The Compatibility of a Dwarf Lop Eared Rabbit With Other Rabbits

The compatibility of a dwarf lop eared rabbit with other rabbits depends upon the individual lop and the other rabbit. No rabbit is guaranteed to get along with another rabbit; however, there are steps that can be taken to make favorable conditions for a happy rabbit community. Having adequate space, providing the right company, and introducing new rabbits under controlled circumstances are a few ways to running a successful hutch.

  1. Space Requirements

    • Having adequate space is an important factor in each rabbit feeling secure when sharing a burrow (habitat). Dwarf lops, like all other rabbits, require a minimum living space of 3 to 4 times their own body length. While many companion rabbit hutches are sold to be a one-rabbit habitat, larger hutches are also sold at farm supply and pet supply stores that are large enough to house more than one rabbit. When providing for more than one rabbit, also allow for extra critical spaces such as feeding stations, water bottles, litter pans and sleeping baskets as well as an adequate amount of chewing toys.

    Breeder Rabbits

    • Breeder rabbits introduced under controlled conditions and at the same time, can do well if given time to adjust and places to retreat to until they become acclimated to each other's company. When bonding pairs, watch for signs of aggression (biting) as well as tolerance (patience while being preened). Keeping several pregnant females together is not ideal because pregnant does (female rabbits) as well as bucks (male rabbits) are especially prone to aggressive territorial fights. Before breeding rabbits of any kind, speak with an experienced breeder to see if you have adequate space to separate birthing rabbits when then time comes.

    Companion Rabbits

    • More and more people are choosing companion rabbits as pets, so rabbit enthusiasts have incorporated the travel and social needs of pet rabbits into pet functions as well. Companion rabbits of both sexes are territorial and aggressive when still intact. However, altered rabbits that have been spayed and/or neutered are very compatible with all other altered rabbits. Altered rabbits are less likely to be aggressive or territorial, and they become more social and compatible with other rabbits of any breed.

    Considerations

    • Male rabbits can remain fertile for up to two weeks after neutering.

      When adding a companion rabbit to an existing hutch, consider adopting from a rescue organization. Rescue organizations offer rabbits with a clean bill of health, microchip implant, and many are already altered before being adopted out. If considering spaying or neutering a rabbit to make it compatible in a community hutch, allow two weeks for all surgery wounds to heal before introducing that rabbit to the existing community. Monitor rabbits closely until they begin showing signs of communal acceptance and being tolerant of each other's behaviors.