Single Vs Pair - How To Decide What Is
The Right Fit

Rabbits, like most mammals, are intrinsically social. This need for socialization is part of what makes rabbits such great companion animals. However, if those social needs are not met, physical and emotional indicators may manifest. This can range from unwanted behaviors arising from boredom such as digging at flooring or chewing at furniture, to signs of sadness or depression as indicated by lethargy or standoffishness. Our recommendation? Consider bringing home an already established bonded pair of rabbits! 

History
By nature, rabbits enjoy spending time and communicating amongst themselves. As rabbits are prey animals, there is safety in numbers. In the wild, rabbits live together within a “warren” or tunnel systems created by burrowing. This increases their safety predators by allowing for easy escape and the ability for widespread communication. Through domestication, humans bred rabbits to become more docile and amicable in order for large herds of rabbits to live harmoniously within spaces smaller than the typical warren. This has resulted in the modern day domestic rabbit as one who actively seeks companionship of other rabbits and reliance on humans for their care needs.  

Rabbits Today
Though pets are a part of our lives as humans, humans are a pet's entire life. With more pet owners having to return to full days of work away from home, our pets - dogs, cats, and rabbits alike - receive less of our direct attention. Typically, if your rabbit’s living space is located in a high traffic area of your home where they are integrated into your everyday routine, such as a kitchen, living room, or den, your rabbit is likely receiving an adequate amount of affection and time to fulfill their social needs. However, if you rabbit has a separate closed off room that is not frequented, they are prone to loneness. Keeping a close eye on your rabbits habits will be key in deciding if your rabbit could benefit from to socialization another rabbit can give.

Considerations
Here are some things to consider when deciding if adopting a single or pair of rabbits is the right fit for you.

A single rabbit is great for:

  • Those who work from home or have flex schedules

  • Those who tend to stay home over the weekend

  • Those who have indoor or home-based hobbies

  • Families with one or more children

  • Those who have the time and bandwidth for a lengthy rabbit bonding process* if they decide they would like to explore finding a friend for their rabbit

A pair of rabbits is a great for:

  • Those who work long hours or erratic hours

  • Those who tend to go away on day trips on weekends

  • Those with outdoor hobbies

  • Those with small family sizes

  • Those with limited time and bandwidth for a lengthy rabbit bonding process* if they decide they would like to explore finding a friend for their rabbit


* Like most dogs and cats, when introducing a new rabbit into a household with a preexisting rabbit, the two will not immediately get along. Working on building trust between rabbits so that they can happily coexist in a living space can take several days to several months depending on the pairing. 

Things To Know
A pair of rabbits takes no more space than bringing home a single one. Already established pairs share a single litter box, bowls, toys, blankets, and living space that is the same as a pair of cats would within a home. It is always easier to start with an established pair if you’re considering at some point having more than one rabbit in your home. Many shelters or rescues offer the ability to foster a single or pair of rabbits before committing to adoption. This will allow for you to explore if a single rabbit or pair is the right fit for your lifestyle without the upfront commitment. 


The Takeaway
If you’re considering bringing home a rabbit as a new family member, but you are unsure if you will have adequate time directly playing, interacting, and growing with them daily, consider starting with an already established bonded pair. This will lead to happier, healthier households for not just you but your rabbit(s) as well!