How bonded rabbit pairs and groups provide social welfare benefits and the process for safely introducing compatible companions.
The social needs of rabbits are frequently overlooked or underestimated by owners who keep them in isolation. A solitary rabbit, however well-equipped its enclosure and however frequently its owner interacts with it, cannot have its social needs met by human contact alone. Rabbit social behavior including allogrooming, contact resting, and mutual vigilance are intrinsically conspecific - they require another rabbit. Bonding is a time-intensive process that requires understanding of rabbit communication and patience, but the reward is two animals whose quality of life is dramatically enhanced by each other's constant company. Rabbit rescue organizations have extensive bonding expertise and are valuable resources for owners undertaking this process.