Introducing a new rabbit into a household with an existing bunny can be like bringing an intruder in from another rabbit warren. You can put two rabbits together, however. The process of introducing two rabbits is known as
Introduction a third rabbit into a bonded pair rarely works. Some nipping, chasing or mounting is normal, even in bonded pairs. Immediately separate rabbits if serious fighting occurs. It may not be a good idea to mix rabbits and guinea pigs.
a compatible group – it's possible to keep more than two rabbits together, but unless the rabbits are related and neutered early, bonding can be more problematic, so it's often best left to the more experienced rabbit owner.
Since rabbits have evolved to live with their families (which can grow very quickly), there isn't a very low limit of the number of rabbits that can live together – more often than not, the constraining factor is the amount of space you have!
Rabbits just LOVE company!
Most owners house a pair of rabbits, but keeping three or four are also popular options. Be sure that you have enough space to comfortably house all your rabbits, or else you'll have to purchase multiple runs to create enough space.
Barring the odd rogue rabbit that likes the lonely life, rabbits generally benefit from the company of other rabbits. They will often be far happier and content with a mate. Rabbits are not that unlike humans, they also get bored, even depressed, and when they do, they often act it out with destructive behaviour.
Once your bunny is bonded it doesn't take any extra work to care for two bunnies. They share a house, food, water, and litter box. They will groom each other and keep each other clean and healthy.
Generally speaking, whether a trio works depends on the bunnies involved. Some bunnies thrive better in a trio, some thrive in a pair, some need to be single, others need groups, so it is all about the individual bunnies involved. Breed/gender/age, etc, doesn't matter, just personality.
Pet rabbits need at least one bunny bestie to live with but they'll be even happier in larger groups. It's easiest to adopt rabbits that are already bonded - brothers and sisters from the same litter will be really happy to live together, so long as they've been neutered (or you get them done when they're old enough).
As a general rule, rabbits are bonded once they can spend 48 hours together without any chasing or aggressive behaviors. You also want to see positive signs such as grooming, sharing food, and sleeping next to each other to confirm that your rabbits feel safe around each other.
Bonded rabbits spend the majority of their days and nights together. They tend to visit the litter tray at the same time, eat together and groom together. A lot of time is spent simply snuggled up together sleeping. They can become competitive with each other over food and attention from us.
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.
Once the rabbits are spending one to two hours together daily without any problems, they can be introduced into their intended living space, initially under supervision. Rabbits can be left alone together safely once they're showing positive behaviours towards one another.
Put the rabbits in nearby enclosures, where they can sniff each other through the wire. If your existing rabbit is free range, put the new rabbit in a small separated area so they can get used to each other's scent. You can swap around their litter trays and rub a cloth over each transferring scents.
The HRA guidelines recommend at least 8 square feet in their enclosure. The rabbit will require an additional 24 square feet of space to exercise for a minimum of five hours every day.
Rabbits are social species and prefer to live in groups. If you decide to own a rabbit, always have at least 2 rabbits. However, if you don't have the room or time or money to keep two rabbits you will need to become your rabbit's companion.
You should have one litter box per cat plus one. One cat two litter boxes. Two cats three litter boxes, etc. It's also important to clean them at least once per day.
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. It can also happen if you move house, move or change your rabbit enclosure, or upset the hierarchy by introducing new rabbits.
Although trying to bond rabbits will inevitably be stressful to them, there are other factors that cause stress too and every rabbit owner should be aware of them.
Once the rabbits have bonded, DO NOT separate them. If one rabbit needs to go to the vet, both need to go. If they're separated and one rabbit comes back with a different smell or change in health, they may reject each other and begin fighting.
Rabbits hold grudges. For this reason, it is best to avoid allowing them to get in an all-out fight. You need to determine, however, whether their behavior is actually fighting or playing as some of the behaviors overlap. Rabbits will nip at each other to get the other's attention.
Nipping will most likely happen at some point during the bonding process. It is normal and isn't always a negative action. Sometimes a rabbit will nip the other because they want him/her to groom them.