Should I adopt another rabbit?

[KodaBear]

My 2 1/2 year old rabbit used to be very hyper and loved coming out of his x-pen to play but after hitting about 2-yrs old and being neutered he really just sleeps all day and only gets crazy when he knows foods coming his way.

I think he might be lonely, being by himself. I’d like to adopt him a friend when I can, would this cheer him up? (I move out soon but my parents aren’t too happy with the idea of another) 

[tobyluv]

Most rabbits do love to have a companion, to snuggle with, to give and receive grooming, to communicate with, but there are those few rabbits that prefer to be the sole rabbit in the house. You could take a chance and adopt another rabbit, keeping in mind that the bond may not work for one reason or another, which means that they would have to be housed separately. Most bonds do go well – some may be almost instant, others may take weeks or more to accomplish. Since you have a neutered male, you would probably have the best luck in getting a spayed female for a companion.

You also have to factor in the costs. Your food bill will be doubled, you will face extra vet bills, etc.

Here are 2 good articles on bonding:

https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/tabid/53/CategoryID/9/PID/940/Default.aspx

http://rabbit.org/faq-bonding-multiple-rabbits/

And here is an article discussing the facts of adding a second rabbit to your house:

http://rabbit.org/are-two-rabbits-right-for-you-2/

I have bonded 5 pairs of rabbits over the years, and they were all easy bondings. They were all spayed female and neutered male pairings. I have found that bonding inside of an x-pen, where you get in too, is a good way to introduce rabbits.

[LittlePuffyTail]

tobyluv gave some great advice. Just want to add that while rabbits are social animals in nature, that doesn’t necessarily mean your bun is unhappy being alone. He sounds like a normal bun to me. Most buns sleep most of the day and are awake and active during morning and evening. I’ve never had a bonded pair and don’t assume any of my buns have ever been unhappy. As long as you are spending lots of time with him and he gets lots of out-of-cage time, he’s probably fine.

That being said, if you do decide to go through with getting another, your best bet for an easy bond is to let him pick his own mate. I was unable to do that when I adopted my new bun but I’m still hoping they will bond.

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