Hello, i have a 2 year old lop eared male rabbit, who is kept indoors, i want to get him a friend and want to know what is best?

Is it better to get a male or female? the male i already have i neutered so im not looking to breed them.

After reading another thread on here, it looks like introducing them gradually is the best way to go, but the thing is i only have one cage, will i have to buy another one to keep the 'friend' in until they are used to each other and can go into the one cage?

The rabbit i already have is quiet passive, and not alot bothers him, we have three dogs who he runs around with, and they lick him and he doesnt mind this either.

Any advice will be apprieciated.

Thanks

Hi delforty

The pairing usually recommended for bunnies is a neutered boy with a neutered girl. That's the formula all the rabbit rescues, RSPCA, Blue Cross etc stick to usually. That doesn't mean to say that two neutered rabbits of the same sex will not get on. I have two bunny brothers that love each other to death. But there is a greater bonding success rate with mixed sex pairs.

Introducing the bunnies slowly is definitely the way to go. I would also recommend finding a rabbit rescue centre local to you that does bunny dating. They will bond your rabbit with a suitable partner at the rescue centre, and then you can take them home together to share the one cage. This works really well as they meet on neutral territory, rather than bringing a new bunny "stranger" into your bunny’s home. Rabbits can be quiet territorial and your bun might feel a bit threatened.

I think it's great that you are planning on bonding your rabbit. Once you see him and his new buddy snuggled up together grooming each other you'll be so pleased you did!

Good luck!

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I recommend geting a rescue doe who is already neutered.
Introduce them in a neutral environment.
i also suggest that you take your rabbit with you when you go to the rescue as not all doe's will be a match made in heaven for your buck, and they will have to be trialed together to see if they are compatible and won't fight.

When match making it is always right to make sure the existing rabbits cage is thoroughly cleaned out before you introduce the rabbits to it. Leave the door open and let them go in of their own accord.

I have plenty of experience (20 years) match making bunnies, it is not all roses

have you seen my site
http:TILLYS BURROWS |

Thanks for the replys, and will look into rescuing a rabbit.

What size cage will be big enough for two rabbits to live in comfortably?

As i said the male who i have already is kept indoors, but his cage is open most of the time during the day and runs round the house like one of the dogs so he gets plenty of exercise. He is also goes out the garden regular.

And would i have to rescue a rabbit that has been living indoors? or could i adopt one that has been outside and put her inside?

Thanks

If you look at my aviator you will see that most BRC members stick to one rabbit one cage.

My experience
I own and breed Tricolour-dutch, Harlequins, Dwarf Lop Rabbits, Continental Tricolour-dutch, also have 12 Ferrets and Ferret cross European Polecat Hybrids since the earley 70's
I have 28 rabbits, with a litter of eight rabbits born on the 1st of March and another litter of six born 21st March,.
The Hobby of Breeding & Exhibiting Rabbits and Ferrets is called 'The Fancy'. BRC member since the 70's. The British Rabbit Council ... Tonys_Pets ... First_Page-Index