Double Your Bun - The Case for Adopting a Bonded Pair Instead of a Single Rabbit
By: Cait Reizman and Matt Cummins
Thinking of adding a bunny to your life? Here are five great reasons to adopt a bonded pair instead of just one:
1. Bunnies are HAPPIER with a Friend
Rabbits are social creatures, much like most of us humans. While we, as their human, will of course try to provide them with as much companionship as we can, we’re just not the same. A bonded pair (or group) of bunnies will be able to sense emotions in their friends that humans can’t, and they will support each other with affectionate grooming and security. When one of our bunnies, Dodger, had a sick mate, he never left her side. We've sadly had to say goodbye to two beloved rabbits over the years, and each time, their partners showed clear signs of grieving and lethargy. While that pain can be hard to witness, it also goes to show just how much having that friend meant to them in the time they shared.
2. It’s NOT Twice the Work
Yes, you’ll need more food, but you won’t need double of everything else. They’ll both share the same litter box, toys, hidey houses, and water and food bowls. They can be carried in the same pet carrier and have their vet checkups together. Pet sitters and boarding services usually offer big discounts for the second rabbit. Experiences like vet visits and boarding are also a lot less scary for a bunny (and therefore less stressful for you!) when they have a friend there for support. At all times, they will keep each other company, meaning you’ll feel less guilty on days when you can’t give them as much attention. But let’s face it, once you see how adorable they are together, you’ll want to spend even more time with them. Which leads us to the next point…
3. They’re SO DARN CUTE Together
There’s nothing like seeing two buns who love each other snuggling day-in and day-out as they enjoy the safe and cozy You’ll also get to experience a wider range of bunny personalities and behaviors, doubling your changes for hilarious and heart-warming moments.
4. Bonding Rabbits Is MUCH HARDER than Starting with a Bonded Pair
When I adopted my first rabbit, I thought I would start with one, “see how it goes,” and then get him a friend later. What I didn’t know at the time is that bonding rabbits yourself can be extremely difficult, and even when it results in the outcome you want, the journey to get there is never without trials to your wallet and sanity.
Like humans, bunnies bond for life and are, understandably, picky about their mates. You can’t simply bring home a second bunny and hope for the best. If they don’t like each other, no matter how much time goes by, they may never be able to form a bond. You can make the process easier by taking your rabbit to a shelter to “speed date” other singles and let them show you whom they get along with. But even this step needs to be followed by at least a week (sometimes months) of keeping the two bunnies in separate pens and facilitating dates at home until they become truly bonded. Separate pens means you need double the supplies and are doing double the cleanup work. There can also be unexpected vet expenses, say if one bunny bites the other on a date.
If you adopt an already bonded pair, the work has been done for you! Your bunnies will help each other adjust to your new home and to you–giving you the benefits of experiencing bunny love that much faster.
Double-pen setups for at-home bonding are space-consuming, costly, and more work to clean.
5. You’re Making a BIGGER Impact
By adopting a bonded pair, you’re saving two lives, not just one. Plus, you're freeing up shelter resources so they can help even more bunnies find homes.
