Spaying and Companions

Question
Well, I have given your advise thought, and now I have more questions.

I've been looking at the sites and they say that she should be spayed from 4 to 6 months. Right now, she's just about 3 months, but not yet. Should I have her spayed now?

You also suggested that I should get her a companion. After thinking, I decided that she will get a bigger cage (personally built) with self access in and out of the cage. She won't get free roam of the house, but at least one room of the house. Should I get her a companion before or after she is spayed? When I get her companion, should I do an "introduction" or just bring one home since she is so young? If I should introduce her, I am not sure if it would be possible because I don't know if I would be able to do that. I got her from a Pet store, and I do not know where they obtained her, whether it be a rescuer or a breeder. Maybe you might know where there is a rescuer nearby. I am in Garden City, MI, about 30 minutes from Downtown Detroit. I have all these personalized questions that the sites don't quite answer. Would a Dutch and a Dwarf be able to get along? I personally would prefer to have both Dutch, but I don't know if this brings complications or if it is recommended.

Please, I love the help I already receieved from you, it's been great. Any answers for my questions and little tips/notes inbetween would be awesome. Thanks

Answer
Dear Rich,

It's definitely a better idea to wait until she's spayed and calmed down before you set up an appointment with your local rabbit rescuer for a "blind date" with their eligible neutered "bachelor" bunnies.  She's a bit too young at the moment, as uterine and ovarian tissues in such a young bunny are very delicate and friable.  There's a much greater risk that the vet could lose some of the tissue during the spay, and this could create major hormonal problems (and cancer) later.  So I really would wait and love her and get to know her until she's about 6 months old and then have her spayed by a good, experienced rabbit vet.  You can find one here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

There are several good rabbit rescue groups in Michigan, and you can connect to their web sites at:

www.rabbit.org/

Just click on the "Chapters" button, and you'll find the list.

It's absolutely *vital* to let your bunny choose her own mate.  Don't bring home a surprise!  Rabbits are ferociously territorial, and Dutch bunnies seem to be particularly protective of their "turf."  Bonding must be done with sensitivity and patience, preferably in a neutral area where neither bunny feels protective or defensive.  You can read more about bonding rabbits at www.rabbit.org

Rabbits get along for curious reasons unclear to us.  It seems to be a matter of personality and chemistry (just as with humans!), but we can't really predict who will like whom.  Your bunny might get along really well with a Dutch or Dwarf bunny from your local rescuer, or she might pick a big, taciturn fellow to love.  It really has to be up to her.  If you bring home a bunny *you* like, she's as likely to rip his ears off (I'm not really exaggerating; trust me) as to like him.  :(

I hope this helps get you started!  Again, please don't hesitate to write back with any other questions.

Dana