It is possible for an unneutered male and female rabbit to live together, but it is not recommended unless you want to breed them. Unneutered males are known to mark their territory with urine. They may also cause injury to the female when trying to mount.
You’ve just adopted a new rabbit, and you’re trying to figure out if you should get another one. After all, two rabbits are better than one, right? But then you remember reading somewhere that two rabbits of the opposite sex shouldn’t live together unless they’re neutered/spayed.
Now you’re wondering if your new little friend needs to go through surgery before they can have a roommate.
Can unneutered male and female rabbits live together peacefully? Read on to find out!
What You'll Learn
The Pros of Unneutered Male and Female Rabbits Living Together
There are a few advantages to letting unneutered male and female rabbits live together.
Replicates Nature
For one, it replicates nature more closely. In the wild, rabbits live in groups consisting of both sexes. So if you have two rabbits of the opposite sex living together, they’re actually emulating their natural behavior more than two rabbits of the same sex would be.
Bonded Companions
Another advantage of letting unneutered male and female rabbits live together is that they can become bonded companions.
Can Cut Down Costs
When two rabbits live with each other, you don’t have to worry about purchasing two of everything. With that said, it’s still important to have plenty of resources (such as food, water, and toys) for each rabbit.
Will Produce Offspring
Of course, another advantage of letting unneutered male and female rabbits live together is that they will produce offspring. This is a good thing if you’re planning on breeding your rabbits.
The Cons of Unneutered Male and Female Rabbits Living Together
There are also a few disadvantages to letting unneutered male and female rabbits live together.
Female Rabbit Can Get Pregnant
I know, we just added this one to the “pro” section. But for some, it’s a con! Even if you’re not planning on breeding your rabbits, this can still happen if they’re not spayed. And a pregnant rabbit will need extra care and attention.
Unneutered Male Rabbits Are More Aggressive
Another disadvantage of letting unneutered male and female rabbits live together is that unneutered males are typically more aggressive. This means they’re more likely to fight each other, which can lead to severe injuries (or even death).
Unneutered Male Rabbits Are More Likely to Spray Urine
Finally, unneutered male rabbits are also more likely to spray urine. This can be a problem if you have furniture or other items in your home that you don’t want to get ruined.
How to Decide if Unneutered Male and Female Rabbits Should Live Together
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not unneutered male and female rabbits should live together, here are a few questions to ask yourself that may help you make a decision.
Do You Want to Breed The Rabbits?
As we mentioned before, one of the advantages of letting unneutered male and female rabbits live together is that they will produce offspring. But if you’re not interested in breeding your rabbits, this isn’t a good reason to let them live together.
Do You Have Time To Supervise?
If you decide to let unneutered male and female rabbits live together, you must have the time to supervise them. This is especially true if you have any concerns about aggression or urine spraying.
Do The Two Rabbits Get Along?
Of course, another important factor to consider is whether or not the two rabbits actually get along. Even if they’re of the opposite sex, some rabbits just don’t click. So if you notice that your rabbits are always fighting or seem stressed when they’re around each other, it’s probably best to keep them living separately.
Tips For Managing The Rabbits
If you decide to let unneutered male and female rabbits live together, there are a few things you can do to make the situation more manageable.
Introduce The Rabbits Slowly on Neutral Ground
If you’re going to let unneutered male and female rabbits live together, it’s important to introduce them slowly on neutral ground. This will help reduce the chances of aggression or fighting.
Provide Enough Space For Them to Coexist
Another important thing to remember is that rabbits need a lot of space. So if you let the two rabbits live together, ensure you have a large enough enclosure for them to coexist peacefully.
Be Prepared to Separate The Rabbits If Necessary
Even if you do everything right, there’s always a chance that the rabbits won’t get along. So it’s important to be prepared to separate them if necessary. This may mean keeping two separate enclosures or having a place where one rabbit can go to “time out” if they get too aggressive.
Each Rabbit Should Have Its Own Food and Water
Finally, it’s important to remember that each rabbit needs its own food and water. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s something that’s often overlooked. If the rabbits don’t have their own food and water, they’re likely to fight over them.
Making the Decision
Ultimately, whether or not unneutered male and female rabbits should live together is a decision that you’ll have to make based on your own circumstances. There are advantages and disadvantages to living together and living apart, so it’s crucial to weigh all the factors before making a decision.
