How to make friends with rabbits?
Living together is much more fun for rabbits than alone. We talked about this in the article “”. But so that friendship does not turn into enmity, it is important to correctly select neighbors, introduce them correctly and create optimal conditions for them.
- Suitable age
Decorative rabbits find a common language with each other faster than adults. Therefore, if possible, take two rabbits at once, under the age of 3 months. Babies have not yet developed territorial and sexual instincts, which means that there are much fewer reasons for conflicts.
- Choosing the right pair
Will the rabbits be friends? What kind of rabbits are we talking about? Two adult uncastrated males in one cage will definitely not get along. Two adult females may also begin to compete. It is best to select neighbors according to the following scheme:
– One male and one female with mandatory castration of the male (about six months). Of course, if you plan to breed, castration will be canceled, but in this case, the rabbits need to be kept separately from each other.
— Two castrated males. It is better if they are friends from childhood. However, adult castrated males are usually excellent friends. However, sometimes this can take time.
One castrated male and two females. If you want to have three rabbits, this combination is optimal. In a company of a sterilized male and two females, disputes are extremely rare. And if they do, they are symbolic.
- Similar temperament
Try to select neighbors according to temperament. This is easier to do when the rabbits are already adults. If your rabbit is calm and quiet, give him the same quiet one: a more powerful rabbit may begin to oppress him. Perhaps opposites attract, but when kept in the same cage, this does not work.
- Acquaintance on neutral territory
The first meeting of rabbits who will live in the same cage should take place on neutral territory. If you immediately put a stranger in a cage with your rabbit, conflicts cannot be avoided. The old-timer rabbit will diligently defend his territory, even if deep down he sincerely wants to make friends. It’s practically a matter of honor!
An ideal place for two rabbits to meet is an aviary with an area of about 3 square meters, in which none of the animals has been. This space will be enough for the animals to communicate, and in which case they can rest from each other. For each additional rabbit, another 1 sq.m. space.
Rabbits can live in an aviary for several days or weeks. It all depends on the speed of establishing contact. As soon as the pets begin to eat and rest together, they can be safely transplanted into a cage. Do not be surprised if the relationship between them deteriorates a little in the first time after the transplant. This is normal, because in a new place they have to “update” the established hierarchy.
Most often, a strong friendship between rabbits is established within 2-3 weeks. Sometimes it takes a month. Stock up on patience.
Once in the same territory, two unfamiliar rabbits will begin to establish a hierarchy among themselves. They can jump on each other, chase each other around the enclosure and even snatch tufts of wool. Don’t worry, this is natural behavior and the animals just need time. Of course, if it comes to serious aggression and “bloodshed”, the rabbits need to be seated. Repeat the acquaintance after a while, then again. If all attempts are unsuccessful, look for other neighbors for the rabbits.
- How many rabbits to keep in one cage?
How many rabbits can be kept in one cage? The answer to this question depends on the desire of the owner, the size of the cage and the compatibility of the neighbors. Usually, no more than 3 rabbits are kept as pets, more often two.
- The more space the better
Very often, rabbits are in conflict due to improper conditions of detention. For example, due to lack of space in the cage. The more rabbits you have, the larger the cage should be. Pets should be able to move freely around the cage, stretch to their full height and play. If the rabbits walk on each other’s heads, conflicts and other, much more serious problems will begin. Change your terms quickly.
- Remember walking!
No matter how spacious the cage is, rabbits need to be released daily for a walk around the apartment or aviary. These animals are very mobile, and they need physical activity for good health and good health. But don’t forget the safety rules. Without them, nowhere!
Is there anything you would like to add? We’d love to hear stories about your pets’ friendship, preferably with photos!
