Should I get a 2nd Rabbit?

[Dessa]

Hi! Around October, I got a 6 week old lionhead/lop baby (Her name is Luna.), and I love her like a child. She’s incredibly smart and active and even learned to litter train in 3 weeks, however I’ve noticed lately she’s been acting up and behaving differently. She constantly throws herself against her cage (I try to keep her cage free when I can be around to watch her) and bites the bars uncontrollably. No toys (rabbit, dog, cat, etc) seem to interest her, not even toilet paper rolls or newspaper. Unfortunately I seem to be getting busier and busier, with college, jobs, etc, and have to leave her home alone for most of the day. I think that she might be getting too lonely or bored, and it’s affecting her quality of life. When I’m home I try to pay as much attention to her as possible, but I’m starting to think she needs a buddy. 

My question is, do you think it’s necessary, or is there more I could be doing? She’s not spayed, and can’t get spayed until February, but there is actually a male rabbit that I kind of have my eye on if I were to adopt a new one. (He’s always passed over, and was just given back right before Christmas :0( ) He’s not neutered, but I would def get him neutered if I were to try and bond them. Also, if I should get Luna a friend, what’s the best way to bond them? Sorry for so many questions, all answers are appreciated! Thanks <3 

[Hazelbunny]

I think you should try bonding her with another bun, she could be trying to get attention. Some bunnies get separation anxiety and I think you should watch her to make sure she is fine. Having two rabbits is a great idea, two rabbits can snuggle, play and keep each other company.
But make sure you neuter the Male!! I got my male rabbit a friend and before we knew it we had two litters!(he is neutered now)

[Wick & Fable]

Another rabbit would help, but you’ll need to be aware that the bonding process takes a lot of your time and will take months, in addition to getting BOTH rabbits fixed and waiting a month following each procedure so the hormones regulate. If you do not have time to for rabbit care now and you’re considering another rabbit, you absolutely need to make time for the bonding process or it will end up being more stressful.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Wick & Fable]

Another rabbit would help, but you’ll need to be aware that the bonding process takes a lot of your time and will take months, in addition to getting BOTH rabbits fixed and waiting a month following each procedure so the hormones regulate. If you do not have time to for rabbit care now and you’re considering another rabbit, you absolutely need to make time for the bonding process or it will end up being more stressful.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Mikey]

All rabbits need to be spayed/neutered and given two months to heal before you can bond them. As long as you have the time and space (each rabbits needs 18sqft cages/pens, as well as 7 hours a day outside of their cages/pens minimum) to keep them completely apart until May, and have the funds to afford both surgeries, I say go for it. If you dont have the time, space, and money to wait till May, dont do it. If you do not have the time to bond (which can take over a year in some cases and needs to be done every single day), then do not do it.

If you do not have the means to give your current rabbit the bare minimums, rehome your rabbit. Shes throwing herself against her cage because she absolutely needs more room and needs more time outside of her cage. She can severely harm herself, or even kill herself, when she does this. You need to expand her space and give her more time.

[DanaNM]

How big is her cage? Can you attach a pen to give her a “front yard”, or consider building a condo for her? My bunnies love climbing so they love their condo.

If you do bond they will need more space anyway, so I would address her housing situation first.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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