Best mate for rabbit

Question
We just took in a HUGE white rabbit that we found in my brother's back yard. He was there when my brother moved in.(We think he is a male). He is being taken care of, but we thought he might like it more if he had a friend with him. What kind should we get? does it matter? Male or female? Size? etc.
Thanks for your time.


Answer
Dear Nikki,

Thank you for rescuing this poor guy!  You will love living with a bunny.

Before thinking of getting him a pal, it's absolutely necessary to have him neutered/her spayed.  This will help calm him and make bonding with another rabbit possible.  Rabbits are ferociously territorial, and you would risk really horrible fights unless you do this carefully.  Please read:

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

You can find a good, experienced rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

It's no secret that rabbits are *really* fertile.  If you have two of opposite sexes, you WILL be overrun in less than a year.  

The best idea would be to have him neutered, first, let him heal up, and then set up a "blind date" with some of the spayed females at your local rabbit rescuer's foster home.  That way you can have the help of an expert in figuring out whom your bunny will like.  Rabbits are very picky about their companions, and it's really vital that you let him choose his own mate.  You might be surprised about who he picks:  rabbits don't care about looks.  :)

You can read more about bonding rabbits and about proper rabbit diet, housing and care here:

www.rabbit.org/

and

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

I hope this helps get you started.  Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana