Rabbits are very social creatures in the wild, so it makes sense that most domestic rabbits are happiest with a rabbit friend. Although (most) rabbits enjoy their relationships with humans and there are always exceptions, bunnies need same-species companionship. Someone who speaks their language, grooms them, and shares life with them. If you have a single rabbit, read on for the signs that your bun may want a friend.
Before we start, it's worth noting that many of these behaviors can also be the signs that your rabbit is sick. Before assuming that these signs are signs of loneliness, please take a trip to the vet to eliminate the possibility of illness first.
Does your rabbit also seem lonely or withdrawn? Sometimes buns can be happy and content in a home for a while, and then over time, develop the need for a companion. If you notice that your rabbit isn't as quick to connect with you, or has lost interest in activities they used to enjoy, they might be feeling lonely. This could look like sleeping more, playing less with their toys, doing fewer binkies and zoomies, or general sadness (again, check with your vet to make sure there isn't any underlying illness before assuming these signs are loneliness!).
Some lonely buns seek relief from their loneliness by demanding attention from humans. They might dig or nip to get your attention, rattle the bars of their pen, or get upset if you're not focused on them. It's rare that humans have enough time to give their bunny the amount of socialization that they need. If your bun seems very needy or clingy, it might be time to get them a friend.
There are also rabbits who turn to destructive behaviors to express their frustration at not having companionship. While chewing is a natural behavior in rabbits, overly destructive tendencies could mean your bun is bored or lonely. In addition to chewing furniture, baseboards, and anything else you own, they might also over-groom themselves or pull out fur. Rabbits are impeccable groomers, but if the behavior becomes a compulsion to self-soothe, it could result in bald batches. Check with your vet to make sure that they don't have a skin condition, such as fur mites or fleas. If your rabbit is medically healthy and the behavior persists, it might be a sign your rabbit needs a companion.
If you've seen some of these behaviors in your rabbit and know that they're healthy, how do you go about finding them a friend? We're glad you asked! We help bunnies find their mates all the time! After getting information about your rabbit's age, sex, and temperament, we set up a bunny speed date. This allows your bunny to meet many rabbits in a short amount of time to see which one they prefer. Rabbits are very opinionated and should be allowed to choose their companion. Once a good fit is found, you'll need to go through the bonding process. While we won't go into that here, you can find great information about bonding on our website. And if you'd like to read more about the signs of loneliness in rabbits, we recommend this article by The Bunny Lady.
Before we start, it's worth noting that many of these behaviors can also be the signs that your rabbit is sick. Before assuming that these signs are signs of loneliness, please take a trip to the vet to eliminate the possibility of illness first.
Does your rabbit also seem lonely or withdrawn? Sometimes buns can be happy and content in a home for a while, and then over time, develop the need for a companion. If you notice that your rabbit isn't as quick to connect with you, or has lost interest in activities they used to enjoy, they might be feeling lonely. This could look like sleeping more, playing less with their toys, doing fewer binkies and zoomies, or general sadness (again, check with your vet to make sure there isn't any underlying illness before assuming these signs are loneliness!).
Some lonely buns seek relief from their loneliness by demanding attention from humans. They might dig or nip to get your attention, rattle the bars of their pen, or get upset if you're not focused on them. It's rare that humans have enough time to give their bunny the amount of socialization that they need. If your bun seems very needy or clingy, it might be time to get them a friend.
There are also rabbits who turn to destructive behaviors to express their frustration at not having companionship. While chewing is a natural behavior in rabbits, overly destructive tendencies could mean your bun is bored or lonely. In addition to chewing furniture, baseboards, and anything else you own, they might also over-groom themselves or pull out fur. Rabbits are impeccable groomers, but if the behavior becomes a compulsion to self-soothe, it could result in bald batches. Check with your vet to make sure that they don't have a skin condition, such as fur mites or fleas. If your rabbit is medically healthy and the behavior persists, it might be a sign your rabbit needs a companion.
If you've seen some of these behaviors in your rabbit and know that they're healthy, how do you go about finding them a friend? We're glad you asked! We help bunnies find their mates all the time! After getting information about your rabbit's age, sex, and temperament, we set up a bunny speed date. This allows your bunny to meet many rabbits in a short amount of time to see which one they prefer. Rabbits are very opinionated and should be allowed to choose their companion. Once a good fit is found, you'll need to go through the bonding process. While we won't go into that here, you can find great information about bonding on our website. And if you'd like to read more about the signs of loneliness in rabbits, we recommend this article by The Bunny Lady.