How to get a rabbit to accept a new one

Question
We have a 3 year old male rabbit and we would like to know how to bring a new female rabbit who is 6 weeks old into his space/environment. Is it important that both rabbits are fixed?

Answer
Dear Sue Ellen,

It's hard to predict the reaction of a three year old male who is not neutered to the introduction of a new rabbit, male or female.  He might mount her (to show dominance, or to express excitement), or he could attack her.  If she's really only 6 weeks old, she is too young to be weaned, and the stress of being attacked or sexually harrassed could make her ill.  Please read this before you go any further:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html

It is important that both be spayed/neutered eventually, but the female is far too young, of course.  You can read more about this here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/spay.html

and find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I would have the male neutered before trying to permanently bond these two bunnies, as this will make him calmer and less likely to hurt the little bunny.

For tips on bonding, please visit:

http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-a=00062824-sp00000000&sp-q=bonding

for a list of helpful articles.

Hope that helps!

Dana