🍀 Bonding Rabbits

Rabbits are deeply social animals who thrive with companionship. While humans can offer love and attention, nothing quite compares to the constant presence of another rabbit. A bonded pair will groom each other, snuggle during naps, and provide comfort during stressful moments. These interactions help reduce anxiety, encourage natural behaviors, and contribute to a rabbit’s overall emotional and physical well-being. Simply put, rabbits are happier when they have a friend who speaks their language.

Despite their social nature, bonding rabbits is not as simple as placing them together. Each rabbit has a unique personality, and introductions must be handled with patience and care. The bonding process usually begins with pre-bonding—placing rabbits in side-by-side pens to get used to each other’s presence. From there, short supervised interactions in neutral territory help build trust and tolerance. This process can take days to months depending on the rabbits involved, and should always prioritize safety, monitoring for aggression or stress. Once bonded, the pair becomes inseparable, often forming a lifelong connection.

At Hoppy Clover Rabbit Rescue, we believe every rabbit deserves a loving companion. We have put together the below resources to offer guidance and support on how to safely and successfully bond rabbits. While not every match works out, with the right knowledge and support, many rabbits find joy, comfort, and companionship through pairing.

Disclaimer: Hoppy Clover Rabbit Rescue does not endorse any specific rabbit bonding method listed in these resources. We encourage adopters to research thoroughly, consult with experienced rabbit guardians or veterinarians, and choose an approach that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all rabbits involved.

Additional Resources

Educational Studies	Love at First Hop? A Pilot Study on the Social Behavior of Companion Rabbits During the Introduction Period By L. ten Broeke, K. Hermans, and M.J.R. Van Belle and published in the Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift, a veterinary journal from Ghent University.
Facebook Group	Rabbit Bonding Advice
Podcast	Rabbit Speed Dating by Thea Harting
Youtube	Bunny Bonding Basics by Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation
Articles	Bonding Rabbits - A Complete Guide by Margo DeMello Finding Your Rabbit a Companion by San Diego House Rabbit Society The Most Important Word in Bonding - Patience by Mary Cotter Complete Guide to Bonding Rabbits The Bunny Lady