As social animals, rabbits love to spend time with anyone — their owners or another animal. But, if you have very limited time to create special moments with your bunny, the best alternative is to adopt another rabbit for your bunny to snuggle up with. Sure, the thought of trying to introduce your rabbit to a new playmate may leave you contemplating hopping away yourself; but, in the long run, bonding your bunny to another rabbit can be quite beneficial — and not at all difficult!
Boys Vs. Girls
Housing two females or two males together may seem like the ideal arrangement when contemplating the introduction of a new bunny, but the opposite is actually true. Housing two males or two females together can work out, but a male/female bond usually turns out more harmonious. And, as an added bonus, the introduction of a male to a female is also easier and less stressful on the owner.
“Rabbits have territorial instincts, which makes same-sex pairings a bit more difficult,” said Morgan Dawkins, DVM, of Windcrest Animal Hospital in Wilmington, Del. “Two females tend to be the most difficult pairing. Opposite sex pairings are usually the easiest. Immature rabbits tend to be easy to bond prior to territorial instincts developing. Spaying and neutering is important for pairing, and not just for the obvious reproductive reasons. Behavior is affected, and bonding will typically be easier in rabbits that have been spayed or neutered.”
**For the full article, pick up the 2008 issue of Rabbits USA or click here to buy the issue.**