bonding questions(PLS ANSWER)

[wintermelon]

Hey guys, im planning to get another rabbit because my bunny seems so lonely and im worried im not spending enough time with him because of school and homeworks. 

1) my bunny is a male and is about 4 years old, but what age of rabbit would be best to get?

2) can I get a bunny without introducing them to each other and bringing the new bunny home(not in the same cage tho) but just put them in separate cages near each other? and slowly begin bonding? will that work?

[DanaNM]

Hi

1. First thing, is your current bunny neutered? If not, that needs to be your first step. Then I believe they need 4-6 weeks for their hormones to settle and to heal. As to the age, it doesn’t really matter, but usually people choose to bond with a rabbit of similar age. The crucial thing is that they are both fixed and healthy, regardless of their sex.

2. Yes, most would agree it is possible to bond most rabbits, although some are easier than others. Ideally you could take your bun on some “dates” at a shelter, so see which he gets along with. But, my first bun was bonded with a bun that belonged to my friend (who she could no longer keep), and i used the strategy you describe (separate pens, near each other but not touching). It was a long bonding process (3 months!), but with patience it worked. Is there a specific rabbit you want to adopt? Or is dating just not possible? There is tons of bonding info online, it sounds like you have done a bit of homework on the basics?

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Love4Bunny]

A second bunny is a big responsibility. Do you think you will have time to bond and also take care of ($$ and time) a second bunny with your school responsibilities? I think company is good for rabbits, but it doesn’t guarantee that it will solve your problem (bonding is stressful). I know you’ve expressed on a few posts that you are worried your bunny is lonely. I love taking care of my rabbits, but it is twice the work in everything. However, if you are prepared for that, you will hopefully end up with a happy pair of rabbits. It just takes time (that’s what bunny ownership is really about – patience). I just want to prepare you for when you get your second rabbit.

[Lucybunz]

Hi! Could you tell me more about your bonding experience?
I have a spayed female and I am getting a friends neutered male. He is a few years younger then her. But how do I introduce him into the home? I was thinking of keeping him in one room for a few days to get used to me and the apartment. And THEN placing their cages near each other. What did you do? And how long did you bond them? Why did it take 3 months?

[wintermelon]

hi yes my bunny is neutered . And i am prepared for the responsibilities i have been thinking of getting another bunny for a long time now and have done a lot of research. Well i was planning to bring my bunny to the shelter and kind of let him see the bunnies but not like let them get near eachother yet. im not sure how it will work so do you think it is a good idea to bring him there because i dont wanna just go home with a new bunny suddenly (u know what i mean) because i asked if they do speed dating but they didnt answer so yeahh. Oh and im still treating my bunny for his eye its not infected or anything it was just a bit red and we wen to the vet and got him eye drops hes been on it for about a month and we still yet to go again for a checkup. But how long should i wait until getting a bunny? becsause i want them to be both healthy and not get anything transferred u know?

[wintermelon]

hi yes my bunny is neutered . And i am prepared for the responsibilities i have been thinking of getting another bunny for a long time now and have done a lot of research. Well i was planning to bring my bunny to the shelter and kind of let him see the bunnies but not like let them get near eachother yet. im not sure how it will work so do you think it is a good idea to bring him there because i dont wanna just go home with a new bunny suddenly (u know what i mean) because i asked if they do speed dating but they didnt answer so yeahh. Oh and im still treating my bunny for his eye its not infected or anything it was just a bit red and we wen to the vet and got him eye drops hes been on it for about a month and we still yet to go again for a checkup. But how long should i wait until getting a bunny? becsause i want them to be both healthy and not get anything transferred u know?

[Love4Bunny]

Yes, I totally understand what you mean about bonding healthy bunnies. That’s good that you’ve prepared yourself It makes a big difference. I would get the all-clear from the vet about your rabbits eye before starting bonding (even if it isn’t anything major). I’ve heard that bunnies who aren’t in the best of health can get rejected by another bunny and it can cause fighting. I’ve never personally experienced this, but I still hear stories from rabbit rescue volunteers and read stuff online regarding this. I would keep asking about speed dating till you get a response. With the new bunny, check the ears, fur, teeth for any abnormal signs. Just observe the new bunny. Any constant scratching or head shaking, that sorta thing, might signal mites (which you’d wanna have them treat before attempting bonding, or have their vet examine the bunny). If they don’t do speed dating, find out if their policy allows for you to bring the new bunny back within a certain period of time and try with another if it’s not looking good between the rabbits. Some shelters are flexible like that. If the shelter doesn’t have a rabbit vet, sometimes they give you a coupon for a free health check with a rabbit vet, so you can quarrantine your new bunny and have them checked out before bonding. I never did speed dating (long story) and it worked out, but that was still a gamble that could’ve worked against me. However, I had one very supportive lady who helped me a ton, and it made all the difference.

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