Introducing Myself

[RedRabbit]

Hi! My name is RedRabbit, which is a reference to DC comics (Red Hood, Red Robin) because I’m an absolute nerd.  I have had my bunny, Percy, since about March 2017. I named him Percy after Percy Jackson from the book series, because he had black fur with little silver hairs mixed in. I’m pretty sure that he is at least part Silver Fox Rabbit. He currently lives in a hutch in my garage, which is insulated. However, I’ve been doing more research lately other than just youtube and I realized that I needed to get him a much better setup. So, I ordered a large dog pen online, which should be here any day. I’m going to put his new setup in my basement, which is where my studio is. I’m excited to really up my care standards, and give Percy a much better life. Not that he was unhappy previously, but now he’s getting a serious upgrade.

I’ve seen a lot of people saying that rabbits NEED to be in pairs, but then just as many saying that its optional. If he needs a buddy, I’d be more than happy to get Percy a friend, but if someone could clarify this that would be great. In addition, he’s not neutered. I’m assuming I’d have to get him neutered if I were to get another rabbit- but so far he seems happy and I haven’t been having any spraying issues, so what do you recommend on that aspect?

Probably my favorite thing about Percy is the way he eats lettuce and leafy greens- it reminds me of printer sucking up paper.  He is super sweet, and literally the friendliest rabbit I’ve ever met. I love to learn, so I hope that this forum has a lot to teach me!

[Wick & Fable]

Your engagement in boosting care is wonderful and the BB community is definitely game to help! The xpen is a great addition.

If you want to bond your rabbit, neutering is necessary. I have heard of bonds between two unfixed males, but with hormones flying and the fact that even fixed rabbits can become rowdy around an unfixed rabbit, it’s unusual and typically not worth the risk of a sudden fight. That’s my understanding, though I have not had bonded rabbits.

A single male rabbit that is not displaying the hormonal behaviors that aren’t agreeable to domestic pet ownership (spraying everywhere, excessive destruction) does not need to be neutered, since the chance of cancer is quite minimal, in start contrast to females who have such a high rate of cancer without getting spayed. Neutering calms the hormones that may cause mating frustrations and territorial instincts. There stories of unfixed males suddenly displaying these behaviors later on, so if that’s the case and it’s not for a different health reason, you can considering neutering then too. Others may have differing opinions though! It’s also a big factor to have a rabbit vet (exotic vet) who can do the procedure. If you find a vet who says it’s too risky on a healthy rabbit, don’t go to that vet. It’s a very standard procedure that typically has little complications.

The preference is to bond rabbits because they are generally social animals that find security in those numbers because they are prey animals. There are two items that heavily dissuade someone from bonding rabbits eventually or ever: one is not having the time and space to commit to the long bonding process. It requires separate spaces for a bit, pre bonding, dates, and supervision for a while. There is a requirement for neutral territory during the process and it can take months and patience! The other is a rabbit that is “unbondable”; unusual, but not unheard of. A rabbit that’s extremely hostile to rabbits, despite immense pre bonding with various partners.

Wick is a solo bun, and while I have hopes to get him a pal in the future, I know he’s happy since he gets attention almost 24/7, in addition to my current residence being too small to navigate bonding properly. Also, I’ve come to learn he gets uncomfortable with over stimulation and too much attention, so unsure of his reaction to a buddy. Again, part of my future considerations. It took about a year of having Wick to make these conclusive thoughts though.

If you’re able to give your rabbit a lot of attention consistently, it’s not as urgent to do so. If he shows signs of loneliness, depression, disinterest, etc.. then it’s something to more prioritize. If that’s the case, moving furniture, expanding space, etc, may be a required action so you are being the best owner possible.

Do you have an experienced rabbit vet to check your rabbit for general health? It’s good to get a baseline. Rabbit vets typically are called exotic vets. Rabbits cannot go to regular dog/cat vets because care and diagnoses is so widely different. Harmless procedures and meds for dogs/cats can be deadly to rabbits, like fasting before procedures or certain flea medications. Wick’s vet is actually an avian vet (bird vet) primarily, but sees any non-poisonous, non-dog/cat animals. Very experienced with rabbits.

Again, welcome!!!

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.

[GarfyTheLop]

Welcome!  

Sounds like you’re doing everything you can to make his life as happy as possible  

Garf is a solo bun for now and he currently seems fine! Ideally we would always keep him solo as our flat isn’t very big and we already have a cat but if he ever shows signs of being unhappy we’ll 100% get him a buddy. 

Right now he’s currently trying to be best friends with the cat, although the cat isn’t so sure just yet.

I think you should just see how he goes for now, especially now he’s getting a new set up

Do you have any photos of him? I’d love to see

[RedRabbit]

Thanks for the warm welcomes and information- I really appreciate it!  As of now I do have an exotic vet in mind- but Percy’s never been there as he’s never really gotten sick or injured before. The pen just arrived last night- so tonight I’m going to set it up. I’m very excited! I’ll try to post some pictures of him in his new setup as soon as possible.

[Sirius&Luna]

Hi and welcome

As the others have said, bunnies are happy in pairs, but there’s also lots of happy single buns It’s great that he’s getting an extension!

[Azerane]

Hello there and welcome. I share your excitement with cage/living area upgrades! It’s so great that you’re doing that for Percy, it would be great if you could share pictures of his upgraded space when you’re done

In regards to living in pairs, while I think it is optimal it’s not always necessary. Since Percy is living indoors and will be in your studio which is where I’m guessing you spend a large amount of your time, then that can be enough for some rabbits. Providing they are an active member of the household and gets lots of interaction throughout the day then having a single rabbit is ok. If bunny is kept in an out of the way place, doesn’t get much interaction other than feeding and quick pat then I highly recommend bunnies to be in at least pairs for the company

[Author]

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