Getting a rabbit/s - should I get two?

[espressoontap]

Getting a mini lop soon - a boy. Should I get two as I know they like company? If so, is it ok to get another boy from his litter? Obviously will neuter them when appropriate

Bunny's need to live in pairs, female male pairs are easier . But you need to neuter early to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Are you aware they need a mxyi and rhd1&2 vaccs

Yes I know about the immunisations. I had a rabbit growing up who caught mixi- it was so sad.

I am worried about getting a male and female as this is what the lady had done and lo and behold they've had this litter. I know with the male you have to separate them from female as they are still fertile after the op and I'd be worried they wouldn't bond again.

I've kept rabbits my whole life and actually disagree that they 'need' to be kept in pairs. Despite most material these days saying otherwise. I think it depends on all the factors.

Guineapigs really do need partners but some rabbits are much happier with their own space. I must admit though I do think it's nice to have another rabbit in the general area that they can see.

But if you're keeping it as a house rabbit and someone will be in to keep it company the majority of the time then I wouldn't necessarily get two.

Especially with it being a boy you are getting as then it means getting another and neutering them both (as only neutering the dominant one will just cause the other one to become the dominant one and the dominating behaviour will continue).

I say outdoor space is a must though personally. Moreso than a partner. Because they need a good run about otherwise they get destructive. Like dogs would if cooped up all day. Hopefully you'll be able to have him free roam in the house during the day of course but seriously, a couple of 20 minute run abouts in a garden or a few hours out in their run each day just makes life so much easier.

Oh - Double check the gender of the one you choose as more often than not pet shops and even vets tend to sex them wrong. Get a book and check yourself is probably the best idea.

Good luck!

Yes get a pair And I’d recommend boy and girl

Is it a house rabbit OP?

If it is then you may be able to just have one happy rabbit but generally it is better to have two and a male to female pair is better. You will have to have the neutered and probably have to bond them anyway.

Thanks so much for the replies.

Ideally I would just like the one. Plan is to get a big hutch with big run attached - during the day the rabbit will be out in the garden under supervision

I had one growing up and he was such a happy boy, he enjoyed being groomed and sat on your lap. I know this one might not be like that but it would be nice to focus on one if that makes sense. I'm at home most of the time with kids and am in and out of garden so will have lots of time with them. Also happy for him to come in the house and may move him in when the winter comes, just won't be able to let him have free range until DD is a little bigger.

I will have lots of enrichment stuff for him as well.

I would get two. I have a female who is 2 and a male who is 8 months. They really do like each others company and snuggle together.

I think the boys tend to be the most playful and the girls either tend to be the sweetest things ever...or right mardy cows! So yeah a boy is probably your best bet. But you never really know how a bunny will grow up. Good rule to avoid the ones that look at you like 'wtf are you?' when you first meet them. Go for one that licks if you can find one. Or at least that seems inquisitive of you.

But I think if you're planning to keep him outside...two would be best.

I find I feel horrendously guilty if they are out in a cage, even when I know I've let them out lots that day. But when they have company I know that at least they will be entertained. And it's really not more work to have two than one if they are kept outside, so long as the cage is big enough.

I would get two. We a have boy and girl (both neutered obvs) and they are so sweet together. They sit and snuggle together and groom each other and it’s lovely to see. It doesn’t seem right to deprive them of bunny company.

@Umberellatheweatha

I've kept rabbits my whole life and actually disagree that they 'need' to be kept in pairs. Despite most material these days saying otherwise. I think it depends on all the factors.

Guineapigs really do need partners but some rabbits are much happier with their own space. I must admit though I do think it's nice to have another rabbit in the general area that they can see.

But if you're keeping it as a house rabbit and someone will be in to keep it company the majority of the time then I wouldn't necessarily get two.

Especially with it being a boy you are getting as then it means getting another and neutering them both (as only neutering the dominant one will just cause the other one to become the dominant one and the dominating behaviour will continue).

I say outdoor space is a must though personally. Moreso than a partner. Because they need a good run about otherwise they get destructive. Like dogs would if cooped up all day. Hopefully you'll be able to have him free roam in the house during the day of course but seriously, a couple of 20 minute run abouts in a garden or a few hours out in their run each day just makes life so much easier.

Oh - Double check the gender of the one you choose as more often than not pet shops and even vets tend to sex them wrong. Get a book and check yourself is probably the best idea.

Good luck!

I'm always bemused when someone values their own opinion above science, evolution, expert recommendations, and animal welfare advice. Genuinely what makes you think they're all wrong and you're right?  it's bizarre

@espressoontap please check out

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Rabbits really do need rabbit social company. There's loads of advice on the RWAF website about proper housing, feeding and social contact which is evidence-based and much more valuable than uninformed ransoms on the internet

Why not adopt a bonded pair from a rescue? They would both be spayed/neutered, saving you having to deal with the hassle of hormonal aggressive rabbits

Because a lot of the 'experts' have never actually kept rabbits. Its just the same stuff being regurgitated over and over by people who read what other people wrote but havent kept rabbits.

I've kept loads if rabbits over the years, some of them just dont like other rabbits. I'm sure if you try hard enough you could find a bunny even they would tolerate of course. But if they are happy enough in your company then theres no need. Many rabbits bond brilliantly with their human companion and need no other bunny.

You can even look at youtubers on bunnies such as Lennon the bunny and binni the bunnies owners. They would probably agree that whilst two bunnies may be preferable, it is not always necessary.

And yes, I'll happily trust my own opinion on something I have 30 years of experience in over 'experts' whom I've never met and dont know anything about.

@Umberellatheweatha

And yes, I'll happily trust my own opinion on something I have 30 years of experience in over 'experts' whom I've never met and dont know anything about.

And this arrogance will condem another bunny to a life of misery. The op has already said the bunny will be outside,on its own. They are sociable animals, a neutered bun will always be happier with another.

I wouldn’t go for 2 boys - we bought our first 2 bunnies ( both bucks) but they started to fight after a year or so & we had to separate them. They were then bonded with 2 does which worked out beautifully.

@Umberellatheweatha

And yes, I'll happily trust my own opinion on something I have 30 years of experience in over 'experts' whom I've never met and dont know anything about.

You've never met a vet, welfare scientist or member of a welfare organisation?

You don't trust opinions from people you've not met? So I assume you're unvaccinated against COVID and never take medicines you haven't developed and compounded yourself?

You think 39 years of experience qualifies you? I assume you're also a gynaecologist, dentist, hairdresser, dermatologist etc etc? After all it's not like anyone learns anything through education when proximity is so valuable eh?

@Umberellatheweatha

Because a lot of the 'experts' have never actually kept rabbits. Its just the same stuff being regurgitated over and over by people who read what other people wrote but havent kept rabbits.

I've kept loads if rabbits over the years, some of them just dont like other rabbits. I'm sure if you try hard enough you could find a bunny even they would tolerate of course. But if they are happy enough in your company then theres no need. Many rabbits bond brilliantly with their human companion and need no other bunny.

You can even look at youtubers on bunnies such as Lennon the bunny and binni the bunnies owners. They would probably agree that whilst two bunnies may be preferable, it is not always necessary.

Well considering you've kept them for 30 years and keep them solitarily how many bunnies have you had?

I assume with your expert care they're living for 10-12 years? Why would you choose to keep multiple single rabbits? What is it about rabbit ecology that suggests in any way their suited to solitary living?

I dont keep them all solitary. At no point have I said I keep them all solitary so maybe actually read what I said: bunnies can be perfectly fine singular BUT it depends on the rabbit and your individual circumstances.

As for the anti vax covid nonsense, it doesnt warrant a response. Seriously, you might not like that my opinion differs to yours. But I'm entitled to it.

@Umberellatheweatha

I dont keep them all solitary. At no point have I said I keep them all solitary so maybe actually read what I said: bunnies can be perfectly fine singular BUT it depends on the rabbit and your individual circumstances.

As for the anti vax covid nonsense, it doesnt warrant a response. Seriously, you might not like that my opinion differs to yours. But I'm entitled to it.

You're the one that said you didn't trust expertise. From people you hadn't met. But it seems you do. When it's convenient for you. So it's not about you valuing your knowledge over others' as you claimed, it's about you making decisions that are convenient for you regardless of the impact on an animal's welfare.

A rabbit's needs don't change depending on your circumstances, they are inherent which is why you have a legal duty of care to provide for them.

And yes of course you are perfectly entitled to your opinion, but if you choose to ignore science and evidence in favour of a convenient decision that adversely affects animal welfare, then people will judge you for you selfishness, arrogance and ignorance, as they are entitled to do so.

I've kept rabbits my whole life too and I've had a few that have been impossoble to pair, they'd rip other rabbits to shreds if you tried to put them together even in the most neutral and large of territories. So if you get two be prepared to have the room to separate them if necessary.

@Winkywonkydonkey

I've kept rabbits my whole life too and I've had a few that have been impossoble to pair, they'd rip other rabbits to shreds if you tried to put them together even in the most neutral and large of territories. So if you get two be prepared to have the room to separate them if necessary.

Well this shows that you haven't completed any research on bonding rabbits. They should not bond in a large territory, something small like a bath is best.

I agree with StartingGrid - adopting a bonded pair from a rescue centre is a great idea.

When one of our previous rabbits died, we were able to get a new rabbit from a rescue and they bonded them for us! The new rabbit arrived spayed, vaccinated and bonded to her new boyfriend.

It’s nice when the responsible thing to do is also really easy and hassle free 😀

I’ve been involved in rabbit rescue for years, and they absolutely need to be kept in pairs or groups. Out of hundreds of adopted rabbits, we’ve come across a tiny handful that are genuinely happy as singles, and this is only decided after they’ve had multiple failed bonds.

I’d bet my life the posters blithely saying ‘some rabbits are happy on their own’ is due to a complete lack of understanding of the bonding process, I see this all the time on rabbit groups I’m on.

OP, as they’re from the same litter the sex doesn’t matter, they are already bonded, but it’s really important that you get them neutered as early as possible as when their hormones come in they’ll unsettle the bond.

For such cute creatures, rabbits are very territorial and will chase, nip, mount etc to establish their position as the dominant bun in the pecking order. It is possible to re-bond if this happens, but much much simpler to just get them neutered on time.

The RWAF website another poster linked to above is a fab resource and I’d highly recommend using that as your first port of call for any questions you have.

Please don’t go to Pets at Home or similar and buy a hutch and run - most places sell products that don’t meet the minimum size requirements, to meet their welfare needs they should always have access to at least 10 x 6 ft of space (but the more the better!) Typically this would be a 6 x 2 x 2 ft hutch connected to a run at least 8 x 6 x 3 ft.

Our rabbit chooses to hang out with our chickens and dog all day long- they need company.When the chickens had to be kept inside for the last few months due to avian flu- the rabbit got really upset!

@Mollymalone123 it’s dangerous keeping rabbits with chickens as they carry diseases that can be fatal to rabbits if they eat their faeces and vice versa. They really need the companionship of other rabbits, see rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/behaviour/rabbit-companionship/

‘Rabbits only really speak rabbit. They don’t speak English, they don’t speak guinea pig, they don’t speak cat. But they speak rabbit really very well. They can communicate with each other and all those subtle little body language signs that we miss, they understand.’