What happens if rabbits don't bond?

If you find you are stuck in the bonding process, try switching up the bonding area. Sometimes the first location you choose is not a place that's working for your rabbits. The area might not be neutral enough, or your rabbits might just not like the place. Try experimenting with different sized spaces as well.


Can rabbits live together without bonding?

It's important that rabbits live with at least one other rabbit at all times, so that they feel safe. As they're social animals, they also enjoy eating together, grooming each other and lying down together to keep each other warm.

Can rabbits become unbonded?

Bonded rabbits can also break their bond. This can happen if they've been separated, for example if one bunny needs to spend a few days at the vet. It can also happen if you move house, move or change your rabbit enclosure, or upset the hierarchy by introducing new rabbits.


Should I let my rabbits fight it out?

If your rabbits are mounting each other a lot, instigating fights, stop them, place them side by side. Pet them together and talk to them quietly. Do not let much chasing ensue. If they are persistently aggressive, separate them to prevent injuries.

How long does it take for rabbits to be bonded?

The whole bonding process can take as little as one day or up to several months – it all depends on your rabbits. Usually, it's a few weeks before your bunnies will be living happily together but it is well worth the wait.


What to Do If Your Rabbit is Scared of You



Can you bond rabbits at any age?

If you already have a rabbit, arrange for him/her to be neutered and wait a few weeks before adopting the second rabbit. It's never too late to get a friend for your existing rabbit. There are many cases where older bunnies have spent their twilight years happily with a new companion.

Can I leave bonded rabbits alone?

Make sure to spend some time with the rabbits in one or more neutral space every day. When you're not actively working with them, they should be apart if they fight when together. If they do not fight, then they can be left alone if you're not working with them, but not when you're not home at all.

What to do if two rabbits are fighting?

If fighting is serious, the bunnies should be separated when unsupervised. Once they seem to be getting along, they can be re-introduced into familiar territory. Often they start to fight again in their own space, so be ready with the water, and don't give up.


How do you introduce a second rabbit?

Prepare a neutral area separate from their enclosures

Have hiding places and toys ready to put in the area, but leave it empty for when you first introduce them. Once the rabbits are comfortable with the sight and smell of each other, they can be introduced for short periods in the neutral area.

What to look for when bonding rabbits?

They'll groom each other, sparing you some time. You're also less likely to see worrying behavior. Rabbits are easily stressed, leading to ill health. Bonded rabbits are less likely to become anxious and worried.

Can a single rabbit be happy?

Rabbits are social animals, so a single rabbit is likely to feel lonely and depressed. Rabbits can live alone, but you'll need to provide your pet with the attention (company, petting, grooming, exercise, playing, and enrichment) that a bonded rabbit partner would provide.


How do you make a single rabbit happy?

How to keep a single rabbit happy
  1. Give your rabbit a comfortable enclosure. Rabbits need a lot of space, even when they can't be supervised. ...
  2. Give your rabbit a variety of toys. ...
  3. Provide a healthy diet. ...
  4. Interact with your rabbit daily. ...
  5. Pet your rabbit often. ...
  6. Make sure your rabbit gets lots of exercise.


Do bonded rabbits need to go to the vet together?

If your rabbit is one of a bonded pair it is a good idea to take them both to the surgery. In some cases the vet may need to examine the other rabbit (in case of infectious disease etc) but generally they will just keep each other company.

Can you force bunnies to bond?

If you give them toys, treats, and hiding houses to play with, you can make these sessions fun. Your rabbit will look forward to the bonding sessions, enjoying their time with their bunny friend. This will then make the two rabbits much more likely to bond more quickly.


When should you give up bunny bonding?

In general, the only time you should give up on bonding rabbits is when they have injured each other. You should also reevaluate the bond if one rabbit is a bully, making the other rabbit anxious and afraid to eat, use the litter box, or even move around too much.

How do I know if my rabbit is sad?

The signs of an unhappy rabbit

Pulling at their fur and over-grooming - or not grooming at all. A change in feeding or toilet habits. Drinking a lot more. Repeated circling or pacing up and down.

How do I know if my rabbit needs a friend?

Signs of loneliness in rabbits
  1. Attention-seeking behaviors. If rabbits are lonely, the first step they'll take is to try to find ways to get the attention they crave. ...
  2. Persistent destructive behaviors. ...
  3. A withdrawn personality. ...
  4. Unexplained aggressive behavior. ...
  5. Fur pulling and overgrooming. ...
  6. Lack of appetite.


How much attention do single rabbits need?

At a minimum, you should spend at least an hour with your rabbit every day. However, 3-5 hours (or even more) are ideal. You do not have to be giving your rabbit undivided attention during this time, but instead, make yourself available to interact with them if they want to.

How do I know if my rabbit is lonely?

Signs of loneliness in rabbits may include:
  1. Becoming withdrawn.
  2. Excessive grooming.
  3. Pulling fur out.
  4. Destroying things.
  5. Being aggressive towards humans.


Are 2 rabbits easier than 1?

They will often be far happier and content with a mate. Rabbits are not that unlike humans, they also get bored, even depressed, and when they do, they often act it out with destructive behaviour. Take your time to get a new mate, or even better, buy two rabbits from the start.


Do rabbits miss their owners?

You may worry that your rabbit will be lonely. If you spend a lot of time with your rabbit, they will undoubtedly miss you when you're away, the same way you miss them. The two of you have developed a bond and friendship that your pet rabbit also understands.

How do you know if two rabbits are getting along?

As a general rule, rabbits are bonded once they can spend 48 hours together without any chasing or aggressive behaviors. You also want to see positive signs such as grooming, sharing food, and sleeping next to each other to confirm that your rabbits feel safe around each other.

How do you know if rabbits like each other?

Rabbits may become acquainted with one another right away and begin to play with one another. If they interact with one another and run about or sit close to one another, this is a positive indicator. It indicates that they are having a good time together and are beginning to become friends.