apartment (study hall hours and practice and games). Also, my apartment is pet friendly. I will have ample space for him to run around too, I have the whole basement (bedroom and living room area) to myself. My roommates are taking the upstairs. I wasn’t aware that his personality would change if I got him a buddy, I want him to remain cuddly. Maybe I will just spoil him a lot instead of getting him a new friend. (: Thank you.

[tanlover14]

If you decide to get a new bun and need help bonding, lemme know! I have a bonded trio and it took some guessing and research but they were successfully bonded. I would only suggest getting another bun if you could spend the summer before hand bonding them so by the time you’re back in school they would (hopefully) be bonded already.

I would also suggest bunny dating at rescues if you decide to go through with another one. In my experience, my boys quickly got a long while my girl had to show some aggression before she bonded to the boys. It’s totally about personality though. One of my boys is dominant while the other is completely docile and loves everyone and everything. They were a “love at first sight” bond and really didn’t need any type of bonding while my girl was pushy with the new boy bun and rude to him before she decided she liked him! hahaha.

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