If you have to take your rabbits to see the vet, are moving house, or simply need to transport your bunnies from one location to another, you will need a carrier to keep them safe and secure. However, since most people own more than one bun, you might decide to pop them both into one carrier for convenience. But can two rabbits share one carrier or is this a bad idea?
As long as rabbits are bonded and the carrier is sufficiently sized so that they are not on top of each other, it is perfectly acceptable to put two rabbits in the same travel carrier.
Regardless of whether the rabbits are bonded or not, care should always be taken when bringing two bunnies together. In different situations, you may need to take different precautions.
Travelling With Bunnies
If you need to hit the road with your rabbits then one of the first things you will need to consider is whether they are able to share the same carrier. If the rabbits are bonded, they will likely find each others; company to be soothing and comforting during the journey. After all, travelling can be stressful for a rabbit.
However, if the rabbits are not bonded, you should make sure that they have their own space otherwise, there is a significant risk that they will fight. Rabbits won’t hold back, especially unneutered males and so there is also a risk that one or both bunnies will sustain a serious injury.
Whether you will be taking one rabbit in each carrier or will be transporting the buns together, you will need to think about the most appropriate carrier. Many people think that using a huge carrier is best, however, this could be a bad idea. If the carrier is too large, there is a chance of the rabbits sliding around inside which could be stressful for them.
However, you also want to make sure that the bunnies aren’t cramped, especially if they are sharing a space. For this reason, you should choose a carrier that allows both rabbits to move around in, turn in a full circle, and sit down. You might also wish to leave a little room for a couple of toys or a blanket. It is important to always have something in the carrier that is familiar to the rabbit.
The rabbit carrier should have a decent amount of airflow so that oxygen is not limited. That being said, air vents that are too large could cause a draught which your bunnies certainly won’t be a fan of.
It is also important to make the necessary preparations for your trip, regardless of how small it might be, well in advance. This will ensure that you are confident on the day which will lower stress on your rabbits.
On the day, you may decide to do the following to ensure your rabbits feel as secure as possible:
- Turn off the radio or other sources of loud noise.
- Keep a familiar item in the carrier such as a blanket, toy or even some hay with your rabbits scent on.
- In the car, you can tie the carrier down to prevent it from sliding around.
- Never place the carrier in direct sunlight; rabbits are very sensitive to heat and could quickly become ill when exposed to it.
- If the rabbits are very stressed, you could cover the carrier with a blanket to make them feel more secure.
Can Two Bunnies Share A Litter Box?
Whether rabbits can share the same litter box will depend on the individual bunnies. Some bonded rabbits are happy to share with their partner, whereas others might like their own space for doing their business.
The best way to know how your rabbits prefer things is to observe their behavior. If it looks as though one rabbit is taking over the litter box or there are any disagreements between the buns, it is a good idea to get another one.
If the rabbits are sharing a litter box, it is important to purchase one that gives them enough space to both fit inside at the same time.
Can You Introduce A New Rabbit To An Old One?
If it is at all possible, it is best to buy your rabbits when they are already bonded. Many people will buy bunnies from the same litter that have lived together since day one; in this case, you will likely have very few problems. This is especially true if the buns are neutered. However, if you have one rabbit and have decided to get it a friend, you’ll need to take things slowly.
You should never attempt to introduce rabbits that haven’t been neutered and even once they have, you’ll need to give them up to six weeks of healing time. When they are ready, you should begin by providing them with cages that are side by side. This will allow the rabbits to familiarize themselves with each other without the risk of a fight breaking out.
After some time, the rabbits will begin to get used to one another and it is at this point that you may be able to successfully introduce them. However, this should be done in short bursts and should always be supervised. Getting them together to begin with should be on neutral ground.
It may take some time, but your rabbits should become bonded over time. Initially, however, there could be aggression or fights. While some negative behavior is normal and a part of rabbit bonding, if the pair becomes particularly aggressive, you will need to separate them. Mounting of the head or severe chasing (a rabbit tornado) are both red alert signs.
If your rabbits do successfully bond through many supervised sessions, you may eventually be able to house them together. Again, this will need to be supervised to begin with but with a little time and patience, most pairs will live happily. In some cases, you may have a pair that simply don’t get along and who need to be housed separately for good.
Can Rabbits Fall Out With Each Other?
Even with bonded rabbits, there is always a risk of fall outs. Just like humans who live together, rabbits are not going to get along 100% of the time. However, for the most part, bonded pairs will have a small disagreement and then move on.
It is important to look out for signs that a fight is imminent. Pairs of bunnies will usually remain together with the submissive rabbit following its leader around for much of the time. However, when this following turns into chasing, you may have a problem on your hands. You may notice the rabbits lunging at one another and trying to bite.
In this case, you will need to separate them and give them space to cool off. If it is possible, you should place them in cages that allow them to see and touch each other while you figure out what the issue is. In most cases, the fight will resolve however, there are cases where rabbits can become unbonded and may continue to fight when paired back up.
If this happens, you might try to rebond later down the line but you must also prepare yourself for the fact that the buns will have to be housed separately from now on.