A rabbit group refers to multiple rabbits living together. These collective terms highlight the inherent social nature of rabbits, which thrive when they have companionship. While wild rabbits typically form large social groups in underground burrows called warrens, domesticated rabbits also benefit significantly from living with others. This social structure is deeply rooted in their biology and behavior.
The Social Nature of Rabbits
Wild groups often consist of two to nine adult females, one to three adult males, and a varying number of offspring. In their natural environment, rabbits engage in various social behaviors that contribute to their well-being. Mutual grooming, where rabbits groom each other, increases group cohesion and signals comfort and bonding.
They also participate in shared foraging. This collective activity allows individuals to spend more time eating while others remain vigilant for predators, a concept known as the “many eyes” hypothesis. Rabbits exhibit collective vigilance, taking turns to scan for threats and thumping their hind limbs to alert the group if danger is detected.
Companionship contributes significantly to a rabbit’s mental and physical health. Rabbits kept in social isolation often develop poor social skills, leading to aggression or timidity when they encounter other rabbits. Providing social interaction prevents stress and promotes the display of natural behaviors, which is important for their overall quality of life.
Forming and Maintaining Rabbit Groups
Successfully introducing rabbits requires a gradual and patient approach, often beginning in a neutral territory where neither rabbit has established claims. This neutral space, such as a bathroom or unfamiliar room, should be equipped with multiple hiding spots and escape routes to reduce stress during initial interactions. Starting with visual and scent introductions, like placing rabbits in adjacent enclosures where they can see and smell but not touch, familiarizes them. Swapping bedding or toys between their enclosures also aids scent familiarization.
Supervised meetings should be brief initially, perhaps just 15 minutes, and gradually increased as the rabbits show comfort. Both rabbits should be spayed or neutered before introductions, as this reduces hormonal behaviors like aggression and territorial marking, making bonding more likely to succeed. Wait at least four to six weeks after surgery for hormones to dissipate before starting introductions.
Ideal group compositions often involve spayed/neutered pairs or trios, as these tend to be more stable. Providing adequate space and resources, such as multiple food bowls, water stations, and litter boxes, prevents competition and conflict. Positive signs of bonding include mutual grooming, resting close together, and eating side by side. Conversely, signs of conflict, such as lunging, biting, or chasing, indicate immediate separation to prevent injury, and the introduction process should be re-evaluated or slowed down.