Bonding Bunnies

A rabbit relationship is just like any other, in that a new pair of animals takes time to adjust to each other. Some pairs may hit it off the first day, while others may need some time to work out their differences.

Pairs of rabbits: (in order of preference)

Altered male/female -
This will be your best bet for successfully bonding and long term companionship.

Female/female -
Good bonding results can come from young sibling sisters, as long as they have always been housed together. Never introduce unaltered females of different ages or litters, as fighting is bound to occur. As the pair age it will probably become necessary to alter them both.

Altered female/unaltered male -
If you don't want babies then please consider having at least the female altered. Un-bred, unaltered female have a very high rate of uterine cancer.

Unaltered male/female -
All will be fine until the doe gets pregnant, then she will not tolerate any other rabbit close to her. This is not the way to keep bonded animals. Two unaltered rabbits, in any combination, are likely to either fight or breed, or both.

Male/male -
Probability of a successful bonding are almost nil. Male rabbits will fight to the death. Never house two adult males together.

Starting the bonding process:
There are some steps you can take to help make the bonding process easier for all. First is to introduce the rabbits in a small neutral space, like a hallway or bathroom. Neutral ground helps put everyone at the same level. In neutral space no one is dominant. The small space helps them to feel secure while the bonding process proceeds. Always supervise newly introduced rabbits closely. There is bound to be some sort of display of dominance while they work out who is boss and who is not. A cage is not the place to introduce or house newly introduced rabbits. If a real fight breaks out you will have an awful time trying to separate them. Once your pair have worked out their differences and are truly bonded you will be able to house them together without too much worry.

Watch the pair closely for the first week or so. You will probably see one rabbit mount the other, regardless of sex. This is typical dominant behavior and will subside with time. There is usually a fair amount of chasing and nipping too. This is also normal. Try not to intervene unless absolutely necessary. If your pair does get into a fight separate them, but leave them together in the enclosure. If you separate them into different pens then you will be defeating the porpoise. They will work things out eventually, just be sure no ones life is endangered in the process.

The most important thing to remember is to check your rabbits for injuries each day, even if they appear to be getting along well.

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