Having a pet rabbit can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Rabbits have unique personalities and can make great companions. However, rabbits are also social animals that thrive when housed together. So, is it better to have 2 rabbits rather than just 1? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons to help decide.
Pros of Having 2 Rabbits
There are some clear advantages to having a pair of rabbits compared to a single rabbit. Here are some of the main pros:
- Companionship – Rabbits are social and get lonely when housed alone. Two rabbits can provide companionship and enrichment for each other.
- Socialization – A pair of rabbits learn how to properly interact with other rabbits from a young age.
- Bonding – Rabbits form close bonds when housed together and groom, cuddle, and play together.
- Exercise – Pairs of rabbits encourage more exercise and activity as they play and run around together.
- Security – Bonded rabbits provide a sense of safety, security, and confidence for each other.
- Fun – It can be twice as fun to watch a pair of rabbits play, cuddle, and interact versus a single rabbit.
Overall, the companionship and enrichment provided by a bonded pair of rabbits is a major advantage over keeping a solitary rabbit. Rabbits are happier, healthier, and more active when they have a friend.
Cons of Having 2 Rabbits
However, there are also some potential downsides to having a pair of rabbits compared to a single rabbit:
- Bonding – While most rabbits get along, sometimes a bonded pair will start fighting and need to be separated.
- Space – A rabbit pair needs a significantly larger housing space than a single rabbit.
- Cost – There are additional costs for food, bedding, veterinary care, and supplies for 2 rabbits.
- Mess – Two rabbits generally make more mess from litter boxes, hay, etc. than one rabbit.
- Time – More time is required to properly care for, clean up after, and bond with 2 rabbits.
- Attention – It can be harder to give each rabbit individual attention with a pair versus a single rabbit.
The extra responsibilities and costs associated with properly caring for a pair of rabbits are the main downsides. Make sure you have the time, finances, and space for two rabbits before committing.
Proper Housing for a Pair of Rabbits
If you decide to get two rabbits, it’s important their housing set-up meets their needs. Here are some tips for proper housing for a pair of rabbits:
- Size – Get the largest possible enclosure or living space. Rabbits are active and a minimum of 8 square feet per rabbit is recommended.
- Safety – Make sure the housing is fully rabbit-proofed so there are no hazards or escape routes.
- Cleanliness – Spot clean messes daily and fully clean the enclosure 1-2 times per week.
- Comfort – Provide thick bedding, places to hide, ramps, and toys for enrichment.
- Exercise – Allow the pair outdoor supervised playtime or run of the home for added exercise.
- Company – House the rabbits together once bonded. But provide 2 of all supplies such as food bowls, litter boxes, and hiding spots.
A roomy rabbit hutch, large rabbit cage, or rabbit-proofed room makes an ideal living space for a pair. Make sure to provide adequate room for your rabbits to grow and thrive together.
Bonding 2 Rabbits
Bonding is the process of introducing two rabbits together to live as companions. Here is an overview of bonding rabbits:
- Start young – Rabbits bonded under 6 months old often bond most easily.
- Take it slow – Start introductions in a neutral space and don’t rush the process.
- Monitor interactions – Stay present to watch for signs of aggression during sessions.
- Try stress bonding – Put rabbits side-by-side in a carrier to force socialization.
- Use distractions – Incorporate toys and treats to distract territorial behavior.
- Neuter first – Spay or neuter both rabbits to help facilitate successful bonding.
- Be patient – Bonding can take weeks or months for some rabbit pairs. Don’t get frustrated.
- Separate if needed – If aggression occurs, go back to separate housing and try again later.
Bonding requires patience and the process is different for each rabbit pair. But with time, most pairs can become bonded companions. Consult an experienced rabbit veterinarian or rescue organization for advice if needed.
Litter Training 2 Rabbits
An essential part of rabbit ownership is litter training. Here are some tips for litter training a pair of rabbits:
- Large box – Use a cat litter box or cement mixing tray as rabbits share space.
- Corner location – Place boxes in corners where rabbits naturally eliminate.
- 1 box per rabbit – Provide 2 boxes for 2 rabbits to avoid territorial issues.
- Add hay – Place hay in boxes to encourage use as rabbits eat and poop.
- Clean often – Scoop waste from boxes daily to keep them clean.
- Positive reinforcement – Give treats and praise when rabbits use the box to reinforce.
- Patience – Accidents will happen during training. Stick with it and don’t punish rabbits.
- Spay/neuter – Unaltered rabbits often spray urine and are harder to train.
With consistent training most bonded rabbit pairs will learn to share litter boxes. This makes cleaning up after two rabbits much easier.
Potential Problems with 2 Rabbits
While there are many benefits to having a pair of rabbits, there are also some potential problems to be aware of:
- Fighting – Not all rabbits get along and fighting can occur.
- No bonding – Some rabbits fail to bond and need separate housing.
- Territory issues – Rabbits may fight over food bowls, litter boxes, or toys.
- Medical issues – Illness can spread between a pair more easily.
- Costs – Twice the rabbits means higher costs for housing, veterinary fees, etc.
- Time commitment – Caring for two rabbits takes more time than a single rabbit.
- Escape artists – A pair may figure out how to escape enclosures faster than one.
To avoid potential issues, take precautionary measures like spay/neuter, proper bonding techniques, adequate housing, and vet care. Thoroughly research having two rabbits before committing.
Signs of a Bonded Pair of Rabbits
How can you tell when your rabbits have successfully bonded? Here are some signs to look for:
- Cuddling and grooming each other
- No aggression like biting or chasing
- Eating, sleeping, and playing together
- Sharing toys and litter boxes
- Sitting together for long periods
- Following each other around
- Snuggling and touching noses
- Equal, friendly chasing and mounting
Bonded rabbit pairs display affectionate behaviors like mutual grooming, snuggling, and play. They live harmoniously together with minimal signs of aggression or fighting.
Best Rabbit Breeds for Pairs
Some rabbit breeds tend to make better pairs than others. Here are some top rabbit breeds well-suited for living with a partner:
- New Zealand – Docile, social breed that bonds strongly.
- Flemish Giant – Calm, gentle giants that partner well.
- Rex – Friendly, amusing breed that does well paired.
- Dutch – Vivacious, active breed that bonds easily.
- Himalayan – Sweet, laid-back breed that partners harmoniously.
- Mini Lop – Patient, smart smaller breed that bonds readily.
- Lionhead – Outgoing, playful breed that enjoys a partner.
Breeds with easiergoing personalities like Rex and Flemish Giants often make the best pairs. But any non-aggressive breed or mixed breed can potentially bond with the proper introduction.
Tips for Caring for a Pair of Rabbits
Caring for two bonded rabbits takes some additional effort over a single rabbit. Here are some top care tips:
- Spay/neuter – This prevents fighting and territorial issues.
- Proper bonding – Take time to gradually bond rabbits to live together.
- Large housing – Provide adequate shared living space for a pair.
- Litter train – Set up 2 litter boxes to avoid territory issues.
- Bunny proof – Fully rabbit proof housing; bonded pairs are escape artists.
- Monitor health – Watch for signs of illness which can spread between pair.
- Groom regularly – Help shed loose fur and check for skin issues.
- Clean often – Keep housing very clean as mess multiplies with 2.
- Interactive toys – Provide tunnels, chews, and toys for mental stimulation.
- Individual time – Make sure each rabbit gets one-on-one playtime and petting.
Following these proper care practices helps prevent common problems like fighting and illness in a rabbit pair. Put in the extra time and preparation for a happy, bonded rabbit duo.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the pros of having a bonded pair of rabbits generally outweigh the cons for most owners. The companionship, play, and affection rabbits provide each other creates a richer quality of life. Though it does take more time, effort, and money to care for two rabbits, the rewards of watching a rabbit pair interact are well worth it for many owners.
However, there are certainly scenarios where having a single rabbit is preferable. If you don’t have the time, finances, or housing space for two rabbits, opting for one may be best. And very territorial rabbits may never accept a partner.
Take the time to honestly assess if you can properly care for and bond a pair of rabbits. If so, opening your home to two rabbits can be an incredibly fulfilling decision. Just be prepared for double the cute and fluffy trouble!