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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum BONDING Are 2 bunnies always necessary?

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    • AcornBuns
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        We’re going on vacation in a few weeks and we were thinking about getting another bunny once we got back and starting the bonding process. I guess I have 2 main questions.

        1. If your bunny is already happy, is it necessary? Our bunny seems happy. He is free range, spends most of his time with someone from our family on the ground with him and he does 1/2 and full binkies + bunny 500s daily. (I’m a nerd and was worried about his overall happiness and have been keeping track of it in my planner. Yeah.) I guess, as a first time bunny owner, I’m worried about the bonding process and what would happen if they never get on. We really don’t have space in our home for two separate bunny areas.

        2. Can bunnies bond with dogs? We have a dog and they really do get on very well and lately I’ve noticed our bunny sleeping next to him and grooming his legs. With our family and dog, is it enough?

        TIA!


      • Luna
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          Keeping track of Acorn’s daily behavior isn’t silly. It’s essential to know what your bun’s normal personality is and how your bun normally acts because changes in eating habits/behavior usually indicates that something is wrong (ie. bun is sick or not feeling well). Two buns are suggested because buns are social animals and need companionship to thrive. But remember that your bun has you, and any other animal in the family that he feels comfortable around. Luna is a solo bun and is very happy. We have a good bond, and when I’m at work she has Oreo the Cat to keep her company. By company, I mean Oreo is more or less indifferent to Luna’s presence. They get along though, and they both sleep in the same room at night and nap in the same room during the day when I’m at work. So it’s definitely possible for your bun to bond with the dog, and the dog can be another source of companionship for him. Though it is advisable to introduce different species, especially a prey animal and predator animal, very carefully.

          Overall, if Acorn is happy, I wouldn’t change things up by adding another bun to the family unless it is something you want to do personally. Don’t get me wrong – I’m all about bun rescue/adoption – I’m just saying make sure your heart is in it before making a commitment .


        • Boston's Mama
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            I had Oakley on his own for a few months then tried to get him a friend… was a disaster for me in my experience. I ended up getting a second but they have no contact at all. Both live in the lounge but seperate cages and pens
            Works for me but if your one is free range it can complicate things if you have two unbonded- you would need to be able to seperate them if it didn’t work bonding ( ie half the house each )
            If it works it’s great! They will have a bond for life and love each other and constant company
            Is it nessassary ? Not in your situation. Indoor buns who are bonded to you and other pets ( your dog ) and get a lot of attention it’s not ness
            They are social animals so social interaction is important – but threat can be human or other buns – or both

            Mine like each other’s from a distance – they watch each other’s and aren’t stressed out – but if I tried to bond them I know it wouldn’t work as Oakley hates other bunnies upclose


          • AcornBuns
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              Thank you both for your replies! It’s great to hear that your bunnies are so happy!

              I would love to adopt another bunny, another 10 really! But, after reading about the bonding process on here and online, I’m really nervous to try. I just don’t know how we’d manage 2 free range bunnies in our small home.

              Thanks for the thoughts!


            • Boston's Mama
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                You could go to a rescue – they do bunny dates – gives you a better idea on whichever ones she may bond too
                I totally understand your fears though – I had a pair in the past pre any understanding they may not bond… my pair bonded instantly and never had a issue.
                My current boy I attempted another and Oakley hated him , never even got to the bonding as he was so stressed having him in same room that after 2 days and so much stress we realised there was no way and his original owner found him a new home – broke our hearts! I said I’d never do it again but Boston came up sick in a petstore and they weren’t getting him vet treatment / so I took him with plans to get him care and meds , get him a bit healthier then take him to a rescue I know well and have them find him a home but Oakley didn’t care in the slightest he was here across the room !
                Reacted totally different with this guy ( I reckon it’s cause Boston was sick and no threat )
                Now Boston is much better and there cages are about 3 metres apart and Oakley still doesn’t care- as long as he stays that far away- cage any closer and Oakley becomes very stressed.
                My point is i understand your fears – and it sux when it doesn’t work out – but for some it does ( like my first pair)
                Yours will be totally fine as a sole bunny with the attention , time and space given
                But if you want a second and have the time to bond etc then rabbit rescues where your bun can meet other buns and see if she / he will bond would be a good idea – like people they like some and make great friends – but some they just don’t like and will never be friends.

                Maybe going in a few bunny dates will help you decide?
                Or maybe your bun will show you there after a few different dates that she / he is only suited as a sole bunny ( this does happen! And has for some here – including my Oakley )


              • sarahthegemini
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                  I have a really small house and I manage with two free roam buns They’re bonded now and before they were, it was a bit of a hassle but totally manageable. 

                  I do think most bunnies prefer a rabbit companion, there are exceptions but they are just that – exceptions. A human cannot compare to a bunny friend in my opinion. The bonding process is stressful but my gosh it’s worth it. If your bun is happy, that’s great but imagine how happy they’d be if they had a chum they could play and snuggle with. 


                • Jorin
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                    What’s really cool about having a pair is that it brings out a lot more “rabbit” behavior. In our case our bun is definitely happier. Also she no longer hangs out under my office chair licking my feet and legs all day! 🙂


                  • Dface
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                      Single rabbits can be content with human company, but it’s advisable to have 2.

                      Rabbits are exceptionally social creatures, living in groups that can contain over a hundred rabbits, but will have a single bonded partner, whom they prefer.

                      It’s the equivalent of you living with just your bun and your dog. You’ll be happy, but you’d crave human interaction after a while, something that could properly understand you and interact.
                      Bonding can be difficult. Imagine a random human in your house. you’d need time to adjust and see if you like them.
                      But once they do it’s a healthier situation

                      My rabbit recently lost her mate. And i realise how much time they spent together looking back, and also noticing how much time she now tries to spend with me.

                      Your rabbit will love you and be content with just you. But unfortunately, you nor your dog will be an appropriate substitute for company from its own species


                    • Muchelle
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                        I think it all depends on the personality of your single bun. For reasons we don’t know (he surely had a bad childhood but we don’t know exactly what happened to him), my bun is very territorial both over his food and his things so the vet advised us not to get him a mate because it would very likely not work. He also showed signs of aggressions to all non-human creatures, which is a downer cause I kinda wanted to get him a friend to spend his bad times with – but it’d be too complex and very likely a failure.

                        So, do consider your bun’s personality and behaviour, your finances, your patience and if everything’s positive… well, try!

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                    Forum BONDING Are 2 bunnies always necessary?