How To Keep Two Rabbits Together

Thinking of getting your rabbit a friend? Bonded bunnies make for even happier pets! Rabbits are highly social creatures that need companionship from members of their own kind. When housed together, rabbits provide affection, mental stimulation, and stress relief for each other. But simply throwing two rabbits in a cage together can have disastrous results. Proper bonding requires an intricate introduction process overseen by a patient owner. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know to safely pair up your rabbit, from ideal pairing combinations to step-by-step bonding techniques. Follow our proven methods, and you’ll soon have two hoppy rabbits sharing one harmonious home!

Do Rabbits Need to Live Together?

Rabbits are highly social animals that thrive when living with other rabbits. In the wild, rabbits live in large colonies and spend their time interacting and bonding with each other. Domestic rabbits retain this need for companionship and will become lonely, bored and even depressed if housed alone. Therefore, it is highly recommended to keep pet rabbits in pairs or groups.

There are several benefits to keeping rabbits together:

Rabbits provide companionship and affection for each other. They will groom, nuzzle and sleep next to each other. Two bonded rabbits can provide entertainment and mental stimulation through playing together.
A pair of rabbits is less likely to get bored orfeel stressed. Rabbits kept alone can become frustrated and destructive, chewing furniture or developing other unwanted behaviors. A bonded companion provides an outlet for natural rabbit behaviors.
Bonded rabbits will be less reliant on human interaction. Of course, any rabbit benefits from daily human attention. But a single rabbit may become overly attached to their human, demanding constant interaction. Two rabbits fulfill some of each other's social needs.
There is evidence that rabbits may live longer when paired with a bonded friend. The companionship and reduced stress seems to contribute to increased lifespan.

Of course, like any animal, individual rabbits have unique personalities. An elderly, mellow rabbit may do fine on his own. And some same-sex rabbits may never bond with each other. But generally, rabbits are quite unhappy housed singly and their quality of life is vastly improved by living with at least one other rabbit friend. For most rabbits, the companionship of another rabbit is essential to their health and happiness.

What Is The Best Rabbit Pairing?

When choosing a pair of rabbits, you first need to decide on gender. The safest match is a neutered male and a spayed female. Intact (unneutered and unspayed) rabbits will fight and cannot be housed together.

Here are the pros and cons of each gender pairing:

Male and Female

This is usually the easiest pairing. Provided both rabbits are neutered/spayed, male and female pairs tend to get along very well. They provide companionship without the competition and territory disputes sometimes seen in same-sex pairs. Male/female bonds are often strong and very affectionate.

Same-Sex Pairs

Female pairs can work very well too. Two spayed females often become extremely close, forming lifelong bonds. However, you need to choose more submissive rabbits. Dominant females may fight incessantly.

Neutered males can also be bonded. But again, choose easygoing, non-aggressive rabbits. Male pairs generally get along well but are less likely to become as tightly bonded as male/female or female/female duos.

Never attempt to bond intact male/male or female/female pairs. Fighting will be constant and often vicious.

Trio or More

Some people successfully bond groups of three or even more rabbits. Female trios typically do best. Be sure any male in the group is neutered, and expect to provide a sufficiently large living space. Closely supervise the group at first to ensure no rabbit is being bullied or excluded.

The bottom line is neutered male/spayed female pairs are usually the easiest match and have the highest success rate. But same-sex bonds and trios can absolutely work too. Personality is a major factor when choosing compatible rabbit pairs or groups.

What is the Best Age to Introduce Rabbits?

Ideally, rabbits should be paired up at a young age. Rabbits bonded under 6 months old often form the strongest, most stable partnerships. If possible, adopt sibling pairs that have never been separated.

However, rabbits of any age can be successfully bonded. Older and even senior rabbits appreciate companions as much as young rabbits. Here are some tips for age-specific introductions:

Under 3 Months: Rabbits this young will usually bond instantly with another kits. No introduction period is needed. Simply place the pair together. Monitor to ensure no fighting develops as they mature.
3-6 Months: Rabbits may take a short while to bond at this adolescent age. Have short, supervised sessions together for a few days before moving them in together.
6 Months-1 Year: Rabbits are reaching sexual maturity now. Ensure both are neutered/spayed. Follow a standard two week bonding process. Dates should now be chaperoned to prevent fighting.
1-5 Years: Bonding often takes longer with mature adult rabbits. Use extreme caution when introducing and be prepared to take things very slowly. These rabbits are set in their ways and may resist a new friend.
Over 5 Years: Senior rabbits can make wonderful, mellow companions for each other. However, the bonding process takes time and patience. Expect the introduction to take 1-2 months of gradual, supervised contact. Respect the space of older rabbits.

The ideal age for rabbit pairs or groups is under 6 months. But a thoughtful bonding process can successfully join rabbits of any age. The key is to move slowly and let the rabbits communicate at their own pace. With time and patience, even resistant rabbits often become fast companions.

How to Properly Introduce Two Rabbits

The proper way to introduce two rabbits involves a careful two week process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Set up separate housing side-by-side. Rabbits must live adjacent but fully separated for 1-2 weeks before meeting. They need to get used to each other's presence and scents first.
Switch litter boxes and toys to swap smells. Rabbits use scent to identify friends vs. strangers. Trading items helps it smell more familiar.
Let the rabbits see each other through wire. Short, supervised sessions in adjoining exercise pens allows them to interact safely.
Try supervised "dates" in neutral space. Once the rabbits seem comfortable seeing each other, have brief bonding sessions on mutual ground. Watch closely for signs of aggression. Keep sessions very short to start.
Only allow full contact once signs are positive. Look for mutual grooming, flopping next to each other, softly touching noses, etc. Never leave the rabbits unsupervised until bonded.
Lengthen dates gradually as bonding improves. As the rabbits grow more comfortable, gradually increase supervised date time. But separate them again in own housing overnight.
Move in together once fully bonded. When there is consistent affection and no negativity on dates, the rabbits are likely ready to share space full time. Still monitor initially in case issues arise.
Be patient and go at their pace. Some pairs bond immediately, others take months. Let the rabbits communicate their level of readiness at each step. Slow and steady wins the race here.

With diligence and patience, the immersion method can safely bond rabbit pairs of all ages and temperaments. Understanding rabbit body language is key – watch for signals of aggression or affection so you know when to progress. Moving too quickly can sabotage the bonding process. Take introductions slow and your rabbits will let you know when they are ready for the next step.

Can You Keep More Than Two Rabbits Together?

It is possible to bond groups of three or more rabbits, though pairs tend to be easier. Here is some advice if you are considering a multi-rabbit household:

Choose female rabbits under 5 years old. Female groups have the highest success rate. Young to middle aged rabbits adapt best in groups. Senior rabbits may prefer just one companion.
Get everyone spayed/neutered. Intact rabbits are territorial and aggressive. Spay/neuter is essential for group harmony.
Go through a careful bonding process. Introduce group members slowly in stages, even if all rabbits are young. Rushing the process can cause problems.
Consider size and space needs. Larger breeds need more room to share. Plan enclosures and exercise time accordingly so everyone has enough space.
Provide multiples of necessities. Have extra food bowls, litter boxes, toys and hiding spots so resources are not competed over.
Supervise constantly at first. Do not leave the group unchaperoned until the bond is fully secure. Monitor for any bullying or isolating behaviors.
Be prepared to separate or re-bond if needed. Sometimes newly bonded groups experience issues later on. Be ready to re-evaluate if any rabbit seems stressed or unhappy.
Add new members extremely gradually over time. Introducing a new rabbit to an already bonded pair/group should be done even more slowly with lots of stages.

With preparation and diligence, some rabbits enjoy the dynamics of a larger, multi-rabbit household. But less is often more when it comes to bonding. Start with just two rabbits, and consider adding more later once you are experienced with the bonding process. Patience and care is key to ensure harmony in any rabbit group.

References:

https://rabbitbreeders.us/questions-and-answers/can-you-keep-two-rabbits-together/
https://www.onlinerabbitcare.com/questions-and-answers/can-you-keep-two-rabbits-together/