One bunny or try for bonded sibling pair?

[goldfinch]

Thanks again. I did read through your page and found it helpful.

So my game plan is to either take more time to hopefully find an already bonded pair of Rex-coated bunnies from a rescue, or start with a single male mini plush lop and have him neutered ASAP. Then just have the local rescue on the lookout to find him a companion with a low allergen coat. This really does seem like the most sensible way to go.

I’m surprised to hear females are more likely to exhibit territorial spraying!

 

[Blue eyes]

Oh, not territorial spraying... just being more territorial, as in being protective of their territory and more aggressive at fending off any newcomers. It is why those who breed rabbits will bring the female to the male rather than the male to the female. Otherwise the female will fight off any rabbit coming into "her space."

 

[Jen Swank]

I went through this exact scenario a year ago. I ended up getting 2 bunnies mine were from separate litters 2 weeks apart from each other. I had them side by side in cage until my male was neutered. Once that was done I started letting them play together. Because they were next to each other and saw and smell each other every day they bonded so easy. No territorial fight at all!! They are now inseparable!! I think because they were young and they knew each other from the beginning bonding was so easy. The first picture is me keeping them separate , but still seeing each other. The second is now! ❤

 

[Blue eyes]

I think because they were young and they knew each other from the beginning bonding was so easy.

I think it is great that your two rabbits bonded so easily!! For the OP's sake, however, it needs to be pointed out that this isn't always the result. Many times here on RO have we seen young rabbits that were 'young and they knew each other from the beginning' that ended up fighting either before or after being fixed (or both). It all depends on the individual personalities of the rabbits being bonded.

@Jen Swank , love the coloring of the bun on the bed!!

 

[goldfinch]

Sibling bonds seem to happen often enough, but I’m definitely more comfortable taking the safer route toward a bonded pair.

 

[goldfinch]

I have another question!

If I have no luck finding a rescue pal with a Rex coat, is there a way to try to bond a mature, neutered male with another rabbit? Could I get a young male or female bunny, and keep it in and adjoining cage until they’re the same size and/or neutered or spayed, and hope that that’ll decide they like each other?

 

[John Wick]

So what you're asking about is the formal bonding process. This is what some users were talking about in terms of how it can sometimes be a difficult process, especially if you are new to rabbits and am unfamiliar with their body language and nature. It is possible, as that is how many owners end up with two buns (i.e. start with one, then bond a second in the future).

Here is a page that gives an overview of some general steps and guidelines: Bonding Archives | BinkyBunny

... The bonding process is different for every pair of rabbits, so these are some recommendations but others have different processes to bonding.

 

[Jen Swank]

I think it is great that your two rabbits bonded so easily!! For the OP's sake, however, it needs to be pointed out that this isn't always the result. Many times here on RO have we seen young rabbits that were 'young and they knew each other from the beginning' that ended up fighting either before or after being fixed (or both). It all depends on the individual personalities of the rabbits being bonded.

@Jen Swank , love the coloring of the bun on the bed!!

Yes I agree there are definitely situations where they don't bond. When I picked out my hollands I definitely made sure there personalities with not defensive but calm. I will also add that when I introduced them it was neutral ground not in either of there cages. I think that is key also!!
Thank you!! That is my Baxter and he is definitely a looker!! ❤ Blossom is my doe.