Introducing A New Rabbit

At the risk at sounding totally loopy, I would say that the emotional life of the pet rabbit is often totally underestimated. But as these pages are not likely to be read by any of the uninitiated, but by people who are already rabbit lovers, I would imagine that that risk is small.

As rabbits are sociable creatures it is advisable never to have less than two. A lone rabbit can get withdrawn and depressed. But what happens when one dies?

Introducing a kitten to an established rabbit can be difficult, as the older rabbit will have a clear idea of what is his or her territory.

Because of this it is necessary to introduce them on neutral ground.

Our rabbits live in the house. They sleep in a hutch and stay there when we are not around, but when we are they have the run of the downstairs and the garden.

So we introduce new rabbits upstairs. First, we put the kitten onto the bed, where it merges in with a pile of cuddly toys. Then we bring up the adult.

Another tip is to dab almond essence on the rear quarters of both rabbits. In the rabbit world smell is linked to territory. Notice how a rabbit will mark things with the gland under its chin. It is marking its territory, and the smell of a strange rabbit can mean that that territory is being invaded.

So neutral territory and neutral smell will reduce the triggers which prompt defensive behaviour.

BUT- the introduction still has to be made carefully. Ideally two people should be on hand. Identify between yourselves which bunny you are going to grab should there be any aggression.

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Place the older rabbit on the bed and let him or her discover the new comer. Often there will appear to be no reaction from the older rabbit whatsoever. I don't believe that this is because the kitten hasn't been noticed- I think it's almost an assertion of the pecking order: I'm boss, why should I pay you any attention?

Occasionally they may sniff at one another. If they are happy enough, return them to their respective homes after about twenty minutes, and do the same the next day.

The process may take about two weeks, although we have been confident after one week.

During this time have the kitten's hutch/ carry case in view of the adult, and let them out separately. Be aware that the adult may try to nip the newcomer. We have also noticed that the first time an intruder is perceived to be in the territory the adult will leave a circle of droppings around the carry case. That's Bunny for 'Make no mistake kid- this is my patch.'

During this time, transfer sawdust containing droppings from the case to the hutch and vice versa, so that they can both get used to the new smell.

Continue with the introductions on neutral territory. When the adult lies down start to place the youngster next to it. Eventually they will begin to interact, sometimes grooming each other as acceptance becomes the norm.

Next, let both rabbits out together in a restricted space. If this happens without occurrence, they are ready to be tried out in the hutch. Do this under very close supervision and be ready to intervene. By this stage however, we have always found that the rabbits are quite happy in each other's company. Leave them together for a day when you are around, and if this works they are now ready to share.

About the Author:

Allan Mayer: See my rabbit videos and pics at: http://www.myspace.com/allanmayer

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