How to Introduce Two Male Rabbits Before Neutering

Rabbits are social creatures that bond easily to another rabbit of the opposite sex; this is called pairing. However, it is not impossible to pair rabbits of the same sex. Pairing two males is the most complicated. In the beginning, two male rabbits usually fight. Un-neutered males still have the hormone testosterone, which prolongs the problematic beginning. Pair two male rabbits of roughly the same size and age to avoid more harmful injuries during fights.

Things You'll Need

  • Crates
  • Large, neutral area
  • Litter box
  • Tunnel
  • Cardboard box
  • Hay
  • Water
  • Shoes
  • Broom
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Place each male rabbit in its own crate. Position the two crates 2 to 3 inches apart from each other so the rabbits can see each other but not get to each other.

    • 2

      Switch the rabbits daily so they are sharing crates without actually being together. Wait several hours after switching before cleaning the crates. Continue this for one week.

    • 3

      Move the crates close enough that the sides are touching. Separate the crates immediately if the rabbits begin trying to bite each other. Continue switching the rabbits daily. Move on to the next step only when the rabbits lay calmly next to each other or try to groom each other through the cage wires. Rabbits that continue trying to bite each other may not be compatible.

    • 4

      Take the male rabbits to a large, neutral area. An area 8 feet by 4 feet, or larger, is best. An area with linoleum or tile floor is ideal since it does not allow the rabbits to gain traction should a fight begin. Wear heavy shoes and keep a broom nearby in case you need to break up a fight. If a fight occurs, use your feet or the broom to separate the rabbits. Do not reach into a fight with your bare hands or you may be bit.

    • 5

      Place a litter box used by both rabbits in the area. Add tunnels and boxes so the rabbits have places to hide. Put hay and water in one corner.

    • 6

      Observe the rabbit's reactions of each other. Normally, they spend a few hours ignoring one another. Do not force interaction. If a fight occurs, separate the two rabbits and try again in two to three days.

    • 7

      Leave the rabbits in the area for at least 30 minutes. If everything goes well, they can stay together for as long as you wish to observe them. It is necessary to keep an eye on them whenever they are together, until they are successfully paired. Place them together every day until they seem calm around each other and lay down near each other.

    • 8

      Place a large crate in the area once they are showing signs of pairing. Let the rabbits decide when to enter the crate. As soon as both rabbits enter the crate at the same time and lay next to each other, they are paired and can live together.