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2 little rabbits

22 10:27:44

Question
hello
i wonder if you could answer a query for me?!
i brought a netherland dwarf which is 6-8 weeks old last week and since discovered on every website i have read that it would be best if he had a friend to keep him company as he lives outside. Although he is constantly with me getting lots of attention i would love it i could get rabbit number 2 to live with him.
I was thinking of getting another male netherland which is also 6-8 weeks old and introducing them, however neither will be neutered as they are still babies. Is this a good idea and do males tend to bond when they are still babies?
many thanks laura  

Answer
Deciding on whether to get another rabbit for him to bond to is a lot of times up to the rabbit.  As a breeder, I never have rabbits together past about 8-10 weeks old. I make sure to provide toys and hay and attention for each of my rabbits.  And they all seem well adjusted and happy.

However,  that doesn't mean to say that rabbits can't bond, become lifelong friends and live happily ever after.  It is best to start them off young, the younger the better and littermates are even better.  But keep in mind at puberty, you will more than likely see fighting, spraying, and mounting of eachother.  This can either be a passing phase, or something that can't be fixed.

Now having said all that, I think the best thing to do would be either to take the rabbit with you, or see if you can take the new rabbit on a trial period, to make sure they get along at first, then as soon as they are old enough (generally around 4 months) get both of them neutered at the same time. After the recovery period then you will have to work on re-introducing them.  You can learn about that here
http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/bond.shtml

Keep in mind because rabbits are territorial creatures that a bonding no matter how much you want it, may never happen, in that case you should be prepared to provide two of everything, including the amount of time you have to spend playing and providing for them.

I wish  you Luck!
amy