Better off as a pair or solo?

[melbaby80]

I'm curious, since rabbits are social animals are they better off solo or as a pair? Reason I am asking is because I am wondering if Domino would benefit from having a friend. Not to breed, just playmates. She's only 8 weeks right now. When is the latest you can bond a pair of rabbits?

 

[LaylaLop]

I found mine are happier as a pair. It's best to wait until both are spayed/neutered rather than a certain age. Some say younger ones bond faster but might fight during puberty and wreck chances of re-bonding. I'd say wait until 6 months so she can be spayed first and look into finding her a neutered companion after she heals. You'd also need a larger cage than the one you've posted pictures of since you don't want them to get cramped and they'd need more room for running around together.

Double the bunnies equals double the food, double the water, double the veggies/hay/litter, and quadruple the poop output! I'm kidding on the last one, but it seems like it somedays

There are several rabbit rescues in Washington, and I think one of them will even do the bonding process for you... Someone on the West side might be able to help you out with that one further though

 

[melbaby80]

Her cage has been upgraded to a multi level nic condo. Anywho thats interesting. Would she have to be bonded with a male? Or could it be another fixed female? I'll do my research in the mean time just curious about others thoughts.

 

[LakeCondo]

It's more temperament than gender. Speed dating at a rescue facility will let Domino choose his own companion.

 

[Nela]

I have had most success with bonding older pairs. Once the doe has reached the age of maturity, been spayed, etc. you can get a much better feel for her personality and that really helps when it comes to bonding. I would highly recommend waiting til then and then taking her to meet some buns at shelters like LakeCondo mentioned, so that she can pick a mate. Perhaps she won't like a bun, or perhaps the two of you will be so bonded that there won't be another mate, and that is something that time will help tell. I have had male/female pairs, female/female pair, and male/male pair. So really, it all comes down to the bunnies and whom they like. For now, I wouldn't worry and I would just get yo know your lil girl better and see how things go.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Sometimes you don't get to bond. Commander Bun-Bun was an attack bunny--she would go after any and all no matter the size.

 

[melbaby80]

Nela wrote:

I have had most success with bonding older pairs. Once the doe has reached the age of maturity, been spayed, etc. you can get a much better feel for her personality and that really helps when it comes to bonding. I would highly recommend waiting til then and then taking her to meet some buns at shelters like LakeCondo mentioned, so that she can pick a mate. Perhaps she won't like a bun, or perhaps the two of you will be so bonded that there won't be another mate, and that is something that time will help tell. I have had male/female pairs, female/female pair, and male/male pair. So really, it all comes down to the bunnies and whom they like. For now, I wouldn't worry and I would just get yo know your lil girl better and see how things go.

Really wonderful advice. I know she is bonding with me, she knows exactly when I am getting up to give her fresh veggies, she waits by her bowl. When I walk to her cage she greets me, when I let her have the run of the room she tries to nibble on my socks, she'll stay by my feet, if I sit down she climbs my leg. She does not startle if I move to a different spot which I love. She allows me to hold her, cradle her like a baby on her back, she is just all around a little a lover.

 

[melbaby80]

Nancy McClelland wrote:

Sometimes you don't get to bond. Commander Bun-Bun was an attack bunny--she would go after any and all no matter the size.

haha that is too funny, hopefully domino won't be like that lol