Rabbits, with their gentle natures and endearing habits, are fundamentally social creatures. In the wild, they live in complex groups, relying on each other for safety, grooming, and social interaction. This deep-seated need for companionship doesn’t disappear when they become beloved pets.
Yet, historically, many rabbits have been kept solitarily, a practice that recent awareness campaigns have thankfully begun to change. While the Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG) reports a positive trend—a decrease in single-rabbit households from 67% in 2011 to 42% in 2020—this still means a significant number of rabbits are missing out on the profound benefits of living with their own kind.
The Unseen Suffering of Solitary Rabbits
A rabbit living alone, no matter how much human affection they receive, can experience a range of emotional and behavioural issues. These can include:
- Loneliness and Boredom: Rabbits are intelligent and active. Without a companion to interact with, especially when their human family is busy or asleep, they can become profoundly bored and lonely. This can manifest as listlessness or a lack of interest in their surroundings.
- Stress and Anxiety: In the wild, rabbits find safety in numbers. A lone rabbit may feel more vulnerable and anxious, constantly on alert for perceived threats.
- Depression: Yes, rabbits can suffer from depression. Signs might include changes in appetite, withdrawal from interaction, over-grooming or under-grooming, and a general lack of their usual playful behaviours.
- Destructive Behaviours: A bored or stressed rabbit may resort to chewing inappropriate items, over-grooming to the point of bald patches, or even aggression as an outlet for their frustration.
While human interaction is important, it cannot fully replicate the nuanced communication and constant presence of another rabbit. We simply don’t speak their language or understand their subtle social cues in the same way another bunny does.
The Ideal Arrangement: Pairs or Groups
Ideally, rabbits should be kept in suitably bonded, neutered pairs or small, harmonious groups. The benefits of companionship are immense:
- Mutual Grooming (Allogrooming): This is a key bonding behaviour that reinforces social ties and provides comfort.
- Play and Interaction: Rabbits will chase, nudge, and explore together, providing essential mental and physical stimulation.
- Shared Warmth and Security: They will often rest and sleep together, offering each other comfort and a sense of safety.
- Reduced Stress: Having a companion can make rabbits feel more secure and less prone to stress-related illnesses.
- Alerting to Danger: Companions can alert each other to potential threats, providing an extra layer of security.
The Importance of Neutering and Careful Introductions
For rabbits to live happily together, neutering is essential. Unneutered rabbits are driven by hormones, which can lead to fighting (especially between males or females) and unwanted pregnancies. Neutering not only prevents these issues but also reduces the risk of certain cancers and can make bonding easier.
Introducing rabbits requires patience and care. It’s not as simple as putting two unfamiliar rabbits together and hoping for the best, as this can lead to serious fights and injuries. The process, often called “bonding,” should be done gradually in a neutral territory, allowing them to get used to each other’s scent and presence under supervision.
This might involve housing them in adjacent enclosures initially, swapping scent-marked items, and then allowing short, supervised interactions in a safe, unfamiliar space. The RSPCA and other reputable rescues can offer detailed guidance on safe bonding techniques.
What If Only One Rabbit is Possible?
While companionship is the gold standard, there might be rare circumstances where an owner feels they can only keep one rabbit. In such cases, it’s absolutely crucial to provide an exceptionally high level of enrichment and human interaction to mitigate the risks of loneliness. This means:
- Spending significant quality time with the rabbit daily, including gentle petting (if they enjoy it), talking to them, and simply being present in their space.
- Providing an abundance of toys and rotating them regularly to keep their environment stimulating.
- Creating opportunities for foraging and exploration to keep their minds active.
However, it must be stressed that even with the best human efforts, nothing truly replaces the unique companionship of another rabbit.
A Call for Companionship
If you are considering bringing rabbits into your life, please think about adopting a bonded pair from a rescue organisation like RSPCA Oxfordshire.
These rabbits have already formed a connection and can settle into a new home together, saving you the often-tricky bonding process. By choosing to provide companionship, you are giving your rabbits one of the greatest gifts for their well-being, allowing them to live fuller, happier, and more natural lives.
