#BUNNIESNEEDBUDDIES
Why rabbits should never be alone:
Rabbits need the company of their own kind. No matter how hard we try, we can never give our rabbits as much company as another rabbit can.
Rabbits are highly social creatures and should ideally live in friendly pairs or groups. Studies have shown that rabbits value companionship as much as they value food!
If your rabbit spends hours on end alone every day, (when you go to work or school, for example), it is time to seriously consider bringing home a second rabbit. The isolation that a single bunny feels when they are left alone for most of the day can end up leading to depression. Even free-roam rabbits that spend a lot of time with their humans still benefit hugely from having a rabbit friend (or three).
Rabbits speak rabbit! As much as we bond with and love our rabbits, they need the companionship of their own kind to interact with them in ways that we can’t.
Bonded pairs of rabbits will provide emotional support to each other when one rabbit is sick, bored, lonely, or stressed. They love to groom each other and to sleep cuddled up next each other. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing bonded rabbits together.
If you are considering getting your first rabbit, please consider adopting a bonded pair from a rescue centre. This means that they already know each other and get along well. It will save you so much hassle in future with trying to bond rabbits that potentially might not get along.
First things first
The first step to choosing a friend for your rabbit is to ensure that your rabbit is spayed or neutered, and has been given time to allow their hormones to dissipate — usually about six to eight weeks after surgery. Also make sure that they have been vaccinated against RHDV.
Where do I get another rabbit?
If you are looking for a friend for your rabbit, please adopt one (or more) from a rescue centre. Generally, these rabbits have already been neutered and vaccinated. Please do not buy a rabbit from a pet shop. See WHY here.
Most rescue centres will even help with introducing your rabbit to its new friend and will allow you to bring your rabbit along to meet a potential partner in a neutral territory.
Bonding
Although they thrive with rabbit companionship, just like humans, rabbits have their own unique personalities and do not always get along with every other rabbit.
Rabbits prefer to choose their own companions. The best way to do this is to take your rabbit to a rabbit rescue for some “bunny speed dating”. Your rabbit can be introduced to a few other rabbits to see which interaction(s) shows the most promise. Based on their behaviour, the rescue can help you and your rabbit decide who the best candidate is. Some rescue organisations even offer a complete bonding service.
The process of finding a partner for your rabbit can take time and patience, but it will be worth it. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing bonded rabbits together!
