Providing Information About Rabbits

Rabbit Companions

A popular question among rabbit owners is "What is the best companion animal for my rabbit?" Pet rabbits do not need to have another rabbit or animal companion to be happy. What they need is the attention of their owners, even if for just a few hours a day. My rabbits (I had two) never bonded with each other and both were very happy as solitary rabbits.

Rabbit & Rabbit

The bonding issue is one that can be quite controversial as many people have different view points on the subject. There are a lot of websites devoted to bonding rabbits, however, what they often over look is that some rabbits NEVER bond with another rabbit regardless of gender or being spayed/neutered. Bonding rabbits takes time and in the early process can result in rabbit fights with fur flying everywhere and possible bite injuries (ranging from minor to major) to the rabbits involved.

Typically an altered male & female make the best connections and are reported to be easier to bond, if left unaltered there will be babies galore. An altered male and unaltered female, will not produce babies however, the female can experience false pregnancies and hormonal changes from being mounted by an altered male or being in close proximity to a male (altered or not). An altered female and unaltered male, again will not produce babies however, male rabbits have a greater tendency to spray (much like cats) when left unaltered.

Same gender bonding is a possibility but is reportedly harder to achieve. Both rabbits should be altered to decrease hormonal changes and conflicts.

It is highly recommended to read up on bonding rabbits long before attempting such a feat and do not get a second rabbit if you are not prepared to house them separately. If you are bound and determined to bond a rabbit to rabbit you can try fostering a second rabbit from your local shelter or rabbit rescue in order to help find that perfect rabbit companion.

In short, never get a second rabbit unless you are prepared to house them individually and are able to allow them separate runs or run-time.

Rabbit & Cavy (Guinea Pig)

Guinea Pigs have been successfully and easily bonded to rabbits. Unfortunately, there have also been many that have not been successful and had disastrous results. Before doing this you should read up on cavies and rabbits making special note of the following:

1. Cavies require a different diet than rabbits. Vitamin C is metabolized differently in rabbits and cavies. Cavies require a diet higher in Vitamin C, which if given to a rabbit is unhealthy and not recommended. Therefore, cavies should not be fed rabbit pellets and vice versa.

2. Rabbits naturally carry several types of bacteria such as  Bordetella  and Pasteurella without any noticeable symptoms. These bacteria can then be easily transferred from rabbit to cavy. The infections caused by the bacteria are often treatable in rabbits, unfortunately the same does not apply to the cavies as they are far more like to die as a result.

4. Rabbits are physically bigger and stronger than cavies. Many cavies have suffered serious injury or death as a result of being intentionally or accidentally hurt by a rabbit.

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