It's also more common for female rabbits to be more standoffish toward human companions. They may show less interest in hanging out with you and prefer to do their own thing. However, once a female decides that she loves you and accepts you as part of her family, she is likely to be very loving and affectionate.
Male rabbits tend to be more easy going than females, are not so inclined to dig and neutering is less expensive than spaying. Female rabbits can be more territorial than males and like to dig holes as this is their traditional role in the wild.
Mixed-sex pairs usually work best, so if you are thinking of getting rabbits for the first time, it's advisable to get a male and female, although same-sex pairs are not uncommon. Obviously, if you take on an already bonded pair, then it's all been done for you!
Male and female rabbits are distinctly different from each other, even after de-sexing. Males tend to be more easy going and relaxed while females are usually "the boss" of any household.
#1 Lionhead
You see, the Lionhead is commonly described as one of the most easy-going rabbit breeds you're ever likely to meet. These bunnies are friendly, affectionate, and generally quite happy to be handled. And with their playful nature and small size, Lionheads are very easy to fall in love with.
Dwarf Lop/Mini Lop Rabbit
These adorable bunnies are easy to handle and robust, they tend to get along well with other pets and children, and are happy to be held. This makes them a perfect candidate for a family pet.
As sociable animals, rabbits appreciate constant companionship and in the wild you would rarely find a rabbit alone. To mimic their natural behaviour, it is always a good idea to keep your pet rabbit with a friend to avoid them feeling lonely and unhappy.
Most rabbits love to be cuddled and stroked when approached in the right way. Few like being held or carried as being so high up from the ground makes them feel insecure, however, many will happily sit on your lap or snuggle up next to you for a cuddle.
Much easier if you bring a girl home to a boy than if you bring a rabbit home to a girl. Bringing two rabbits home at the same time. Quite easy, even if they're same sex. Usually the new space is enough to make them become friends quite on their own.
Both male and female rabbits can urine spray. But it is most common in unneutered rabbits, especially males, from puberty onwards. Rabbits will spray urine around their territory as a way of communicating their boundaries to other nearby rabbits.
First, you'll want to make sure that both rabbits are spayed/ neutered prior to bonding as it will make the process easier. While female – male bonding tends to be easier, you can certainly bond two females or two males together.
Bonded rabbits can also break their bond. This can happen if they've been separated, for example if one bunny needs to spend a few days at the vet.
3 - 5 years old: Middle Age
At this age rabbits tend to slow down a little, sleep more and be generally less active. They may also become more and more affectionate, particularly house rabbits who live closely with their owners.
Any combination of rabbits can live together, whether they are both males, both females, or female and male. Male with female coupling is the most natural because this is how they typically form in the wild.
If you're watching a group of rabbits, you should be able to tell which is the dominant male – he's the one who is constantly patrolling his territory. You'll also notice that subordinates tend to move away when he approaches.
It is normal for some chasing to occur as the rabbits need to establish who is going to be the dominant one in the pairing, this may also involve some nipping, or fur pulling.
We usually tell our adopters that we expect the average bonding is going to take about two and a half weeks.
To keep your rabbit happy and healthy, let it out of its cage at least once a day, giving it time to roam. Though at least one hour is necessary, aim closer to three or four. As a rule, never keep your rabbit cooped up for 24 hours at a time.
You should avoid leaving a rabbit alone for more than 24 hours. This is because rabbits can get sick suddenly and require immediate medical attention. Conditions such as GI Stasis are very common, so you should always have someone checking in on your rabbit daily even if you are only away for the weekend.
Gender of the pair – The gender (sex) of the two rabbits involved can be really important. In general, the best combination for bonding two rabbits for long term success is a neutered male and a neutered female.
Rabbits can develop abnormal behaviour and may suffer if you leave them on their own and with nothing to do for long periods, so you should keep your rabbit with at least one other friendly rabbit.
If you are able to bring multiple rabbits into your home, I encourage you to do so. However, if you are unable to bring a second rabbit into your home, for whatever reason, your single bunny can still be happy and avoid depression.