Looking at getting a second Rabbit

[VegasHalo618]

OK,we got our first rabbit (BlackDutch) just before Christmas. She was about 18 monthsold. I have had her Spayed and all checked out and she is ingood health. Because she was a rescue rabbit (I suppose thatis why) she is very skiddish and rarely likes to be petted or reallyinteract with us. She is very curious, she seems to be mosthappy when she is able to just hop around the Den and see whatsthere. As long as we pay no attention to her shewill come close and sniff around and such. She just doesn'treally liketo be talked to or petted. There aretimes when she will let us pet her, but it is rare (Maybe 4 times aweek), especially since we brought her home from the Vet (Spayed) acouple of weeks ago. I don't want her to be lonely and wasthinking sheneeded a companion. I just don't knowif that will help her or add to the stress. I need helpdetermining if that is a good decision, and if so...... Howlong should I wait? Should I get another girl? Doesthe breed type matter? How do I introduce them?,etc. If we get another one, I definately want togetan older rescue rabbit as opposed to a baby.What do I need to be thinking about? I already have 2separate cages but that is aboutit.

 

[Haley]

I would give her a little more time to heal fromher spay. Also, if you guys just got her in December she is probablystill learning to trust you, so she may warm up to you over time.

I think getting a friend is a great idea though. Most bunnies arehappier when they have a buddy. Do you have a rabbit rescue or shelternear you? A lot of them will allow you to bring your bunny in to meetpotential mates, to see how they get along. Bonding can be verydifficult and stressful, so it is best if you let her choose someone.

Typically, boy/girl pairs are the easiest to bond. And if you adoptfrom a rescue he should already be neutered. Size/age/breed doesntmatter when choosing a mate for your bunny, although I would stay awayfrom babies because they can unbond as they mature.

Other than that, some things to consider are just time and money. Iknow you said you have another cage, which is good. You will probablyneed to keepthem apart untl they are fully bonded. Plus youneed to always consider the possiblity that they may not bond.

Anyway, I hope this helps. Heres a link to our Bunny 101 with lots moreinfo on bonding:http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12072&forum_id=17

-Haley

 

[Blyre]

I agree with Haley about letting your currentrabbit heal from her spay but would like to add on to take it very veryslow. It's easy to get caught up in the bunny magic and then discoverthe reality that bonding even two rabbits takes large amounts ofpatience and time to be successful. I have four and I've had to go backto Square One each time I brought a new one home.

Wallace