bucks

Question
Will 2 bucks fight if kept in the same cage (small bucks in a larger cage and they get out for some exercise)?  I also have a doe in her own cage in the same room.  I have one buck and a doe, and a friend has a buck but her brother became very allergic to it.  Now it needs a new home.  Will it fit in with mine, or will there be problems and he should go somewhere else?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Olivia,

In general, two unrelated same sex rabbits that have not been altered generally do not bond.  We do have a couple of exceptions here but it is truly the exception and not the rule.  And it's rare for two unfamiliar rabbits of any type to get along at first.  We use a "bonding" process to introduce them to each other slowly and over time.  Rabbits are very territorial and will fight for what they consider theirs and these fights can be brutal.  We generally use car rides to help with bonding.  The idea is to add just enough stress that they have to seek comfort in each other.  This does take some time in many cases.  They also use their scent to mark their territory.  So we load them up and take them for a car ride...initially in separate carriers and after a few minutes we place them together in the same carrier.  We use a masking agent, vanilla flavoring works well, on the bridge of the nose to cover any territorial scents...that evens the playing field to some degree.  We have had some easy bondings and some that never worked.  Depends on the rabbit.  

It is sometimes easily to bond a trio of mixed sex.  All the rabbits should be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancy.  This will cut down on the territorial behavior and make for an easier bonding.  The other benefits of spays/neuters is that eliminates males from spraying urine, cuts out the hormonal aggressions and eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer (we have a survivor in our rescue) or uterine cancer (and the girls are quite prone to that).

If you attempt this bonding, it will take time.  Try to make the introductions in neutral territory.  Supervise them at all times.  Start with just a couple of minutes.  As things progress, allow them more time together.  And reward them for good behavior with a special treat.  You will be in for a challenge.  I have my doubts that it will work but if you are willing to put in the effort....they can surprise us every now and then.  Good luck.