Do you have two unneutered male rabbits you want to keep together in one hutch?
‘Rabbits can die of loneliness,’ so they need companions. What if the only available companion for your unneutered buck is also an unneutered buck? Is it advisable to allow them to live together?
In this article, we will discuss rabbit behavior and consider the possibilities and considerations when bonding or keeping unneutered male rabbits together.
Can Two Unneutered Male Rabbits Live Together?
In theory, yes, two unneutered male rabbits can live together.
But we do not recommend this living arrangement.
The primary reason is that unneutered male rabbits can exhibit aggressive and territorial behaviors, especially when they reach sexual maturity.
These behaviors can result in tension and potentially severe fights between the rabbits.
Risks Of Keeping Two Unneutered Male Rabbits Together
Here are some challenges you will face if you keep them together.
Aggression And Fighting
The most pressing challenge of keeping two unneutered male rabbits together is the significant risk of aggressive behaviors and fighting.
Rabbits inherently show territorial instincts.
This characteristic becomes more pronounced in unneutered males, who are more likely to demonstrate a strong desire to mark their space with scent from glands under their chin or by spraying urine.
Hormonal impulses drive unneutered bucks to establish dominance and defend their territory.
Such behaviors can escalate into hazardous encounters, sometimes even leading to fatal injuries.
Reproductive & Dominance Behaviours
Reproductive & dominance behaviors such as mounting, circling, and chasing are common in unneutered male rabbits and can instigate conflicts.
The testosterone surge in unneutered males intensifies these behaviors, increasing the likelihood of disputes between cohabiting bucks.
Fights can break out when these behaviors clash in a shared space, particularly if both rabbits are determined to assert their dominance.
Health Risks
Aside from the risk of physical injury from fights, unneutered males are also more susceptible to particular health issues.
For instance, unneutered bucks are more likely to develop testicular cancer and other reproductive system-related diseases.
Best Alternatives
Here are some alternatives you can explore to avoid these risks.
1. Neutering
Neutering, or desexing, is a surgical procedure that removes the testes from the male rabbit.
This procedure significantly reduces aggressive and territorial behaviors, making it more feasible for two male rabbits to live together peacefully.
2. Keeping A Single Unneutered Male Rabbit
If neutering isn’t preferred, you might consider keeping just one unneutered male rabbit.
Rabbits can live alone if they receive sufficient attention and interaction from their human caregivers.
This option eliminates the risk of conflicts while still offering a satisfying companionship experience.
3. Keeping A Pair Of Female Rabbits
Female rabbits usually exhibit less territorial and aggressive behavior compared to bucks.
As such, a pair of female rabbits tends to live harmoniously together.
But, they should be spayed to prevent potential health issues like uterine cancer and to avoid unwanted litter.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning buck bonding.
Can A Neutered Male And Unneutered Male Rabbit Live Together?
It’s not usually recommended to house a neutered and an unneutered male rabbit together.
The unneutered rabbit can exhibit hormonal behaviors like mounting, spraying, or aggression, which can lead to conflict and stress for both rabbits.
How Long Do Unneutered Male Rabbits Live?
The lifespan of an unneutered male rabbit is similar to a neutered one, generally between 7-12 years, depending on the breed, diet, health, and whether they are kept indoors or outdoors.
What Happens If You Don’t Neuter Your Male Rabbit?
As said earlier, if you don’t neuter your male rabbit, he may exhibit more aggressive and territorial behaviors due to his hormones.
This includes spraying urine to mark territory, mounting, and fighting with other rabbits.
Unneutered male rabbits also have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer.
How Long Can Two Unneutered Male Rabbits Live Together?
Housing two unneutered male rabbits together can be challenging due to hormonal behaviors.
But they may get along as young rabbits, but once they reach sexual maturity (around 3-6 months), conflicts are likely to occur.
Can 2 Brother Rabbits Live Together?
Two brother rabbits can live together, especially if they’ve been together since birth and are both neutered.
However, even siblings can start fighting once they reach sexual maturity if they are not neutered.
Can Unneutered Male Rabbits Coexist?
It’s possible but not typically recommended due to the potential for fighting and injuries.
Do Male Rabbits Need To Be Neutered To Live Together?
While not strictly necessary, neutering male rabbits can significantly reduce aggressive behaviors and make cohabitation more feasible.
Can Male Rabbits Live Together Without Fighting?
With the proper introduction and if both rabbits are neutered, they can live together without fighting.
How Can I Safely Introduce Two Unneutered Male Rabbits?
It’s a complex process and generally not recommended, but you could introduce two unneutered males in a neutral environment, closely supervising their interactions until they have established a peaceful relationship.
Conclusion
While two unneutered male rabbits can live together, we generally do not advise that you do so due to inherent behavioral issues and health risks.
Any decision you make should be in the animal’s best interest, considering its health, happiness, and quality of life.
We hope this article helped you know if unneutered male rabbits can live together. If you have any questions, comment below, and we’ll answer them.
