Introducing A New Rabbit To Your Herd

If you already have pet rabbits, then you know that rabbits are very social, and their family, including the other rabbits, are very important to them. You probably know you should have at least two rabbits, because a solitary rabbit gets lonely and can get depressed and withdraw. But what if you need to bring in a new rabbit, either because one rabbit has died, or because you would like to expand your family of rabbits?

The first thing to know when bringing in a new rabbit, whether a kitten (baby) or older rabbit, is that your rabbit knows exactly what his territory is, and it’s his whole cage. Putting a new rabbit in his cage without warning can result in very bad feelings, and perhaps fighting.

You should start your rabbit introductions in neutral territory, in an area of your home, or outside their hutch outdoors, where the rabbits do not normally spend time. This allows the older rabbit to get to know the new rabbit in a “safe” place, where he doesn’t have to defend his space against the newcomer.

You also may want to remove the factor of smell from the introduction; rabbits mark their territory with the scent glands under their chins. By putting almond extract (just a drop or two) on the rear quarters of each rabbit and rubbing it into their fur, you eliminate the scent cue that says, “This is a strange rabbit.”

Now you’re ready to very carefully allow the older rabbit to discover the newcomer. Your older rabbit may ignore the kitten, or they may sniff around at each other. Usually, everything will be fine, but if they start to fight, make sure you have a couple of people, each with a rabbit assigned for grabbing if necessary.

Continue to introduce your new rabbit carefully, keeping them in separate quarters and putting droppings from each cage into the other cage so they can get used to each others’ scent. After a while, when everything is obviously going okay, your new rabbit or kitten can join the other rabbit and they will become friends in most cases.

Rabbits are social, but remember that they are also territorial. They can feel threatened by new rabbits, and it may take some time to introduce a new rabbit and get the relationship between them going smoothly. You will need to be very active in helping your rabbits get to know each other and making this transition smooth.

Be prepared to take your time, be around when the rabbits are together, and give them both time to adjust to the new living situation. This is the best way to introduce a new rabbit to your current rabbits well. Do not be disturbed or disappointed if there is not a great bonding relationship at first; if you are patient and careful, your rabbits will start to get along great very quickly, and the relationship that develops will be very loving once they get used to each other.