dwarf-lop breeds

Question
I am considering getting a dwarf-lop mix breed of rabbit.  However, I was wondering if it is better to get two rabbits, so that the one would not be lonely.  Also, if it is better to have two, what sex combinations are best together?

Answer
Hi Ellen,

often it depends on the particular rabbit's personality as to whether or not they would be better as a solo rabbit or with another.  Also, sometimes rescue groups and shelters, because they evaluate each rabbit as they come in, will have a bonded pair or trio come in that will require being adopted out together.  Saves a lot of time and trial-and-error determining if they will be good matches for each other.  But definitely, rescue groups and shelters can definitely help because they will be in a better position to tell you if the bunny you want would be better off as a solo rabbit, or if they would be receptive to a friend.  Don't overlook rescue groups and shelters for rabbits.  Some of the best rabbits are found at shelters and rescues - people just can't understand why they were abandoned.

The best combo is a combo that works.  Generally speaking, and there are always exceptions to this, but generally, a neutered male and a spayed female is the best combo.  Never pair an intact rabbit with a fixed one.  These two may have a spat now and then, but try your best to prevent them being separated for anything more than a few hours.  If one needs to go to the vet, take the other along and keep them together as much as possible.

If you get them at the same time, they will both learn your house at the same time and both feel like their each own their space.  If you get them separately, try to get the male first.  It is easier to bring a female into a male's territory than the other way around, usually.  But if you bring them separately, you will have to have a separate space for her initially until you can bond them, and this can take months in some cases.

The House Rabbit Society has great info on bonding and whether to get a friend for your 1st rabbit.  On the search box on the top of their page, type in "bonding", "dating", "second rabbit", and any other terms you can think of, and a number of great articles will come up that you can read and print out.  I also would type in "nutrition" and "hay" to make sure you have the right foods available and will feed them in the correct amounts.

Lee