Does my rabbit need a friend?

Question

right, basically my vet has been saying 'how much happier' my rabbit would be with another rabbit.but I'm hardly ever away from my rabbit and constantly play with him. he's also constantly playing with my dog. whenever i am out i hide pieces of vegetables all around the run so he doesn't get too bored. hes a very happy rabbit, never bitten and always running around. so just wanted another opinion? thanks

Answer 1

Well we think he seems happy enough but if you feel he needs a friend, i would so recommend getting him a younger rabbit near enough/the same breed OR a Guinea Pig-believe it or not they get on well with rabbits =)

Answer 2

If you're spending that much time with your rabbit I don't see why he would need another rabbit around. You could buy some toys to keep him occupied when you're not around, this will provide him with some mental stimulation.

If you wanted to introduce another rabbit there would be a lot you would need to consider. You would have to have them both neutered to try and prevent them fighting (if you got another male) or to prevent pregnancy (if you got a female). You would have to buy a separate hutch, as for the first few weeks they would need to be kept apart and just introduced for small amounts of time throughout the day. If they didn't get on you would have to be able to separate them quickly and be prepared to keep them in separate hutches for the rest of their lives.

It would also be best to try and find a rabbit that is about the same age as your current rabbit, which can sometimes be a problem.

You will know your rabbit better than anyone, so if you think he is happy and he gets all the attention he needs then there is no reason to worry.  

Answer 3

Yeah rabbits do like company - personally I'd buy a rabbit or guinea pig as a friend for your rabbit. It's good that you play with him constantly, but perhaps he gets lonely at night? Having said that though, getting another rabbit to keep him company may result in him changing his temperment - he'd get possessive and territorial. If you were to get another rabbit, i'd recommend introducing them in a 'neutral' ground i.e. somewhere where neither have been before, and keeping a close eye on them. If you were to get another male, you would need to neuter both of them though, which could be costly but would help with them bonding. I hope this ramble makes sense.. good luck.

Answer 4

Rabbits do not 'need' other rabbits for companionship. In the wild, rabbits would live pretty solitary lives. The only time they live in groups is when they are babies from the same litter. When they grow up, they quit spending that much time together and move on to different areas.

I did have two spayed female rabbits together and they did seem pretty happy, but, recently one of them died. The other ones personality has just changed completely. She never used to run around and play, she always just sat in the kennel even though her cage was open to run around the house. With the other rabbit gone, she's actually a lot happier. She spends time with my cats a bit, but, she definitely prefers being without another rabbit companion..

Answer 5

Your vet is an idiot.  Sorry.  They may be able to sound very authoritative but good rabbit vets are really hard to find.  >.<  I've seen lots of them while taking rescue rabbits to appointments.  I've met one or two that I did not have to teach something to.

Domestic rabbits are territorial and don't need and don't always like having another rabbit around.  I'm not sure what your vets motivation is but I'd look for another rabbit vet.  

You're doing just fine with your single rabbit.  They'll make great friends with anything that doesn't try to eat them - that means you and your dog.

Answer 6

sounds like he will be fine on his own.

I found that rabbits fight when you introduce them at an older age so it sounds like your rabbit is very happy, i wouldnt bother, he will be fine.

Answer 7

YES! my rabbit is soooo happer scine i got him a "girl friend" and they love haveing buddys!  

Answer 8

If you can I think it's always best to keep animals in pairs.

Answer 9

Well, in my experience, rabbits can do just fine without a companion, as long as you can provide that companionship yourself, which it sounds like you're doing! So it sounds like your rabbit would be just fine without another rabbit buddy. :)