Introducing rabbits to other pets
New couple takes to each other immediately. No intervention needed.
Plan BSome chasing and nipping, but no fur flying or flesh ripping. Keep separate except for 20 minute period each day and supervise. After several consecutive days of no real fighting, increase time to 1 hour. After they begin to snuggle during the day for several days, they may be left together at night. May take several weeks.
Plan CRabbits engage in immediate fight. Use Plan B but limit exposure to shorter, more frequent sessions. Elimiate territorial agression by introducing them at a friend's house or on car rides in the same carrier or seat.
Plan DPut the new rabbit in a cage close to resident rabbit. Leave rabbit in the cage for one to two weeks while resident rabbit is out. Then proceed with Plan B.
- neutered male and spayed female
- neutered male to unspayed, resident female
- two spayed females
- spayed and unspayed females or two unspayed females
- two neutered males (will rarely get along, although there have been exceptions)
- two unneutered males will always fight
Adult rabbits prefer other adult or teenage (4 months to 1 1/2 years) rabbits. Babies prefer babies.
Always make introduction in neutral territory that is not part of either rabbit's normal environment. In cases of extreme dislike for each other, car rides in the same carrier or on the same seat might be the first step, with the idea being that experiencing the stressful situation together will help them bond. When they groom each other, they can be moved to non-neutral territory.
Space for introductions should not be much larger than 10 x 12 feet or smaller than 3 x 8 feet.
Be ready to break up fights by wearing gloves and a jacket. Have a spray bottle of water ready. May also put harnesses and leashes on rabbits.
Chasing, circling, nipping, mounting and fur-flying are part of get-acquainted periods.
Injuries may occur which require medical attention.
Expect lax litterbox habits during introductions.
Introductions are stressful and can lead to illness if allowed to proceed too quickly. This is especially true with older animals or those wtih recurrent or chronic health problems.
Neutered or spayed rabbits should be given ample recovery time to avoid extra stress from introductions. Wait until stitches are removed or at least 10 to 14 days.
A new rabbit should be given about 14 days to adjust to your household before being introduced to your resident rabbit.
Introducing Rabbits to Dogs or Cats
Introductions may take several weeks to several months. Go slowly to avoid stress and accidents.
Supervise interactions. Some, not all, may eventually be left unsupervised.
Avoid situations where the dog or cat gets into trouble for chasing, swatting or biting the rabbit. Praise gentle behavior such as licking the rabbit.
Sit with the rabbit and dog or cat while petting them. Show that both of them can have your attention and that you regard the rabbit as a family member like you regard them.
Just because your rabbit becomes familiar with your cat or dog does not mean that she is "used to all dogs or cats." She could still be terrorized by neighbor dogs or cats.
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Introductions during adolescence of either species should be closely supervised.
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Success is largely dependent on behavior of the dog.
It is crucial that the dog does not chase if the rabbit runs. (Some may eventually play-chase.) A mature, easy-going, obedience-trained dog is best. Should respond to "down-stay," "gentle," "good dog," and "off." Introductions should take place with dog under control, either by commands or on-leash. May need to start with dog on leash and rabbit in cage. 
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