Rabbits are social animals, but they also need time to get to know each other. In this article we share our top tips for ensuring it’s a love match not a rugby match when it comes to bonding pairs…
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Personality profile
Rabbits love companionship and in the wild they would naturally live in large groups but when it comes to pet pairs, it’s not as simple as popping two bunnies in a hutch together and expecting them to get along. Personality is key. When you’re preparing to pair-up, first look out for a rabbit that complements your own rabbit’s personality i.e. a grumpy rabbit with a placid one, a playful one with a playful one, etc. Neutered and vaccinated male and female rabbits, older than six weeks, also make for better partners.
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The first date
While love at first sight might work for humans, it can take much longer for rabbits. Ensure that your chosen rabbits can live alongside each other, but have separate facilities, either by placing a divider into a room or locating two good-sized cages side-by-side. This means the rabbits can smell and see each other but have their own space. The pair will need to remain like this for at least four weeks – and some may need up to four months to adjust.
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Body language
During this first stage make a note of their behaviour – so you can work out if their relationship is blossoming into a fairytale romance or a Fatal Attraction. Holding back their ears, lunging or growling can all be signs of aggression, for example, while touching noses and sharing dinner is a sign that they might be interested in each other. Many rabbits will show complete indifference and this is often a good sign, as it shows they are relaxed in the other rabbit’s company.
4. Love at first sniff?
After the first month, and if they’re showing signs of positive behaviour towards each other, you can begin swapping soiled hay into the other rabbit’s quarters so they get used to the smell of each other, and perhaps even try swapping them over into each other’s space.
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Chaperoned courting
Once the rabbits have become familiar with each other, the initial introductions can take place – and this is best done in a neutral area away from their own hutch, for example a large shed, a run, or even a kitchen floor. Try one session a day and only leave them together for as long as they’re happy (this might be as little as a few minutes at first) and look out for problematic behaviour. Aggressive behaviour can be quite common in these early days and rarely needs intervention, but if it becomes problematic, try stroking the rabbits simultaneously to give them both reassurance.
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Engagement
Once your pair is bonding, you can gradually increase the time they spend together each day – until you are able to leave them alone overnight. But be patient! Ensure your pair is relaxed in each other’s company – for example, lying side by side, grooming each other or eating and drinking together – and don’t rush it.
This year’s Rabbit Awareness Week (June 18-26) will be highlighting the importance of companionship among rabbits with a ‘buddies for bunnies’ pledge that highlights the need for pet owners to consider suitable friends for their rabbits from rescue centres. Find out more at www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk