Pros and cons of getting a second rabbit

[CocoaPuff123]

So, I currently have my beautiful mini rex Cocoa. A local shelter just got in about 13 rabbits that need homes. I’ve really been on the fence about getting another rabbit. Will Cocoa feel jealous or upset towards the new rabbit? I would love to adopt another rabbit, but I’m so worried that Cocoa won’t be too happy about it. I’m also really nervous about the bonding process. What if it doesn’t go well? I’m just so nervous. Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[toki]

What I would do is go to the shelter and try “rabbit speed dating”, letting Cocoa choose a partner. Cocoa might want to kill some but love others. If bonding doesn’t go well, would you be able to return the new bun to the center? If not, would you be prepared to house the buns separately? Rabbits are generally very social animals and I always recommend getting a friend for them, especially if you aren’t able to provide enough interaction with them throughout the day.

[BanditCamp]

It depends if your going to be around a lot. If you are going to he around and sociable with your bunny sometimes that’s all that’s needed for a bunny. If your going to be gone for long periods and only be around for 1-3 hours a day a partner might be suitable.

I never consider gov8ng a bunny back an option and that taking him is a commitment to do your best as possible unless you think that your best efforts will only harm your bunny

[vanessa]

I agree with the aboves. If u have lots of time at home to b your bunnies pal, your bunny could b happy as a single. If u work full time, u might consider adopting a second. Bonding is not an easy or wuick or stress free task… u might end up with a pair, or 2 singles. Personally, i agree with banditcamp. I wouldnt get a bunny with the option of giving it back. I also feel it is a life commitment. Not judging. If u do decide to give a bunny back over difficulty bonding, u will never know if u waited long enough, gave up too soon, etc. i had 2 pairs bond in 3 weeks. My third pair took 8-10 months. If i had given up at 4 months for example, they would have missed out. That being said, it is an absolute joy seeing two snuggly bonded bunnies keeping eachother company.

[toki]

I’d also like to point out that under the “Bunny Info” tab at the top, there is a section on bonding, with lots of useful information. This might help you make a decision on whether you could manage the physical process of bonding. It’s very possible that Cocoa won’t get on with a new bunny, but that is why it helps to let your rabbit pick its own partner at the centre first. You don’t need to feel as if you couldn’t take a rabbit back to the centre if you really need to. At the end of the day, you want what is best for both buns.  If they didn’t bond successfully despite your best efforts and you couldn’t provide the newer rabbit with its own adequate permanent housing (I know that personally I don’t have a home that is big enough for adequately housing two separate rabbits permanently ), then it would be best for the bun to be returned and enjoy a decent quality of life, with the prospect of finding a new, suitable home. Otherwise, the only alternative would be never finding a new friend for Cocoa, which, if she needs one, would be unfortunate. I just don’t want you to be discouraged and think, “if I adopt another rabbit, I’ll be locked into keeping them forever even if they don’t bond!”  By adopting, you are offering a bunny a forever home and a forever friend – and if it doesn’t work out, don’t feel like you are forced to keep the bun. We all have different living situations, and you’re definitely allowed to try and get a friend for Cocoa (if you do feel your bunny needs a pal) without worrying that unconditional commitment is hanging in the balance. That said, you may still wish to keep both housed separately on their own if the bonding doesn’t go well. Keep us updated on what you decide to do. Cocoa looks like a really gorgeous bun 

[vanessa]

Yeah the trouble is I agree with both Toki AND BanditCamp!
Ad it’s really hard to predict how the bonding will go. After my first two pairs went so smoothly, I thought that was the way it was. Today I think it was just pure luck. The third pair was so difficult, it makes me hesitant to do it again. I do plan on trying a trio in the future, but only when I know I have the time, (it’s very time consuming), and only once I’ve thought it through some more – the possibility of ending up with 3 singles.

Another option is – enjoy getting to know Cocoa, and determine if she looks happy as a single bun. You could get her a stuffy. I gave Lancelot a stuffy, and he loves it to bits. Grooms the crap out of it, sleeps on it, grooms a wet patch on it and then uses that wet patch to wipe his eye (ingenious self-grooming with his limited mobility). Guinevere also loves her stuffy. She regularly grooms it, and lies next to it.

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