Should I get my rabbit a friend?

[Jemima Pope]

I have a 6 year old neutered male Rex rabbit (Pete). He has lived on his own his whole life apart from when I had a Guinea Pig and he was around him for a short time, he never took much interest in the Guinea Pig though. He is friendly with people but I have no idea what he’d be like with another rabbit. I’d like another rabbit if it would make him happier, he does like being around people but obviously he doesn’t have company all the time. Do you think its a good idea to get him a friend? Also would it be better to get an older or younger rabbit?

Any advice welcome

[Bam]

some shelters/rescues offer the opportunity of bunny-dating for bunnies in search of a friend. If that’s available in your part of the world, I’d recommend that. Bunnies (like people!) like to choose their partner. It would also give you a chance to see how he reacts to other rabbits. Is your bunny neutered? That would be required for successful bonding.

[FluffyBunny]

Yes, I highly recommend getting him a friend, if you’re willing to care for 2 rabbits. They really are happiest in pairs – my pair has been together for 4 1/2 years, and they’re like bunny soul mates now. I second the suggestion of taking him in to meet some shelter bunnies before you bring one home. The age shouldn’t matter much, as long as they’re both spayed and neutered. You might want to get one closer to his age so that there’s less chance of one of them dying a long time before the other.

[Eepster]

The biggest question is, are you up for having two bunnies.

You will be nearly doubling the cost of having a bunny. Though there is economy of scale for some costs, other costs simply are doubled. If caring for one bunny is a strain on your budget two bunnies will be a problem.

Do you have room for two? Not only will you need a larger habitat for 2 to be together, until they are fully bonded they each need separate habitats. If bonding fails, this could be a permanent need. Do you have the space for each rabbit to have their own space?

Are you up to dealing with the stress of bonding? It takes time and effort. If you and your older bunny are just both in a happy groove, is it worth it?

I have a single male, and he’s very happy. I have no idea where we would put a second condo. A while back Porky had a several hundred dollar visit to the vet ER from a liver infection. It went on the emergency CC. We are still paying it off. Tempting as it is to think of Porky having a freind to snuggle with, staying single just work for the whole family.

[Jemima Pope]

Thanks for all the advice he is neutered and I’m more than happy to get another rabbit, I have a Guinea Pig cage which I think is big enough for the new rabbit, if not I can get another one. My main concern is that Pete will reject the new rabbit as he’s been the only bunny in the house so far. There is an RSPCA centre by me and I’ll see if I can set up some bunny dating

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