Which sex / How many?

Another often asked question is when getting a rabbit which sex is best to get and how many?1 or 2? This is a guide in order to help you decide which is best for you.

Only one:

If you are around a lot and will be spending lots of time with your rabbit such as a house bunny then one is best as you tend to build up an inseparable bond and won't start to favouritise which can lead to aggression. But which sex?

Male: Males tend to be much more playful and mostly prefer being on the ground running around your feet as supposed to cuddles. If you want a really playful bunny - a male is best. If you are wanting to show - a male is best as they have a longer show life as females get a dewlap at around 6 months old which can disqualify them. There is a down side to males though - unless they are for use as a stud buck they should be neutered. This is for a number of reasons. Males can get extremely aggressive and neutering will calm them down. It also helps prevent testicular cancer, and spraying. Once meutered however they are lovely pets. They must be neutered as young as possible in order to prevent aggression becoming the norm.

Females: Females tend not to be as playful as males and usually prefer cuddles and affection. They also tend to be more docile. Females unlike males do not need to be neutered however it is a good idea to as it helps prevent uterus cancer and any aggression.




Two:


If you are out at work or school for a number of hours each day and therefore can't spend as much time with them then it's advisable to keep two rabbits as they are sociable and will keep each other company. But which combinations?


Two males: It is not recommended to keep two males together as like any animal - they will fight. Even two brothers after around 6 months old will fight and cause serious injury. There are always exceptions however and i know of someone who got two males at the same time and kept them together, neutered and they are fine however that is extremely rare.

Two males will fight

Two females: Two females is the best option if you are not prepared to get them neutered. They must be from the same litter and got at the same time as females from different litters will fight and if you get one settled in then introduce another one the one already there will attack the new one as unneutered females are extremely territorial. Two females from the same litter will get on however sometimes dominance will occur and the dominant one may pick on the other one which can lead to one being fat and one being thin. If this happens or you see any signs of aggression i suggest keeping them in separate hutches at night as they need there space and sleep and one may be annoying the other. However during the day they can be free to play together in the same run or garden. Allowing them their own space to sleep and eat will allow the aggression to cease and they will get equal amounts of food. My two french lop sisters shared a hutch for 6 years before they started annoying each other so i put them in separate hutches at night but they played together during the day and that really helped and they were much happier. They are now almost 10.


A male and a Female: This is the best combination. Obviously they should be both neutered. This will cancel out any hormones and they will be the very best of friends. No fighting, no aggression - it's perfect. You must be prepared to get them both neutered.

A neutered male and female will get on



I hope this has helped. If you have any questions or enquiries just ask.