Does Linus need a new wife?

[mypia07]

Hi all,

I wrote something in the introduction section but didn't get any replies. So I'm going to try here.
Linus is a chocolate mini lop mix, neutered 7 years ago. I got him as an adult, so I don't have a clue what his real age is. He was always aggressive, yet fearless and kind of interested in people. However, after he seeks petting, he turns around and bites. I think his behavior is territorial and also sexually charged. He thinks he is the king of the rabbits.
His spayed companion died 1 year ago and even though I didn't want more rabbits, I'm wondering if he would be happier with another female. He seems to be depressed (or maybe it is old age) but started digging excessively in his litter box which he has never done before.
How old should the female be? Any ideas?
Also, I'm wondering if some breeds (or breed mixes) are more mellow than others.
Even though he is really aggressive towards people, he was great with his bunny-wife, they never had an argument.

I'd be interested in some opinions. Thanks.
Dunja

P.S. I uploaded a picture in the gallery of him. I don't know ho to put one in a message.

 

[kirbyultra]

It's a tough call. If he was neutered 7 years ago and you got him when he was already an adult, he's likely past middle age. Dealing with a bonded friend who passed away is really tough on bunnies. Even if you wanted to get him a new friend, there's no guarantee that he will like her or she will like him. But many people do go this path because seeing their bunny depressed is really heartbreaking and there's nothing wrong with giving it a try to see if it'll improve his spirits. The best thing to do if you do want to get him a new friend, is to find a local shelter that has rabbits and see if your bunny gets along ok with somebun at the shelter. If their first date goes well then at least you have an idea that they may be ok together down the road.

Every pair is different though. Just because he thinks he is king of rabbits doesn't mean he will be the alpha of a new bond. If he is set on being the dominant bun then you will have to seek out a bunny who is more laid back to give yourself a better chance of bonding. Particularly since you didn't want to get a second bunny anyway, you really want them to bond instead of ending up with two single bunnies.

Smaller breeds tend to be more hyper and feisty, but really, it's down to the individual rabbit. It's hard to make broad generalizations about breed personalities.

 

[mypia07]

Thanks for your input. That's basically what I have been thinking too. I've checked petfinder a lot and found a rabbit rescue that has an American Sable who I like.
His previous wife was a New Zealand so he might enjoy a larger partner again.
I've had rabbits for almost 20 years and the first two had to be in separate cages. With time out of the cage, it was rather time intensive.
It was so different to see my latest cuddle all the time and do everything together, very heart-warming.

 

[kirbyultra]

Agreed, bonded pairs cut the socialization time in half for their human caretakers. I have 1 pair and a 3rd bun who is single and having to keep them totally separate is a daily challenge.

New Zealands are really wonderful