Adopting 2 rabbits.

Question
I am looking to adopt 2 rabbits which have already bonded, from a shelter. I would like them to be house rabbits, so an elderly couple or disabled couple are fine by me. I am patient and understanding, and am the youngest in my house (im 20). I wonder what a house check from the shelter would expect? our house has lots of stairs, and I am worried this could detract from my chance of adopting? I had planned to combat the problem of the stairs by simply picking up the rabbits to take them from room to room. However, I realise some badly treated rabbits mightnt like being handled, and so I am planning on purchasing a childs play tunnel, and using that to connect two rooms, so the rabbits can come and go freely without the risk of falling down the stairs. Would this be a safe and practical thing to do? also, if I succeed in getting the 2 rabbits, they will be kept in the same cage as they are in the shelter, but would I need 2 bowls, 2 beds, 2 litter trays? or would they share? Thanks for your advice!!  

Answer
Dear Melanie,

Good questions, all!  Don't worry about the stairs.  Rabbits are quite adept at negotiating stairs, and should not have any problems.  A bonded pair also will happily share not only living quarters, but their bowls and litterboxes.  They are not territorial the way dogs and cats are--though they will fight ferociously with a strange rabbit.  You're smart to get a pair that's already bonded.

You can learn all about proper rabbit care here:

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

and here:

www.rabbit.org/

and by reading The House Rabbit Handbook by Marinell Harriman.  It's terrific, and only about $10 at most major bookstores (and amazon.com).

Hope that helps get you started.  Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana