QuestionI have a 13 and a half month old, dwarf lop, buck. He was neuterred about a week and a half ago. He lives in a hutch suitable for 2 medium sized rabbits, in my garage. I am at work most of the day, and I would like to get him a friend to keep him company. I would like to know:is this a good idea? How long do I leave iot before getting another? Do I get a young rabbit? Do I get another dwarf lop? Do you have any tips on bonding? What do I do with the new rabbit until she has been spayed? What do I do if they don't get on?
AnswerDear Emily,
First, I hope you will reconsider keeping this poor bunny in a hutch in the garage. Can you imagine living like that yourself? Or keeping a dog or cat in a cage in the garage? If not, then don't think it's any more enjoyable for a rabbit. Rabbits are highly intelligent and social. They crave companionship and love, and will live a miserable, lonely life--even with another rabbit--if confined to a tiny prison of a cage in a garage. There's just no other way to put it.
When you say the hutch is big enough for two medium-sized rabbits, what does that mean? A rabbit needs space to stretch and run, and just because a hutch has *physical* space for the bodies of two rabbits does not mean it's big enough for two to live inside together. A hutch or pen for two bonded rabbits should be a *minimum* of 4' x 4' x 3'(high) for comfort and safety, and be supplied with a litterbox, toys, and other things for fun. This is only for the times the bunny is caged. A rabbit needs several hours a day *outside* the cage to run and play. Our rabbits are never caged at all. They don't need to be, if the house is properly bunny-proofed.
You can find tips on litterbox training here:
www.bio.miami.edu/hare/training.html
If you can't provide proper space and playtime for one rabbit, then I would advise against getting another one, at least until you can bring them both inside where they will be safer and happier.
Bringing a new rabbit home could be a disaster unless the bunnies are allowed to choose each other. Bring home a "surprise," and there will likely be bloodshed. Please go here:
http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-a=00062824-sp00000000&sp-q=bonding
to find several helpful articles on how to safely bond two rabbits.
I hope this helps. Please write back if you have any other questions.
Dana