Should I get another bunny?

[somebun]

So I’ve been thinking about getting Ollivander a companion. I got a new job and now 2-3 days a week I’m gone early morning to night, and sometimes overnight. My mother takes care of him when I’m gone, but he still doesn’t get as much attention as he does when I’m home and can be with him most of the day. I’ll also be going back to school this fall, so that will take up more of my time too. I figure he has to get lonely, so I’m thinking about trying to bond him with another bun.

I know he has to be neutered first. I’m worried about the risk of surgery (I know the risks are low, but they’re still there). I’m also worried about neutering changing his (wonderful) personality. He isn’t exactly cuddly, but he’s friendly and inquisitive. He has a big personality and I don’t want neutering to change that – I’ve heard of it happening. He doesn’t have any behavior issues, no spraying or humping, and he’s litter trained. Basically if it wasn’t for the fact that I may get another bunny, there would be no reason to neuter him.

I’m also wondering if rabbits really need companions to be happy. I’ve read mixed opinions – some people say they’re fine by themselves, others say that even a lot of human attention doesn’t replace having another rabbit around and a single rabbit is depressed  So I don’t know who to believe.

I keep going back and forth. I really don’t know what to do. Just looking for some opinions on whether or not rabbits need to be kept in pairs, and whether or not neutering will change his personality.

 

[LBJ10]

The only changes to “personality” that you would see are those behaviors that are hormone-related. Neutering doesn’t change a rabbit’s overall personality. If he is an inquisitive boy, he will likely remain that way.

Getting a companion is up to you. There are pros and cons to doing so. If you want to go for it, I would have him neutered first. Then take him to pick out a friend for himself.

[tobyluv]

If you are seriously thinking about getting him a companion, you should go ahead and schedule the neuter. Males can still impregnate a female for a month afterwards, which means they will have to be kept apart then. I assume you are thinking of getting a female companion, since that is the most successful or easy bonding. Depending on how backed up your vet is, it may be a couple of weeks before he could have the surgery. So that could mean a wait of a month and a half or more before you can get a companion and start the bonding process. There are a lot of bunnies in shelters and rescues in need of a home, and I know that rabbits love to be with their own kind, snuggling, grooming each other, communicating in bunny language – but there are also rabbits who are happy to be a single rabbit in their home.

[LBJ10]

I don’t think gender matters. My boys love each other. I would let him pick out his own friend, girl or boy.

[Amys Animals]

I agree with LBJ…I don’t think gender matters. It depends on personality and who your bunny clicks with.

I have two pairs. Boy and girl, and boy and boy. Both pairs love their buddies so much! Your bunny needs to pick his friend.

Neutering would be the first step.

[Deleted User]

I really do not believe that a single rabbit who gets lots of attention and interaction with its human (and/or other animals in the household) is going to be depressed. That said I don’t think a human companion is the same as being with another rabbit. No matter how much you love them and are with them you simply cannot be a rabbit. It does sound as though yours is looking at being on his own for longish stretches and if you have the space and are willing to go through the bonding process then I’d go for it. I’ve had one rabbit on his own and now have a pair, and there isn’t a day I don’t see them together at some point and think I’m so glad they have each other! (And while I never would have been brave enough to try bonding, and was totally ignorant that there was a need to bond so I’m glad I didn’t try, I am sincerely sorry that my last boy did not have the love and companionship of one of his own.)

I’m no authority on the topic but I wouldn’t worry too much about his personality changing after neutering. It is an essential step since you might indeed see that personality change if you adopt a second male, and of course with a female you run the obvious risk.

My pair are two males, and not only on this forum but in other places I’ve read of many pairs of either two females or two males, so I’m inclined to think the claim that they should be two different genders is a bit of a myth, or at the very least over emphasized. If he can pick his own friend I’d expect that would make it a lot easier. My only concern (in your place) would be the actual bonding process. If you feel up to it then I think it would be great.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I didn’t notice any change in personality when I neutered boys.

As for whether to add a new bunny or not, keep in mind that bonding can be a long and time-consuming process. Unless you have a rescue that will bond them for you, you need to be prepared to dedicate weeks or even months to bonding them. Some bunnies bond almost instantly, some take many months. If you are leaving in the Fall, you may not have time to fully bond them and, most likely, don’t want to end up with two separate buns.

[hannaroo]

Although human interaction is important for a bunny I really do think being around its own kind is a very positive thing (although as with everything there are a few exceptions) my bunnies actually became a lot more friendly and placid when I bonded them which enabled me to interact with them for longer and they were just ALOT more confident in general with another bunny around so I don’t think that you need to worry about your bond with him as long as you still spend a lot of time socialising with him

If you did decide to get another bunny may i suggest bunny speed dating at a rescue centre with already neutered/spayed bunnies so he can choose hos mate and you dont have to worry about spaying/neutering another bunny, although olivander will need neutering first.

I think you can only make the choice and consider if you can afford another bunny, could you spare the extra time for grooming, could you accommodate two bunnies seperatly if they began to fight, could you treat them both if they got sick?

You should also take into account that bunnies sleep during the day and if its only a few days a week then I wouldn’t worry too much if you can still spend a lot of time with him if olivander isn’t showing signs of being unhappy I wouldn’t threat about it too much but if you feel he does need a companion then it can put your mind at rest and give him some company

Hope this helps xx

[Elrohwen]

I think some rabbits do a lot better with a companion, but most are fine either way. My Hannah is one of those who seemed to crave that interaction, even though she loves attention from her people, and really did better. My other rabbit though, really doesn’t care less. I mean, he loves his wifebun, but he would be just fine on his own. I think most rabbits are just fine without a companion, but also enjoy having one. It’s really up to you on whether you are ready for a second and ready to do the work of bonding them.

Neutering probably won’t change his personality much at all. It might get rid of some hormonal behaviors, but it’s not going to change his basic temperament.

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