How Do I Introduce Another Dwarf Rabbit?

Dwarf rabbits are extremely social animals within their own community. These communities are called warrens. They are also fiercely territorial and protective of this same community. This natural territorialism causes some difficulty when introducing a new rabbit to an existing pet rabbit. When introducing a new pet, close supervision is required to avoid fights and injuries. By taking some extra precautions it is possible to minimize the amount of conflict created by introducing a new rabbit.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray bottle with water
  • Neutral environment
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a new rabbit carefully. Rabbits of the opposite sex are typically easiest to introduce with the least amount of conflict. If introductions are made when both rabbits are babies --- less than 10 weeks old --- there is no adjustment period and this is the ideal time to put two same-sex rabbits together. Babies can simply be placed together in the same cage. Adult rabbits of the same sex require the longest adjustment time and closest supervision. These animals present the highest chance of severe aggression.

    • 2

      Spay or neuter your rabbits to minimize fighting, aggressive behavior and prevent breeding. This step should be taken prior to any attempt at putting the animals together. In addition, allow rabbits approximately two weeks to heal from neutering prior to the introducing them.

    • 3

      Put the rabbits' cages near each other. Allow the rabbits to see and smell each other from separate, but close cages.

    • 4

      Choose a neutral territory when introducing a new rabbit. Select an area that your existing pet is not already familiar with such as a bathroom in your home. This serves more than one purpose. First, your existing pet will feel less territorial in an environment it is not used to. Secondly, this provides an environment larger than a typical rabbit cage so that your new pet doesn't feel as threatened by being cornered in a small, enclosed area.

    • 5
      Bonded rabbits will groom each other and sleep together.

      Increase the amount of time the rabbits spend together, gradually. Start by allowing the rabbits to spend up to 20 minutes together once or twice daily. If you identify aggressive posturing, one of the easiest and safest distractions you can use is a spray bottle of water with the nozzle set on stream. Spray the aggressor when any signs of aggression occur. This will not hurt the rabbit but serve as a distraction.

    • 6

      Keep rabbits separated when unsupervised as long as any aggressive behavior still exists. Once the rabbits groom each other and sleep together you can leave rabbits unsupervised. These cues indicate your rabbits have successfully bonded.