How To Bond Your Rabbits

So, you’re bringing home a friend for your bunny. Or maybe you’re adopting two rabbits that aren’t littermates. You can’t simply put them in a hutch together. 

Bonding rabbits is creating a lifelong friendship. It takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Here’s how to bond your bunnies.

First, Neuter Your Rabbits

Neutered rabbits are easier to bond. Also, neutering will protect their health in the longer term and prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Adjoining But Separate Spaces

Each rabbit should have its own separate living space where it can see and smell the other. One example is two runs side by side. You could also divide a hutch with a wire divider. Look for the following signs that your rabbits are getting used to one another.

• Sitting side by side on either side of the barrier
• Grooming one another through the barrier
• Engaging in normal behaviours 

Bunny Dating

Bring your rabbits together once a day in a neutral space. Supervise them and prepare to separate them if necessary.

Positive Signs

If your rabbits do any of the following, they are moving toward bonding.

• Ignoring each other
• Grooming themselves or one another
• Flopping onto one side
• Turning their back to the other bunny

Danger Signals

If your rabbits do any of the following, separate them and try again later.

• Stiff tails
• Ears back
• Growling
• Fighting

The bonding process may take days or even weeks. When your rabbits can happily spend one to two hours together in the neutral space, you can introduce them to their new shared living space.

Read more about bonding your rabbits on our blog: https://homeandroost.co.uk/blog/how-to-bond-rabbits/