Should my Flemish rabbit have a FRIEND?

Some rabbits enjoy company, some really don't care. We've kept singles and multiples. In my experience, in a pet situation rather then a breeding situation obviously, it's been easier when they are raised together, rather then introducing new adults. If your rabbit is not neutered you'll want to do that before attempting to get him a friend. Then a careful introduction process would be needed with lots of supervision when they are eventually together. Fights can break out instantly and rabbits can do an awful lot of damage in no time at all. If you are lucky they will bond and become buddies but it doesn't always work out that way lol. You would just have to give a try and see how things go. I have a pair of does currently, both are spayed. They are the same age and were raised together but given the chance they would fight now and then. Each has her own hutch and exercise yard and they seem to enjoy the presence of the other most of the time but each bun has her own home space and they seem to prefer it that way.

Thanks for the good response.

I think most rabbits tend to tolerate company rather than enjoy it. In the wild, rabbits are not social creatures per say. They live in large groups but they are fairly territorial about their space. I don't really consider that social behavior though, more like "forced to live near each other".

I don't think your rabbit is lonely, especially if he has free range of your whole house. I generally discourage introducing new rabbits to an existing rabbit because the results can be horrific and even deadly. Even rabbits raised together can suddenly decide to fight one day after years of being peaceful. The people I have known that kept two rabbits together have been people that had a male/female pair and both were fixed.

Some people keep colony type set ups and that can work sometimes, but I think that is better for a production type setup rather than a pet setup.

That makes sense. Thanks for the response.

If you haven't done so already, just get your rabbit some toys.

I advise against getting a companion. We breed, flemish and always assure buyers that they are happy alone. They can become territorial with others, even when" fixed". As long as it gets plenty of attention from you, has toys to occupy it, and is showing all signs ofgood health, your doing fine. They are amazing animals, they just dont socialize much with other rabbits. The best way to have more than one is to purchase litter mates and spay both early. Every rabbit is different, but this will increase your chance of success.