Are we right for these rabbits?

I hope this is in the right section. Bit of background info...
I've adopted two male dwarf rabbits (netherland I believe) from a rescue centre and brought them home Monday just gone. I have a 6 and 9 year old and the rabbits are housed outside. When we met the rabbits, the lady at the rescue centre plonked the rabbits in our arms and the rabbits seemed happy with this. They didn't scramble and when I put one on my son's lap it stayed there for a short time before slowly hopping off. I'd commented to the lady that I'd read dwarfs could be skittish around children but these two seem ok. Once I got them home, I called the vet to arrange vaccinations and to discuss neuturing. The receptionist/nurse said you do know two males don't make a good pairing . Since getting the rabbits home, they won't let us stroke them and I can't pick them up without it being traumatic for both of us! I have to do this to move them to their run. They will hop over to sniff us when we sit with them and will occasionally eat from our hand but the slightest movement and they're gone. I'm frustrated because I have been searching for rabbits who are happy to be around the boys. I believe now the rabbits were terrified when the lady plonked them in our arms so appeared to enjoy the cuddle. The research I'd done said this breed are not good around children. Am I now being cruel by putting these rabbits through the hussle and bussle of children playing, laughing, arguing etc? I can see them freeze, ears pricked, run off when the boys are outside playing but like I said earlier, when the boys sit with them they will hop over to have a sniff. I'm also really concerned the vets said males are not a good pairing (these two get on at the moment). Basically what I'm asking is, should I have been allowed to take these rabbits based on their breed and association with children and am I being cruel keeping them in this set up? Also, should I be concerned they are a male pairing?

I’m surprised any rescue would adopt out before The rabbits are neutered. 2 boys can be ok but 2 Unneutered boys Are likely to be a disaster. Most rabbits hate being picked up and yours sound like normal rabbits to me. Most rescues rightly insist on the rwaf Recommended minimum space of a 6ftx2ft hutch and a permanently attached 8ft x 6ft run as they do need a lot of space, so I would see if you can attach your run to the rabbits hutch. Sitting in with them is the best way to acclimatise them to you. I have to say, in all my years of rabbit keeping I’ve only had one who liked cuddles.

Totally agree with Zoobec. Two neutered boys shoud be fine (I've had a few all male pairings) - just make sure there are no fights before then, and get them neutered ASAP. I'm surprised they were not vaccinated by a rescue - but you are doing an excellent job in booking them in to be done. Get the vet to check they are actually boys as well - they may not be. Girls are neutered at 6 months generally, boys are done when their testicles drop at around 12 weeks, but are still fertile for a few weeks after.

Most rabbits don't like to be handled but will get used to it to some extent, although bunny cuddles are rare. The best way to socialise them with your children is to let them all just sit together in a safe space eg rabbit run or wendy house. Maybe your boys can sit quietly on the groung and 'read' to the rabbits, with some tasty treats to hand (dandelion leaves, etc) so that the rabbits will come out of curiosity. It will take time, but is worth doing.

I echo Zoobec's and Shimmer's comments.

Personally I think that if children want cuddly pets, happy to be picked up etc, rabbits really aren't the right choice. They are prey animals and so naturally cautious. Of course, they have to be picked up for health checks - but were you taught how to pick up and hold them?

Thank you zoobec, shimmer and babsie. I have got a tunnel and one connecting door. Waiting for the second door to arrive and then the rabbits will have free access to their run. This morning I enticed them into the pet carrier with food and moved them that way. It was so much easier. Fingers crossed it's as smooth later! I'm not worried if they're not cuddly but it would be nice to pet them and be able to interact with toys with them. I have read that it takes time and patience I just was worried we're scaring them every time the boys play outside which in turn would make it harder to bond. I'm taking hope from the fact they're happy for them to sit in the run with them. I will definately be getting them neutured! I do feel on reflection that this rescue centre isn't as good as others. They're Facebook page is full of praise from other people so thought it was ok.

I always think that if children want Rabbits they must learn to be quiet when around them as Bunnies don't like a lot of noise as they tend to be very nervous. There is a wealth of knowledge over on the Rabbit Welfare Association's website regarding diet, neutering, bonding, litter training, housing, etc.

tonibun said:

I always think that if children want Rabbits they must learn to be quiet when around them as Bunnies don't like a lot of noise as they tend to be very nervous. There is a wealth of knowledge over on the Rabbit Welfare Association's website regarding diet, neutering, bonding, litter training, housing, etc.

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I agree.

It sounds like your buns are still settling in, they should become used to your boys with time, and if you encourage your boys to try and be calm and quiet this should help.

I have to use a carrier to be able to handle mine as they hare being picked up - most rabbits do tbh. I coax them in and then take the lid off to handle them so that I can do any checks. The vast majority prefer to interact on the ground.

I would definitely get them neutered ASAP. Any signs of aggression or fighting beforehand will mean they need to be separated straight away as they can cause each other serious damage. Do you know how old they might be? Are they still babies? Once their hormones kick in that's when you're likely to start seeing aggression.

I have been encouraging the boys to be quieter and with them going back to school that'll help! The vet has offered to double check they're males as one is humping the other . They are about a year so need to do it asap!

Yes - get them booked in for neutering. Humping is pretty normal behaviour, but you don't want it to escalate to fight which breaks the bond.

I saw the vet today. Definately both male but they're only 2 months old 3 at the most! They also walked into the carrier this morning without any food in there. I only started doing that yesterday! Feeling more positive now I've seen the vet. Thank you for all the support