Two Rabbits at Home: How to Keep a Happy Bonded Bunny Pair
- Dominik Burcin
- Nov 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 7
Why Two Rabbits Can Be Better Than One
Rabbits are highly social animals. In the wild, they live in groups, and many house rabbits are much happier when they have a bunny friend to groom, nap with and play with.
A bonded pair will:
Keep each other company when you are busy or at work
Feel safer and more relaxed in their shared territory
Often show more natural, confident behaviour
For you as a guardian, it also means double the cuteness – and only slightly more work, if you plan things well.
Which Combination of Rabbits Works Best?
Neutered male + neutered female
This is usually the easiest and most stable pair. Once both rabbits are neutered and their hormones have settled, they tend to form strong, loving bonds.
Fewer hormonal outbursts
Less risk of serious fighting
No unwanted litters
Remember that male rabbits can stay fertile for up to six weeks after castration, so keep them separate from females until that period has passed.
Two females
Two does can live together very happily, especially if:
They grew up together, or
You introduce them young and carefully
However, some pairs of females may argue over territory or status. Neutering is still very helpful to calm hormonal behaviour and reduce the risk of fights.
Two males
Two entire males are almost guaranteed to compete and fight. After neutering, many male–male pairs can live together peacefully, but the bonding process may take longer and require more patience.
Whatever the combination, neutering is essential to reduce territorial behaviour and dominance battles.
How to Introduce Two Rabbits Safely
Take bonding slowly. Rushing the process is one of the main reasons bonds fail.
Start with scent and sight only House your rabbits in separate pens or runs side by side, where they can see and smell each other through a barrier.
Swap scents Swap toys, litter trays or blankets between them so they get used to each other’s smell.
Short meetings in neutral territory When both bunnies seem curious rather than stressed, allow short sessions together in a neutral space where neither has lived before.
Normal dominance vs. real fighting Humping, chasing and a bit of fur pulling can be normal dominance behaviour at first. Separate them immediately if you see:
Tight circling or “ball” fighting
Biting to the point of bleeding
One rabbit panicking and trying to escape
Increase session length gradually as they relax, groom each other and start resting side by side.
How Much Space Do Two Rabbits Need?
Two indoor rabbits should have at least 4–5 m² of permanent, safe floor space available all the time – not just a small cage they leave for a quick hop.
Ideally, they should have:
A large pen or bunny-proofed room
At least two toilets/litter trays
Two (or more) food bowls and two water sources
Separate hideouts so each rabbit has a place to retreat and feel secure
The more free-roam time they have around your home, the better – as long as cables and other hazards are protected.
What About Groups of Three or More Rabbits?
Living with three or more rabbits can be wonderful to watch, but it is also more complex:
The hierarchy can be harder to manage
The risk of tensions and fall-outs is higher
You will need significantly more space and experience
If you are new to rabbits, it’s usually best to start with a bonded pair and only consider a larger group once you feel confident reading rabbit body language.
When a Reusable Rabbit Diaper Can Help
Most of the time, your rabbits should be happily using litter trays. But there are situations when a reusable rabbit diaper is suitable:
Sofa snuggles during bonding sessions
Short journeys or vet visits
Time with elderly or disabled rabbits who struggle with toileting
And many more
Choose an eco-friendly diaper that is made specifically for rabbits, soft, breathable, and washable, so you avoid single-use plastics and keep your pet comfortable.
Rabbits need regular access to their soft droppings (caecotrophs/cecotropes) for their digestion and health, so diapers should only be used for short, supervised periods, not all day.
