Just like their ancestors, domesticated rabbits thrive in the company of their own kind. In the wild across the world, rabbits live in large groups called colonies and create warrens, which are tunnels underground where they nest and sleep together. If you have ever seen rabbits in the wild, you’ll spot that there’s often other rabbits close by. Being sociable is ingrained in their genetics.
Now that doesn’t mean that rabbits don’t also enjoy human company. Rabbits are all-round sociable creatures and enjoy spending time with people, but they do have an innate need to be kept in the company of other rabbits too. At SPCA, they adopt they're rabbits out in bonded pairs, or rehome single rabbits to a home with an existing rabbit looking for a companion. This is because even if you were to spend a few hours a day with a lone rabbit, there’s still many hours left in the day where they would be alone. Fundamentally rabbits need a BFF of their own kind who they can spend time with all day and night, and form life-long bonds.
You may have heard the phrase ‘bonding’ before. This term is used to describe the process where two or more rabbits build the foundations of their friendship and get used to one another. Although sociable, rabbits can be territorial, so they need to be introduced to one another carefully. In the wild, rabbits live with those that they know and are comfortable with, and may fight with those they don’t know from a different area. Domestic rabbits are the same -it is paramount that they build the bond of trust with a new friend first.
The close bond that rabbits can build is incredible and highlights how fascinating they are as a species. Rabbits need to be slowly introduced to one another. It can take time, however, once rabbits have bonded; they will remain so for life. They’ll always need to be with each other to keep the bond and reassurance, even on a trip to the vets! Male and female pairs are only recommended when both rabbits are desexed before attempting to bond. Not only can rabbits breed very quickly but desexing also helps settle hormones and lower the chance of the bonding process not working.
So, off you go! hop on over to your nearest SPCA and adopt a BFF for your lone Bunny!
Source: https://www.spca.nz/news-and-events/news-article/twice-as-nice-why-bunnies-need-a-friend
