Should we rehome a male or female.. to be with our female rabbit

[bellg]

I was reading some of the existing threads on this forum with some interest but decided to open a new one rather than hijack an existing.
Am really after advice from some of the experienced rabbit keepers here.

We have a female rescued lop eared rabbit already (Lily) who is nearly 2 years old and sadly her (also) female partner she grew up with died very recently.
We want to re-home another rescue rabbit of similar age but we were wondering whether to look for a male or female.

The (online) advice I’ve read thus far seems to indicate that it will be better for a neutered male to be introduced… rather than another female. However, our rabbit, Lily has only been used to a female thus far.
Should we be seeking a male or female to be introduced to Lily?… or doesn’t it really matter?

[For us... we don’t mind whether male or female.. our priority is that they get on together/be happy and that we can offer a home to another rabbit needing a permanent home.]

 

[MightyMax]

I was reading some of the existing threads on this forum with some interest but decided to open a new one rather than hijack an existing.
Am really after advice from some of the experienced rabbit keepers here.

We have a female rescued lop eared rabbit already (Lily) who is nearly 2 years old and sadly her (also) female partner she grew up with died very recently.
We want to re-home another rescue rabbit of similar age but we were wondering whether to look for a male or female.

The (online) advice I’ve read thus far seems to indicate that it will be better for a neutered male to be introduced… rather than another female. However, our rabbit, Lily has only been used to a female thus far.
Should we be seeking a male or female to be introduced to Lily?… or doesn’t it really matter?

[For us... we don’t mind whether male or female.. our priority is that they get on together/be happy and that we can offer a home to another rabbit needing a permanent home.]

Hi there and welcome to the Forum :wave:

I would opt for a neutered male.

I've bonded hundreds of pairs for rescues and individual owners and haven't had a male/female pair NOT work.

Some info here:

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/bonding-rabbits/

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/rabbit-companionship/


Would a rescue help you with the bonding?
IE they may take Lily and and bond her with your chosen male

 

[Leannean27]

Unless they've grown up together I'd rehome a neutered male. Either way I hope he or she makes Lily very happy

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

 

[Shimmer]

Girls can get quite feisty with each other. I would go for a male. Both Lily and her new partner should have been neutered for several weeks before they are introduced, and on neutral territory. I hope all goes well and they live happily ever after.

 

[bellg]

Hi there and welcome to the Forum :wave:

I would opt for a neutered male.

I've bonded hundreds of pairs for rescues and individual owners and haven't had a male/female pair NOT work.

Some info here:

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/bonding-rabbits/

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/rabbit-companionship/


Would a rescue help you with the bonding?
IE they may take Lily and and bond her with your chosen male

Thanks for the links and the replies all. Very interesting.

Something else connected but important I've realised I need to ask... Lily (female) hasn't been spayed (her only partner was female). Looking around at local sanctuaries, have noticed a 2-year old neutered male and now strongly considering that.
I hope I'm correct in thinking that I don't need to have Lily spayed now? (She won't be meeting any other rabbits other than the neutered boy....)

 

[MightyMax]

Thanks for the links and the replies all. Very interesting.

Something else connected but important I've realised I need to ask... Lily (female) hasn't been spayed (her only partner was female). Looking around at local sanctuaries, have noticed a 2-year old neutered male and now strongly considering that.
I hope I'm correct in thinking that I don't need to have Lily spayed now? (She won't be meeting any other rabbits other than the neutered boy....)

You're welcome

A Rescue will most likely advise you to get her spayed before bringing the male home.

It's really best for her health, as rabbits can develop uterine cancer if they aren't.
Also, it makes for a better bond

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/neutering/

http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/pdfs/neutering28807.pdf