New to Bunnies, single or pair?

[Chrissyb]

Hi, I am wondering if someone with experience can give an opinion. Some infor about us. We have 2 kids (7 and 3), live in a rural area with a good size back yard. Current pets are only fish. We borrowed a pair of rats a couple years ago and LOVED them, but unfortunatly my husbands allergies to all things animal were bad enough we couldn't keep them. The 7 year old boy is a very, very, very serious animal lover. We have been going around and around for months about what sort of pet to introduce to our family. I initially said no Rabbits because I didn't want to have to keep them out doors in winter. After contacting a local breeder and asking lots of questions, I was assured that with proper housing they can winter just fine in our garage. So, my plan is to set everything up and surprise my son with our new additions for his birthday. And to be clear here, I fully understand that I will be providing most of the care for the bunnies, it is not an impulse buy, and I understand the commitment.

I searched spca locally and found nothing, but found a breeder who has lots of mini lop babies ready to go. So to my question. My gut says get 2 bunnies from the same litter, so they always have company. Yes, I understand they need time, and plan on giving it. I have already ordered a small playpen area they can come and visit in the house, and will get a play area for outside as well. But, is it best for a bunny to have a furry conmpanion as well? I know one (or both) will need to be fixed. And the breeder said if I get 2 she will only do 2 girls. So from real life experience, should I get 2, or will a single bunny be ok? Thanks.

 

[ZRabbits]

I voted One will be just fine. Though lots of people here say bunnies need companionship of another bunny, I see the advantage of bonding "one on one". Your Son will really get the benefit of a Bunny if the Bunny bonds to him. The bunny will be fine by itself in the garage and with the playpen bringing him into your home, your Son can really focus on his friendship with one bunny. Actually the whole family will enjoy it. Bunnies that are paired, tend to bond to each other. We have 5 bunnies, and we see them as individuals. And all of them, though they know other bunnies are there, have bonded to us. And it's an amazing experience having a bunny trust and interact with you.

Whatever you decide, bunnies are amazing, intelligent animals and your Son will truly enjoy the experience of this awesome animal.

K

 

[Nela]

A bonded pair is adorable but that doesn't mean it is always the immediatebest or only way to go.Just because they'd be from the same litter certainly doesn't mean they will bond. In general, a male/female pair is easiest to bond as well. I understand the breeder not wanting the pair to be bred, buta female/female combo maynot be the best solution for you nor the girls. The girls will get very hormonal once they reacha certainage, and then that means that you have to keep them separated until they are both spayed and healed and then attempt to bond them back. In my experience, my pairs have always worked out best when they are adults (or at least one is) and their personalities are more known. I think one is a better way to start, and then you can see from there. It's easier to take the bun on a bunny date at the shelter and try to bond them that way later on, rather than trying to bond just any two rabbits. From my own experience, I have found bunnies to be extremely selective when it comes to their mate!Adding a shelter bun to the mix often also has the added advantage of that buncraving that friendship even more which also can facilitate the bonding process.

 

[Nelsons_Mom]

Unlike the rats you've had in the past, rabbits can do well alone. However, a second bunny is rarely a bad idea. (I've been keeping rats for several years now. And though I might get killed for saying this here, they are without a doubt the most intelligent, loving, and social domestic animal with the exception of dogs and friendly cats. I'm so sorry you had to give them up.

As far as a pair or a single, evaluate how much time will be spent socializing with the bunny. If the rabbit is going to be alone for most of the day, I might get two. But then you would have to find a hutch big enough for two buns (which pretty much does not exist commercially without some jerry rigging.)

But then there is the argument of bonding. When I had a single bun, we slept in the same bed, he followed me around, everything was about he and I when I was home (seeing as I was his only social outlet) now that he is bonded, he is still friendly, but less "frantic" about spending time with me. Now, this will obviously change from bun to bun.

Ultimately it comes down to what feels right. If your son is only going to be outside for an hour or so a day (especially in the colder months) I'd recommend a pair.

I know you tried the humane society, but try any local rabbit rescues and craigslist. Pairs are much harder for rescues to rehome because adopting a single bun is much more popular.

 

[Nela]

I agree that adopting an already bonded pair might be a better idea, especially if they are to be away from the main activity. However, if you really absolutely want to adopt from the breeder, I really would start with just one. Plus, without knowing about your husband's allergies, you might be better off taking only one. I would even suggest fostering one to be sure that all is okay in that sense.

 

[Chrissyb]

Thanks everyone. We went with one mini lop from a local breeder. She is an outdoor bunny, so hopefully we will minimize allergies. My son (7) has so far been very good about washing his hands, and changing his shirt after handling the bunny. The husband on the other hand sneezes just sitting with us on the porch while playing with the bunny, and not even touching her, lol. Oh well. I think with careful management we should be ok on the allergy front.

 

[LakeCondo]

If you ever do want to add a 2nd rabbit, try rabbitfinder.com. Shelters often let you bring in your existing rabbit & let him/her choose a new friend.

 

[BrittsBunny]

I voted that one is just fine. I honestly tried the whole "bonding" thing and it went absolutely horrible. Wrangler, my Netherland Dwarf, is just better off being a bachelor. They say that rabbits are better off in pairs, but I truly believe it just depends on the rabbit and how much time you plan on spending with your rabbit. Wrangler is potty trained and free-roams my apartment 24/7. I try to give him as much attention as I possibly can. I do however work part-time during the day and I also have class as well. Sometimes I contemplate adopting another bunny, but as for now, I believe it is better off just having Wrangler. I'd love to have more bunnies someday, but having one is enough for me at the moment - and I believe Wrangler is content too.