Bonding Rabbits

[Shannon Watson]

Hi!

Not sure if this is the right location for this thread, but I am looking to get a bond partner for my bun! I would prefer a female, solely based on the fact that Appa is a buck and it would be so cute to get a little girlfriend for him! LOL

My buck is still intact, but I do plan on neutering him very soon. The female would also get spayed if she wasn't already. But I just have a few questions about matching bunnies together.

I know it's hard because some buns just do not like each other and there isn't anything we can do about that, but I guess I'm looking for tips and tricks for the safest and easiest ways to introduce a doe to a buck? I've heard of "rabbit dating", but I'm not sure any of the breeders in my area would be comfortable with me bringing my buck to them and having him meet the does there.

I am so nervous about bringing home a female that I chose and Appa not liking her. I'd rather let him choose, because in the end, they're the ones sharing a home together. I just wanted to know maybe certain breeds get along better than others or if I should go for another buck instead?

And do age differences matter? Appa is still only about 3 months old, so I'm looking for another rabbit around the same age or a little older or younger. I just think introducing an older rabbit to such a junior is not a good idea, but if it doesn't matter all that much, then there are some adult rabbits I've found in my area that would be perfect.

Any info helps!

 

[Blue eyes]

Bonding bunnies can be a bear! (though some go easily enough)

The ideal way to do this (and the least stressful) is to have your neutered boy (8 weeks after his surgery or later) meet some already-fixed females from a rabbit rescue. This is ideal because the rescue allows you to bring in your boy to meet some potential bondmates and pre-screen for potential compatibility. It is imperative that your bunny (not you) be the one to do the choosing.

If you bring one home and they just refuse to get along, the rescue will allow an exchange. This is why it is ideal to go through a rescue. They can ensure you wind up with a compatible pair.

Breed type makes no difference. Age makes no difference provided they are both fixed. I'd like to suggest you read the following page (from my website) to learn more about bonding.

 

[Friskiee2]

The good thing is your bunny is young so now is the best time to introduce another bunny. If u plan to get him fixed u could get a buck or doe around the same age as he is or a lil younger . U don’t want to take him to meet a doe as u can not put a buck into a doe cage as does are dominant and u always bring her to him ( if u put a male into a female cage she may attack and potentially kill him) I would get ur new bunny sooner rather than later since he is a baby his dominant side has not really kicked in yet but by 5-6 months old that will change. If u get one now it may not be 2 hard to introduce them as they are still at the age where usually are with litter mates. When u get bunny try putting them in cage together and watch them closely to see how they react. If any fussing u will have to separate but usually at that age u shouldn’t have an issue

 

[Blue eyes]

Sorry, but Friskies advice is all wrong. It is NOT the best time to introduce him to another rabbit. If he had already been with a young female, the recommendation would be to separate them now (or actually 2 weeks ago - at 10 weeks of age) until both are fixed and healed.

Do not introduce young (baby or before they are altered) rabbits. They only get along until hormones kick in. We've seen here on RO many many times of bunny owners making this mistake. They often find this forum in desperation after seeing their maturing rabbit pair start fighting.

It is also against all wisdom to begin bonding by placing 2 rabbits in the same cage. The only time a female is put into a male's cage is for breeding purposes. They are then separated again once he's done his deed.