Unneutered Males in Same Room?

[Ash]

Hi!  I’m new here, but I’ve been browsing on and off for a while.  I couldn’t find the answer to this question, so I hope I don’t cause any problems asking.

Am I able to house unneutered male rabbits in the same room (different cages!) near each other, but prevent them from seeing each other (ie, have fleece between the cages)?  They are not bonded and didn’t show any interest in it, but there isn’t any over aggression either.  

Thank you for having me!  I can’t wait to meet everyone! 

[vanessa]

I don’t see why not. The problem is when they can physically reach each other between the cages. Depending on the rabbit, proximity could cause them to act up. Some ignore each other just fine – I suppose – all the unneutered rabbit’s I’ve had, have fought and sprayed. Having a visual barrier will be a great distraction. They will know that the other one is there because they will still be able to smell, but the barrier would definitely prevent problems.

[Ash]

Thank you so much Vanessa!  I’m happy to know that it should do more help than harm! 

[Boston's Mama]

Depends on the bunnies is the short answer.
Yes, it’s possible – I do ( well did, they are now neutered)
However my first attempt was unsuccessful. Oakley and another were unable to be in same room – despite blocking their vision of each other. The smell of each other was too much for Oakley and he began spraying and acting stressed to the max.
That did not work.
Yet I now have boston , and Oakley loves him being near. They are bar bonded ( love each other caged next door and through bars but are not bonded )

You would need to try them on opposite sides of the room first , unable to see each other. Share nothing so smells don’t mix etc. then slowly move them closer to each other if preferred but wait a few weeks first.

If you intent to bond then once they are at the point they are near each other happily then you could start swapping items , bowls , trays etc to get them use to each other’s smells. Obviously do not attempt bonding without neutering.

However even if you do not intend to bond you should neuter. There are many health risks with not neutering as well as behavioural. It will take the hormones out of the equation and make them less likely to spend their time seeing the other as invading their territory and other hormonal driven behaviours.
Housed in same room or next to each other – bonded or not bonded- neutering will give them and you the best possible outcome.

[Azerane]

Yes, you can. It really depends on the individual rabbits in question though, keeping them in the same room may also spark more hormonal behaviours and cause them to spray urine a lot if they don’t already. Just something to keep in mind

[sarahthegemini]

It may stress them out being able to smell each other but not see. Could you possibly keep them in separate rooms to begin with, and swap some items between them to get them accustomed to the other’s scent? And then put them in same room together?

[Ash]

Thank you everyone! With the summer heat starting to roll in, I’m hoping to move the buns into the cooler area of the house, which happens to be only one room.

Oakley and Boston’s Mom – I will definitely look into neutering more. I didn’t realize all the benefits! Great idea about slowly putting them closer as well.

Azerane – I’m lucky that neither have sprayed and honestly, that thought never even crossed my mind! All they do for marking is rub their cheeks and chins on everything.

Sarah the Gemini – Another great idea about switching some items! I’ll start that process tonight!

[Author]

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