First time bunny mom

[Demornay]

So my bunny Glenn Coco is about 4/5months old and i know rabbits are a lot happier in pairs and by the way my bunny reacts to me getting off work I can tell she’s lonely. She just recently broke her leg and is currently in a splint, I’m not sure for how long since we have not had her follow up appointment yet but my question is have I waited too long to get her a mate ? or is there a such thing as waiting too long ? and also I have her closed off in a section of my apartment with baby gates and every now and then I let her roam free, was letting her out a mistake ? I know they’re territorial when not spayed and im just trying to get an idea of what bonding will be like when shes ready (even though i know every rabbit is different). I wont be getting her spayed until her leg heals because i feel she’s had enough pain for the time being but other questions I have other than the ones above are: Is a nuetered male the best to option to bond her with ? Does his age matter ? Since I live in a 1 bedroom apartment the only place i would have to keep a new rabbit is in a cage (metal bottom) until they can be in the same space, is that a bad choice ? and last am i getting too in over my head with my limited space, Can i make this work or should I not be caring for bunnies until im in a bigger space ??

P.S I google ALOT which has lead me to all of these doubts

[MoveDiagonally]

Bonding can really only take place with two spayed/neutered rabbits. The best way to choose a compatible mate is to take your bunny on dates. This is where you work with a rescue and have your bunny meet lots of other bunnies until they find one they’re compatible with.

Something to consider is there is always a chance that a bond won’t work out. If that happens you have to be prepared and able to care for two single rabbits. If that’s not an option for you right now (or in general) than I suggest against bringing in another rabbit.

[Demornay]

That’s very true, I somehow over looked that point lol I’ve just read so much about how they live longer with a mate I got really nervous, taking care of two single rabbits is not an option for me right now but I will save up to get a bigger space if need be. I’m basically wondering is there any urgency to get her a mate and If I’m making her life worst by having her as an only child ?

[Linette]

I’m not saying that folks shouldn’t bond, but having rabbits for 40 yrs, I don’t think every rabbit is necessarily happier with a “mate”. Just calling it like I see it.

The best bonds in my years of experience were spayed sisters, unspayed females who were friends in an outdoor pen from a young age and a spayed female with an unspayed female, again in an outside pen.

Not saying that is true across he board, just reporting my own experience.

Males LOVE attention from females, but the gals can get testy with a male too when they are tired of having him a round. Any two rabbits are likely to have a scuffle from time to time, but overall my female pairs were the most happy together.

I have also had many rabbits live long, happy lives without a buddy as members of a human family.

I would suggest, for their own health that females be spayed. It can lengthen their lives. I have had unspayed females live to 11 years old, but they were the exception rather than the rule.

There are never any guarantees with any bond, enter at your own risk?

[MoveDiagonally]

I don’t think bonding is necessary for happy rabbits. Rabbits need companionship but humans can fill that role. Bunnies can be bonded at any age so there’s no rush.

I have 5 unrelated rabbits bonded together. I started with a male/female pair. Then a male, male and female trio. To a male, male, male, female and female quartet. They haven’t fought since they’ve been bonded. In my opinion, gender, age and blood (being family) make little difference in bonding. I think it’s 100% about personality. Some bunnies get along better with other bunnies.

[MK]

You don’t have to get her a mate, and even though they are happier with a mate, I would be inclined to think the “living longer with a mate” thing is pretty unlikely.

As for have you waited too long, I just paired my nine-year-old dwarf, so not at all! They can be paired at any age.

If you decide to bond her, it can really be with any sex, as long as they are fixed. Male-female pairings are more natural, so a lot of shelters like to do that, but it is also possible to have another female.

[Demornay]

Ok that’s great to know !! I want her to have a friend but like I said I want her to heal then get her spayed so it’s good to know i have time and she can go on plenty of “dates” before we find her bestie lol

Is the fact that i let her free once in awhile ok ?? or will she think the entire house is her territory ?? I’m sure after being spayed the territorial thing won’t be as much of an issue but just wondering

[MK]

A lot of people let their rabbits have free run. However, she should only be allowed in areas that are “bunny-proofed” NO wires where she can reach them, no cat or dog food, etc.

[Bunny_Hugs83]

I agree that not all rabbits necessarily “have to” have a mate to be happy. My mother has two rabbits at her place that I totally adore one of which is fixed the other is not i have tried introducing them but this just does not seem to work. Probably due to their age.

but both are played with everyday and get lots of attention, and are loved and taken care of very well. lol and seem perfectly content not aknowledging the existence of another rabbit inside the house

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