In general, male rabbits are touted as being easier pets for rabbit beginners. They will usually get into less trouble and show fewer aggressive tendencies than female rabbits. This is especially true of rabbits who have been neutered. This doesn't mean that having a male rabbit will be a walk in the park.
Male rabbits tend to become more involved when owners look to interact with them, so you may find them more affectionate and less bothered about being picked up — although some breeds can be friendlier than others.
Males tend to be more easy going and relaxed while females are usually "the boss" of any household. In the wild, rabbits pair up into couples with the female digging their burrow and the male defending her and the burrow against intruders.
Unspayed female rabbits may experience extreme mood swings as their body moves through a pseudo "heat" cycle. A rabbit does not experience a true estrous (heat) cycle; rather, she ovulates 9-13 hours after mating.
Male/female bonding is usually the easiest to achieve, and in this case, being fixed is a must. Even if your rabbit is generally gentle and calm, when a new bunny enters the scene, you may see some very aggressive behavior.
“There's no such thing as orgasm in rabbits,” Bakker says—it is more like a light switch, in which male stimulation triggers the brain, which triggers ovulation.
Hormonal aggression is most common in female rabbits and attacks usually take place when you put your hands (or self) into your rabbit's territory i.e. their cage, hutch, or pen. It can make it very difficult to do basic tasks, like topping up the food bowl or cleaning the cage, without being attacked.
Squeal. If your rabbit nips or bites you (sometimes rabbits nip when they want something or want your attention - it's not always aggressive): give a high-pitched squeal as soon as she nips or bites you. This will let her know that she hurt you and she should not nip or bite you.
When a rabbit nibbles or bites you softly it is often accompanied with licking, which is a sign of love. He is trying to groom you and is simulating the grooming process (however, you have no fur to build up knots in so it results in just a little nibble of the skin).
It is not uncommon to find that during the early part of the year a normally manageable female suddenly becomes grumpy and aggressive. This is a result of the lengthening daylight and possibly a general increase in temperature, which is a trigger in wild rabbits to mark the start of the breeding season.
Do – House the rabbits separately but close together. They will get used to seeing each other and to each other's scent if they are close to one another. Make sure the cages are not close enough for them to be able to bite each other. Do – Be prepared for this to take several months.
Your rabbit will not kiss you back, but will return your affection in other ways. Licking is a key sign of affection from rabbits. You can teach a bonded rabbit to 'kiss' you with training.
There is no way to know exactly what your rabbit's personality is going to be simply because you know their gender. However, typically male rabbits will have more laid back and friendly personalities. If you are looking for a more social or attention seeking rabbit, then a male will probably be better for you.
Rabbits can live happily in male/female, female/female, male/male pairings and larger mixed groups.
Rabbits are a social species and have evolved to live in groups. In the wild, rabbits do not live alone. Rabbits kept as companions are not biologically different from their wild counterparts and so their innate need to be kept in the company of other rabbits is just as strong.
Licking is a way bunnies groom each other. If your bunny licks you, it's a sign of affection as you'll often see pairs of bunnies grooming each other this way. A bunny lick is a sign of a bond.
Rabbits explore their environment by sniffing and nudging. It may be a greeting or their first line of investigation. But nudging can also indicate a level of bossiness. Your rabbit might be telling you, “You're in my way!” They may also be trying to get your attention because you're not petting them.
Depending on the severity of the offence, a rabbit can hold a grudge from hours to several days. Sometimes, a simple stroke on the forehead or an apologetic treat can remedy a miffed bunny, but if your rabbit is truly offended, they can sulk for quite some time!
We usually tell our adopters that we expect the average bonding is going to take about two and a half weeks.
Conventional wisdom suggests that rabbits sleep in a hutch at night. But small animals, such as rabbits, like to sleep next to their owners. They enjoy the soft bedding, warm, and companionship.
3-5 Years Old
Rabbits tend to become a little less active by the time they reach this age. It is said that rabbits also become more affectionate during this period and they will start to trust you more.
Benefits to Spaying or Neutering Your Bunny
Second, a rabbit that is spayed/neutered becomes calmer and easier to manage. Their destructive habits subside a bit,yet they don't lose their charmingly mischievous nature. Altered rabbits are also easier to litter train and have less of an urge to spray.