Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > a second rabbit

a second rabbit

22 11:20:54

Question
I 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?

Answer
Dear 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