Just curious – general question about BONDING

[DorothyTheMiniSatinBun]

Just out of curiosity… for those of you that have had single rabbits to start out with.. how long before you decided to add a friend? I am trying to decide if this is a good idea for Dorothy to help her with boredom and loneliness Also, how much space did you add and how much does it add to your expenses?

[Dface]

I had Sampras about nine months before getting Yumi. I realized no matter how much time I spent with him when I was at home,my 10 hours at work were too much for him to be left alone. Initially the space thing was annoying-I needed two cages before they bonded, I needed 2 of everything! Although a temporary enclosure would have done the trick in hindsight!

But after they bonded they didnt really need that much more room-they had a cage with xpen attatched and then were allowed out to explore when I was around. So it didnt really cause any hassle.

Yumi has only been to the vet twice- Once for her inoculations and to look at her deformed paw, and once because she ate a poisonous plant(which was avoidable and not REALLY her fault)
. But in general, if you adopt from a shelter Im sure they will be vetted before you bring it home, so you know there are no underlying health problems, which means for the most part you’ll just be paying double the standard fees(plus the once off fee for a nueter-although some shelters will pay for it first).
Expenses for food will go up, as will treats(cant give something to one without giving it to the other!) but they wont need so much stimulation with a ‘friend’ to keep them company.
I bought a long haired rabbit so I’ve to spend a lot more time on grooming and defurring all of my clothes, and you will need to clean the litter tray a lot more often.
Thats all I can think of off the top of my head!

[DorothyTheMiniSatinBun]

That’s awesome, thanks for all the info! I am planning on adopting from the same shelter I got Dorothy from, where they have bunny “speed dating” so she meet a couple of bunnies and see how well they do together at first. She is still very happy, and I feel we spend enough time with her right now, but eventually I may go back to school so I won’t have as much time for stimulation and enrichment like you mentioned. I anticipate by spring or summer next year she will have a friend  

[Dface]

Just keep in mind that bonding can take longer with some than with others! So be sure to give it plenty of time (you don’t need bickering bunnies stressing you out -going back to school is hard enough without that!!)

[Vienna Blue in France]

Hi great idea

I had Zou for 2 years before I decided getting another, but during those 2 years she had a dog and cat to keep her company. Since then they have both left and so it was a no brainer for me.

In comes Henry…!!

It’s a bit like the second child. First is perfect so second comes along and oh my goodness. SO much more work, but I’m post neuter (well, he is, not me!) and so they are separate for now. Bonding will start in 2 weeks…. (and I’m counting each hour…)

Costs, well I would say if Dorothy’s living conditions are OK for two, then it’s “just” double everything. Food bills x2, vaccines x2, litter x2 and everything else x2.

But I am SO excited about seeing them together that for me, the double cost will be worth it (plus I don’t have cats or dogs expenses to pay for now…. )

If they don’t bond, I know I will definitely regret getting a second, however lovely Henry is. (don’t tell him that).
The whole, entire, absolute aim is for Zou to be bonded. A quick speeddate with no nipping was the only sign of hope I have that things will be OK.

I also have a rabbit bonder who has been recommended to me in the UK as a joker card. If I have to pay. I will. That’s how much I want this.

So, the simple answer to your question is, go with your instinct. And re costs, multiply everything by two.

[Dface]

If they don’t bond, I know I will definitely regret getting a second

I think there is a generic consensus about this !!

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