Hi all,
2 months ago I got my first rabbit, Benjamin. After some initial 'adjustments' (teaching him not to bite, litter training and after the 3rd set of destroyed headphones, me simply learning NOT to leave them lying around!!) I really couldn't be happier with him... he's been extremely affectionate since day one, jumps on me for kisses and cuddles all the time, and can sit on me for hours on end licking my face!
He's loose in my flat (which is fully proofed!) when I'm home, and when I'm not he's free just in one room, as he has a tendancy to pee on couches and beds when unsupervised! He comes when called and seems to be extremely healthy (I'm no expert but his coat is beautiful, he's spotlessly clean and his poop is perfect!)
On weekends, we drive to another town where my parents live, and he runs free in our patio, a safe semi-outdoor roomsize area, where we can watch him through glass doors from our living room or kitchen! He loves the change of scenery and the chance to explore somewhere different that's also familiar to him. My parents have cats and dogs, and he adores all of them, he is so friendly and sociable!
My only real problem is that I do work all day, leaving him alone for a good 8 hours most days. Which is why I've decided I'd really like to get a second rabbit to keep him company when I'm not there, but also because obviously nothing can substitute the social bond of his own species!
I'd like to get a girl, and have found a baby that I really want to adopt (if anyone is thinking of mentioning a rescue centre, we don't have them in cyprus, or I'd definitely be taking that route!) but I'm worried about them mating.
I don't want to neuter Benji before he's 6 months (he's 3 months now)... but is it cutting it close if I get a 5 week old girl now? And what do I need to know about neutering? Is it risky with rabbits? Will I need to do the girl as well?
But...if I wait, will it be harder for them to bond?
My real question is - when is the right time to get a second rabbit??
Advice would be great!!!
Thanks,
Eleni
2 months ago I got my first rabbit, Benjamin. After some initial 'adjustments' (teaching him not to bite, litter training and after the 3rd set of destroyed headphones, me simply learning NOT to leave them lying around!!) I really couldn't be happier with him... he's been extremely affectionate since day one, jumps on me for kisses and cuddles all the time, and can sit on me for hours on end licking my face!
He's loose in my flat (which is fully proofed!) when I'm home, and when I'm not he's free just in one room, as he has a tendancy to pee on couches and beds when unsupervised! He comes when called and seems to be extremely healthy (I'm no expert but his coat is beautiful, he's spotlessly clean and his poop is perfect!)
On weekends, we drive to another town where my parents live, and he runs free in our patio, a safe semi-outdoor roomsize area, where we can watch him through glass doors from our living room or kitchen! He loves the change of scenery and the chance to explore somewhere different that's also familiar to him. My parents have cats and dogs, and he adores all of them, he is so friendly and sociable!
My only real problem is that I do work all day, leaving him alone for a good 8 hours most days. Which is why I've decided I'd really like to get a second rabbit to keep him company when I'm not there, but also because obviously nothing can substitute the social bond of his own species!
I'd like to get a girl, and have found a baby that I really want to adopt (if anyone is thinking of mentioning a rescue centre, we don't have them in cyprus, or I'd definitely be taking that route!) but I'm worried about them mating.
I don't want to neuter Benji before he's 6 months (he's 3 months now)... but is it cutting it close if I get a 5 week old girl now? And what do I need to know about neutering? Is it risky with rabbits? Will I need to do the girl as well?
But...if I wait, will it be harder for them to bond?
My real question is - when is the right time to get a second rabbit??
Advice would be great!!!
Thanks,
Eleni