How to Introduce a Second Rabbit

Even after your rabbit bonds with you, it will benefit from a companion of its own species. Rabbits often groom and comfort each other. Unless you would like to breed your rabbits, select a second rabbit that is the same sex as the first one. The breed and size of your second rabbit in relation to the first does not matter; however, select a companion that is close to the same age. Bonding your two rabbits can be tricky and they may fight initially. Bonding may take two weeks or several months.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 cages
  • Water bottle
  • Bowl
  • Baby gate
  • Spray bottle
  • Gloves
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Bring your rabbits to the veterinarian to have them spayed or neutered. Otherwise, they will likely fight. Use separate cages. Wait at least three to four weeks before bonding them to allow their hormones to settle.

    • 2

      Provide your second rabbit with its own accommodations until the pair become friends. The newcomer requires its own cage, water bottle and food bowl. Place the two cages next to each other to encourage bonding.

    • 3

      Establish a bonding area in a neutral room that your first rabbit will not regard as its territory, such as a bathroom. Choose a non-carpeted room for easier cleaning. If the room does not have a door to close it off from the rest of the house, install a baby gate or similar barricade. Remove any electrical cords and similar hazards from the floor.

    • 4

      Place both of the rabbits in the neutral room and monitor them. Never leave them alone together. They will likely chase each other and mount each other, even if they are both the same sex. This behavior is normal.

    • 5

      Allow them to play for 15 to 30 minutes one to three times daily. Cut the play date short if they become aggressive. Gradually increase their time together over the next few weeks as they become friendlier.

    • 6

      Monitor the rabbits on each play date for signs of aggression. The warning signs of a fight include raising the tail and pushing the ears back at a 45 degree angle. If your rabbits begin to bite each other, spray them with a water bottle. If they continue, wear a pair of sturdy, thick gloves and physically separate them.

    • 7

      Switch the rabbits between the two cages, placing your first rabbit in the second rabbit's cage and vice versa. Continue to do this every day throughout the bonding process so that they can become accustomed to each other's scents. Switching housing environments also prevents a rabbit from claiming territory and introduces them to the idea of shared territory.