Introducing two rabbits slowly and safely is important to ensure that they get along well. Opposite-sex pairs are the easiest to bond, however all sexes have the possibility of forming strong long-lasting bonds.

INTRODUCTORY STEPS:

• Both rabbits should be spayed or neutered before being introduced. This is especially important for male/female and male/male pairs due to the risk of unwanted breeding or fighting.
• House the rabbits in separate but close enclosures so they can sniff each other through the wire.
• If you have a free-range house bunny, put the new rabbit into an enclosed area within their space.
• Allow several days for the rabbits to get used to each other’s scent. You can help by swapping their litter trays or rubbing a cloth over one bunny and then the other.
• Once your rabbits have gotten used to each other’s sight, smell and sound without showing any signs of stress, you can start introductions in a neutral environment to which neither rabbit has normal access. Examples include a bathroom, office, or kitchen. Make sure that there aren’t any dangerous items like wires or toxic plants.
• Watch for any signs of stress, such as growling, thumping, or lunging. If these occur, separate the rabbits and try again later.Offering food to share when introducing can help the introduction process.
• Continue this process regularly until the rabbits are relaxed together. When the rabbits are happy to groom each other and lie together, they can be left together unsupervised. Some rabbits may bond very quickly in a matter of hours, while others may take several months.

We are always here to help! You can find additional behavior and training resources at pasadenahumane.org/behavior.