Rabbits

[marianne joy]

We have purchased a, male Netherland white dwarf, (neutered), he isn't particularly friendly, and very nervous. He is about 6mths old and he has a the run of our very small garden and a large hutch. We were wondering if it were possible to introduce a second rabbit, type? sex? age? Does anyone know please?

[rampart]

Well, I'm not certain about rabbits, but I know this about gerbils and hamsters: when introducing a new pet, put a little bit of olive oil on both of their noses. This disrupts their ability to smell and gives them time to get used to eachother. An alternative method is to put them in separate cages side by side where they can see eachother and get used to eachother's scent. I bet one or both of these methods might help you introduce a mate to your bunny.

I think I'd get a female if I had a neutered male.

[marianne joy]

Thank you Rampart

[icemaiden]

I would like to add that Netherland Dwarfs are not particularly nice natured compared to other breeds of rabbit. Introducing another rabbit will only add to the problem of being unfriendly. Many people put Guinea Pigs in with rabbits and again I would advise against this I know of rabbits that have killed Guinea Pigs that have been housed with them. On top of that Guinea Pigs have a different diet to rabbits. I would keep your rabbit on his own and spend as much time cuddling and stroking him as you possibly can. that way he will soon warm to you and be less nervous.

Good luck