Can rabbits live alone? We wanted to know too, so we spoke with vet, Dr. Rebecca MacMillan to find out the answer. We generally see rabbits living in pairs or small groups, that's because bunnies are generally social butterflies and thrive when living with other rabbits.
Rabbits rely on each other not just for someone to play with but also for warmth and protection. While it is also possible for rabbits to live very happy lives living alone, their pet owners will have to step up to the plate to provide them with plenty of interaction, love, and of course some of the best rabbit toys.
Let's get into all the reasons why you may want to consider getting your rabbit a friend.
Can rabbits live alone?
Dr. Rebecca MacMillan notes that rabbits often do well when living together as they are very sociable animals. She says, "In the wild rabbits live in communities that consist of interconnecting burrows... Bonded rabbits will mutually groom each other, snuggle up together and play."
If rabbits spend too much time alone they can be prone to developing behavioral issues such as depression and anxiety. They are also at risk for developing health-related problems such as obesity. It is for these reasons that it may be better to keep them in pairs.
What pairings should you consider?
Now that we've got our answer, the next thing to wonder is what pairings are best. Two boys, two girls, a girl and a boy? Dr. MacMillan says, "In my experience, a neutered male and a neutered female tend to make the best pairing. Alternatively, two boys or two girls that are litter mates may also be ok, if you get them neutered promptly. Hormones could lead to fighting as they grow bigger."
If you are a new rabbit parent, you may be wondering about the neutering process. We can say that is super important for the health of your bunny friend. "In male rabbits, neutering is also known as castration, which is the surgical removal of both testicles. In females, it is also known as a spay procedure. A sterile incision is made through your rabbit’s abdomen and the ovaries and uterus are removed," says Dr. MacMillan.
Neutering can significantly reduce aggressive behaviors and scent-marking tendencies. It also will eliminate the risk of any unwanted pregnancies. Also in females it reduces the risk of uterine cancer, which is commonly seen in older rabbits. Most rabbits will be neutered between four to five months old, but we recommend checking with your vet to see when the best time for rabbit is.
What about rabbits who live alone?
Of course, there are cases when rabbits may prefer living alone. For example, if they have aggressive tendencies and do not bond well with other rabbits. Or if pet parents simply prefer to just have one bunny hopping around the house.
If you have a solo bunny, it is very important to set up their home life to support them. They will need plenty of space to play and run around. They will also need one of the best indoor rabbit hutches for them to hang out in. You can check out this guide to find out what rabbits need in their cage to make their home comfy and cozy.
Dr. MacMillan advises against housing them with other small animals such as guinea pigs. As each different animal will have different dietary and social needs.
You may also want to learn all the do's and don'ts of feeding rabbits correctly to ensure they are getting a quality diet.
If you enjoyed this feature be sure to check out 32 facts about rabbits that might surprise you.
Rebecca is a vet surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
