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The bunny blog

Should I adopt two bunnies or just one?

4/10/2020

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There are many conflicting opinions on whether bunnies should have a friend or if a solo bunny will have an equally happy life on their own. I can't tell you what's best for your family and your bunny, but I can compare some of the pros and cons to each option, to help you make a more informed decision. I will also discuss the long term aspects to consider and how to provide the right companionship to a single house bunny. 
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Adopting two bunnies 

Pros

  • Two littermates are already bonded.
  • The bunnies will comfort each other during their move into your home, making the transition easier. 
  • Bunnies speak the same language, and even though they enjoy human companionship, we will never be the same as another bunny.
  • bunnies groom each other which in turn, keeps them cleaner.
  • bunnies in groups are less likely to be depressed, bored or lonely if you aren't able to spend much time with them.
  • Less bored = less destructive bunny behaviour. 
  • Bunnies who are bonded tend to be more relaxed, which decreases the chance of stress related illness.
  • Watching two bunnies fall in love is a truly wonderful experience. Owning a bonded pair or group will allow you to see behaviours/sides to your bunny's personality you wouldn't get from a single bunny.  
  • Bonded bunnies tend to be fairly easy going with humans due to the confidence their partner brings them.


Cons

  • Some bunnies become unbonded and it can be difficult/impossible to rebond them. You would have to house two bunnies separately, at least until they became bonded again. 
  • Slightly more hay/litter/pellet costs.
  • The cost of an extra spay/neuter.
  • There is a chance at puberty bonded bunnies can start fighting and one or both of them could become injured.
  • Once your bunny has been bonded to another bunny, they do not take well to becoming a single bunny again. One day, one of your bunnies is going to pass away, and you will have to consider getting another bunny for them in order to help them grieve and to avoid the health issues that come with depression and loneliness. That means going through the bonding process again, which can be stressful. You need to ask yourself if you are ready to take on bonded bunnies ongoing in the foreseeable future. Some bunnies will take well to a new bunny, other will reject a new friend as they grieve. 
  • More work cleaning up after your bunnies and maintain
  • ing them.

Adopting a single bunny

Pros

  • Gives you the chance to learn about bunnies BEFORE getting yourself into more than you can handle (i.e costs, care, etc)
  • Single bunnies can sometimes bond more closely to their human if they are spending alot of time with them.
  • It gives you the chance to get your bunny fixed, and get to know them, before adding more into the mix.
  • Housing only one bunny.
  • Less costs (vet bills, food, litter, spay/neuter)

Cons

  • Basically, you're missing out on all the pros of having a bonded pair!
  • Possibly bored, more destructive bunny
  • No one is there to groom your bunnies hard to reach places
  • Can become depressed or ill due to loneliness if they feel isolated from you and your family.

To conclude, there is no right or wrong answer. All bunnies need companionship, and they can get that from you, another bunny, a cat, a dog, etc. If you are financially secure, patient, and want to experience multiple bunnies, then go for it! If you'd like a solo bunny to start and would rather learn about your bunny first, that's fine too. Do what works for you, and consider all your options. All bunnies can be happy and spoiled regardless. I hope this helped a bit.
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  • Home
  • Meet Riverbend's bunnies!
  • Adopt a bunny
    • Adoption application
    • Sales Policy
    • Breeder Form
    • Available bunnies
    • The nursery
  • Care & info
    • Rabbit Care guide
    • Our bunnies diet
    • Enrichment
    • Lionhead Manes
    • Bunny facts & FAQ
    • What you'll need
    • Blog
  • Contact
  • Riverbend Pet Supplies
  • Retired bunnies