Help, advice or reassurance needed!

[Apollo’s Slave]

Yeah, it might be best to split them a little earlier. After neutering, wait at least a month and a half, before reintroducing them. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

 

[zuppa]

Hi.

They can be neutered as soon as their testicles are visible, your vet said 6 months probably because by that time all males have them already dropped, but they can drop as early as 12 weeks, just keep checking. Also are you sure they are both male?

If they are both male as above it would be best to watch them closely around 12-16 weeks they can start circling, humping each other and fight for dominance, it really depends on personalities but mostly two males will fight when hit puberty. Unfortunately it happens too often that pet stores sell two brothers because they are best friends at 8-9 weeks, and usually problems start at 12-16 weeks. Only case they can stay together would be if one is dominant and other submissive and will accept that constant humping (it is not only sexual but showing social dominance and quite humiliating). In this case one will be bossy and other will accept everything.

But best would be separate them immediately after first signs of circling/humping/fur flying and keep separated until 2 months after neutering, when their hormones calm down. So just neuter them as soon as testicles dropped maybe at 4 months and keep separately. If they will start hating each other it can be very bad and just one fight can be enough they can damage each other really badly or even kill each other, so better be safe than sorry and separate at 12-14 weeks or when you see first signs.

I have adopted two brothers from same situation, they were from petstore because two will be better and they started fighting, they had to go to vets for some stitching and were neutered, then people tried to put them back together after one month and they had a very bad fight, with blood and screaming so kids were horrified and brothers were rehomed immediately.

Also it is quite common situation that people buy two 8 week old brothers and after a few months one of brothers has a surprise litter of 6 babies, they are so small at 8 weeks so missexing is very possible, so keep checking every couple weeks. If one of them is a girl you will also have to separate them at 10-12 weeks to avoid early pregnancy.

So. I really hated telling you that since you are so happy now, as all new owners I have to say, but you better be prepared.

Actually if one of them is a girl that would make it all easier because neutered male and neutered (spayed) female have more chances to bond usually.

Two boys I adopted in December, they were neutered in November at 4 months and I waited two months after that kept them separately, then in February I bonded one of the boys to a nice girl, so they live together 3 months now and very happy. The second boy was all alone until two weeks ago when I bonded him to another very nice girl, it's still 2 weeks they are together and I keep watching them closely but looks like they are doing great and they are very happy. So I have two bonded pairs here now, I've decided that they will be happier with girls and they indeed are very happy. And I am happy too, only took 5-6 months to get bonding done.

In your situation I understand that they are both very sweet and you are in love with them, but looking little forward it would be easier if you can exchange one boy for a girl. That is if they are both boys.

It would be easier to bond two neutered rabbits male and female.

Or wait a little couple weeks, you are safe until 10-12 weeks probably, then you can watch them and see their personalities, maybe you will want to rehome one and neuter another one and after 2 months after neutering you can get a friend for him from your local rescue. That would be your best option honestly, because rescues only rehoming already neutered/spayed rabbits and also they do rabbit dating when you can bring your rabbit in and see if they like each other. Rescues usually have their websites with photo of rabbits available for adoption, you can choose a few fixed females from their looks and meet them in person and see if they like each other so have good chances to be bonded.

I know it's a lot of information for you and probably not what you expected to hear, but it is handy to know.

Anyway, until 10 weeks (or maybe until 16 weeks, it depends on your rabbits their personalities and temperament) it is safe to let them be together, just watch them and if you see something like circling, humping or chunks of fur in their hutch it's probably time to separate them. And keep checking on their sexes every week or two. Unless it is already obvious that they are both male.

 

[Ronnie&Reggie]

Actually if one of them is a girl that would make it all easier because neutered male and neutered (spayed) female have more chances to bond usually.

Two boys I adopted in December, they were neutered in November at 4 months and I waited two months after that kept them separately, then in February I bonded one of the boys to a nice girl, so they live together 3 months now and very happy. The second boy was all alone until two weeks ago when I bonded him to another very nice girl, it's still 2 weeks they are together and I keep watching them closely but looks like they are doing great and they are very happy. So I have two bonded pairs here now, I've decided that they will be happier with girls and they indeed are very happy. And I am happy too, only took 5-6 months to get bonding done.

In your situation I understand that they are both very sweet and you are in love with them, but looking little forward it would be easier if you can exchange one boy for a girl. That is if they are both boys.

It would be easier to bond two neutered rabbits male and female.

Or wait a little couple weeks, you are safe until 10-12 weeks probably, then you can watch them and see their personalities, maybe you will want to rehome one and neuter another one and after 2 months after neutering you can get a friend for him from your local rescue. That would be your best option honestly, because rescues only rehoming already neutered/spayed rabbits and also they do rabbit dating when you can bring your rabbit in and see if they like each other. Rescues usually have their websites with photo of rabbits available for adoption, you can choose a few fixed females from their looks and meet them in person and see if they like each other so have good chances to be bonded.

I know it's a lot of information for you and probably not what you expected to hear, but it is handy to know.

Anyway, until 10 weeks (or maybe until 16 weeks, it depends on your rabbits their personalities and temperament) it is safe to let them be together, just watch them and if you see something like circling, humping or chunks of fur in their hutch it's probably time to separate them. And keep checking on their sexes every week or two. Unless it is already obvious that they are both male.

Thanks so much for all of the advice I will definitely be keeping in touch for further advice, Sorry if that's a chore for you haha but I am very grateful and it's very helpful!

They are both definitely males, that is for sure! I am now just thinking that when they both came here at 8 weeks, I did catch Ronnie humping Reggie so I'm now confused whether Reggie is actually submissive or whether that was just some freak one off thing because I have never seen this happen again since. Any ideas ??

I will be looking for the signs and immediately splitting them however I am going to keep swapping them from cage to hutch so each gets fair treatment or will that be bad idea ??

 

[zuppa]

Not at all we are happy to help, I am so sorry ruining your dreams there.

Humping can be not only sexual but trying to establish dominance, they both should hump each other until they sort out who's the boss. Doesn't matter if they are boys or girls, two girls also hump each other during bonding, mother often humps her babies who's not listening. It's about dominance.

Mini sized rabbits can actually become sexually active earlier than larger breeds, babies don't hump, dwarf can start humping even at 9 weeks. It really depends on their temperament and individual development.

Good luck and keep us posted or if any question please ask. I actually surprised you believed us so quickly, most people just refuse to believe in what we paint here, how's that my sweet babies will fight?? No no no not mine )

 

[JBun]

As soon as their testicles drop they can be neutered. That usually happens at around 4 months old. The earlier it's done the better, for bonding purposes. I would suggest looking for a more experienced rabbit vet as they are usually more comfortable doing a neuter earlier.
https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-welfare-association-fund/our-work/rabbit-friendly-vets/

 

[JBun]

If you're not far from Harrogate, Crab Lane Vets used to be run by Frances Harcourt Brown, one of the best rabbit specialists in the UK before she retired. I would imagine Crab Ln is still very good with rabbits as some of the vets there worked with her. I think Ruth is supposed to be very good with rabbits.

 

[Ronnie&Reggie]

Oh no very much appreciated, will take everything on board.... only be a fool to not listen to a warning sign! And that is to being able to contact you with questions if I need.

And thanks jbun I'm actually at leeds so Harrogate is not far at all. However I did already consult with a vet in dewsbury... but I may give them a ring in Harrogate to see what they say. Thanks for that also!

 

[JBun]

Yeah, won't hurt to call and see if they can do it any sooner, and what their prices are for the procedure.

https://www.crablanevets.co.uk/our-practice/veterinary-surgeons/

 

[Ronnie&Reggie]

Yeah, won't hurt to call and see if they can do it any sooner, and what their prices are for the procedure.

https://www.crablanevets.co.uk/our-practice/veterinary-surgeons/

If they do it a lot sooner am I able to not split them up at all ??like sat if they could do it at the 12-16 week period ?? That would help a lot....

 

[Diane R]

The hutch looks good. That little bunny is adorable. The run looks like chicken wire? Which I’ve heard bunnies can chew through, so if you could use something a little studied, like metal wire or wire mesh. It’s quite hot in England at times but it also gets cold, it was hot yesterday and it’s cold now. You can use a run cover to protect the cold from getting too cold. Rabbits do better in the cold than they do in the heat but having straw or hay in the hutch will help too.

More importantly, a fox can get through that in no time. This link shows what's required: Outdoor Housing

 

[Diane R]

I'm grateful very grateful as I'm not experienced at all, and googling everything sometimes you can't get the correct answer for your concern.

So Bonding with each other is fine they are brothers and will be getting neuted at 6months. Bonding with me is what I would like help with, should I keep giving them lots of affection and snuggles at night before I put them outside in hutch or does that annoy them ?? Also this is what it looks like at night time, is it okay to have lights round for them ??

You need to get them neutered as soon as testicles descend or you risk a horrible fight. Rabbit vets neuter males at 12 weeks old. If you are in Leeds, go to Sarah Brown here: Sarah Brown

 

[Ronnie&Reggie]

More importantly, a fox can get through that in no time. This link shows what's required: Outdoor Housing

A fox get through those holes ??? That's a bit much isn't it ?? Only use the outdoor run when I'm in garden with them anyway so foxes are not to worry about, bit rural for foxes too where we live. Thanks though.

 

[Diane R]

A fox get through those holes ??? That's a bit much isn't it ?? Only use the outdoor run when I'm in garden with them anyway so foxes are not to worry about, bit rural for foxes too where we live. Thanks though.

Foxes can easily chew through that wire. Bunnies can also get serious mouth damage from chewing on wire like that. Have a look at the link I sent you for examples of good setups.

 

[LopLover89]

As if these two will fall out ?? Look how cute they 're together! You sure they will fall out??

Chances are they will start humping each other and scuffle. However in my experience - if all they ever know is being together, they may not fight. I know several people who house unneutered bucks together and don’t have a problem. Even bucks that are used for breeding can live together just fine. But keep a close eye, I beleive it depends more on the personality of each rabbit .

 

[Preitler]

A fox get through those holes ??? That's a bit much isn't it ?? Only use the outdoor run when I'm in garden with them anyway so foxes are not to worry about, bit rural for foxes too where we live.

Well, foxes are cautious, they might not break the wire in the first night. Once they figure out that they are undisturbed there they can wreak quite some havoc. Some years ago one tore a wooden connection tunnel between two hutches apart when I was away for a week and only neighbours feeding the rabbits, got 4 young ones. The summer before, I'm pretty sure it was the same fox, it attacked my buck in braod daylight, with me less than 10 meters away, I was able to get between them but my buck died of shock hours later anyway.

I put up an additional fence around the hutches, and wildlife cameras and trip alarms to see what is around at night, so I was prepared when that severly mange ridden fox got too close again, shot it inside one of the hutches.
There was another fox around, but healthy, never seen that one again after I scared it once, by trapping it for some time inside the hutch fence.

Foxes are the size and strenght of mid sized dogs, but way smarter. I'm living in a rural area though, a valley with woods all around, maybe urban foxes have learned better to coexist with humans.
Anyway, I definitly would recommend a wildlife camera.


That are screenshots from the first approach of the second fox, second picture is when the herd started thumping

 

[Ronnie&Reggie]

Foxes can easily chew through that wire. Bunnies can also get serious mouth damage from chewing on wire like that. Have a look at the link I sent you for examples of good setups.

There is no link that I can see Diane ?? Thanks though

 

[Ronnie&Reggie]

Chances are they will start humping each other and scuffle. However in my experience - if all they ever know is being together, they may not fight. I know several people who house unneutered bucks together and don’t have a problem. Even bucks that are used for breeding can live together just fine. But keep a close eye, I beleive it depends more on the personality of each rabbit .

Yeah I've actually been told the same too, that some unneautered babies just get along fine with no problems. Thanks for your input. Have you had 2 brothers yourself who have not ended up fighting ??

 

[Apollo’s Slave]

There is no link that I can see Diane ?? Thanks though

She sent both of these: Outdoor Housing
https://www.hollyhousevets.co.uk/about-us/meet-the-team/ark-referral-team/sarah-brown

 

[Ronnie&Reggie]

Well, foxes are cautious, they might not break the wire in the first night. Once they figure out that they are undisturbed there they can wreak quite some havoc. Some years ago one tore a wooden connection tunnel between two hutches apart when I was away for a week and only neighbours feeding the rabbits, got 4 young ones. The summer before, I'm pretty sure it was the same fox, it attacked my buck in braod daylight, with me less than 10 meters away, I was able to get between them but my buck died of shock hours later anyway.

I put up an additional fence around the hutches, and wildlife cameras and trip alarms to see what is around at night, so I was prepared when that severly mange ridden fox got too close again, shot it inside one of the hutches.
There was another fox around, but healthy, never seen that one again after I scared it once, by trapping it for some time inside the hutch fence.

Foxes are the size and strenght of mid sized dogs, but way smarter. I'm living in a rural area though, a valley with woods all around, maybe urban foxes have learned better to coexist with humans.
Anyway, I definitly would recommend a wildlife camera.


That are screenshots from the first approach of the second fox, second picture is when the herd started thumping

I actually meant to say we are not rural! Haha we are in a built up area with no woodland around. Haven't seen any foxes around what so ever, however the camera seems a good idea. I don't think they would jump I to our garden with us there if so and if so they wouldn't have time to get anywhere near Ronnie and Reggie as I'm always out with them if they are in the run. At night they are in the hutch locked in and I leave window open so I can hear anything scratching or else. But yeah thanks I'll look at getting a camera fitted.

 

[Miffythebun]

Hi,

So I am a first time rabbit owner and I have two mini lops, both brothers... Ronnie and Reggie.

I need advice and help about whether the outside run and hutch I have built for them is good enough please ??

I have uploaded a picture of when I just completed building the run and hutch for them.

They 're 9 weeks old now and after having them a week they won't stop licking me and love snuggles with me at night but I want them outside in a more natural habitat for them.

The hutch now I have put a big thick doubled up Curtan going around the wall of the bedroom, a thin foam layer on the floor then lots of hay. A cardboard box down stairs with hay along with a lot of hay downstairs too. Then the left hand wall has another thick Curtan nails to the wall to give extra warmth. With hay leading to bedroom. Outside the left hand side of the hutch has tarpoling fitted going round the back so it's covered on the side too to prevent wind and roof is felted. Is this enough for them as I am concerned it may get a little cold for them in England at times ?? I am also going to fit some perspex over some of the meshing doors of the hut to prevent wind and rain.

I can post a picture of what hutch is like bow if it helps any advice please.

What gorgeous bunnies- you’re a good bunny mum to make sure the hutch is safe! The wire looks wide which is my only concern as bunnies are very good as squeezing through the tiniest holes and your buns look teeny so just keen an eye that they won’t escape! You can adjust ect with hutch covers and extra hay for colder weather!