Do Holland Lops Need a Companion?

Whenever we chat with new bunny owners, one of the primary questions we hear is "will my new rabbit need a companion?". This is a great question! But, unfortunately it doesn't come with a very straightforward answer.

Some sources say that Holland Lops ABSOLUTELY need a companion, while others will argue that they're just fine without one. You might even find an article or two that makes a point on how any and ALL answers are correct, you just never know!

Trust us, we totally get how frustrating this is when you're trying to make the best decision for your new Bunny companion and from our experience, we've seen Holland Lops be successful both as bonded pairs and as solo buns. So let's take a closer look at each situation to help you determine what may be the best fit for you.

Overview

Honestly, rabbits are very social creatures, but whether they need a companion or not really comes down to the way that they're raised. If a new baby bunny is brought to a solo-rabbit home, they will most likely learn to adapt and thrive under the loving care of their new human family!

For those families who would like two rabbits at once, that's also completely do-able. As long as Holland Lops are introduced to bonding before 12-ish weeks, there is a high chance a secure bond will be formed regardless of whether the rabbits came from the same litter or not. Hormones WILL play a role in this however, so stay tuned to learn a little bit more about that.

Solo-Rabbit Home

Congratulations! You've made the decision to just bring home one sweet bunny and build that bond between the two of you (or more if you're sharing with your family).

The biggest thing to remember is that Holland Lops are intelligent, social creatures, so they can't just be left in a cage to live out their life. Find fun ways to interact with your new bun! Interactive toys, treats, snuggles, and quality time with their people is a great way to give your Solo Lop a fulfilling and happy life. If you need any suggestions on what types of toys or treats you can try with your bunny, feel free to check out our list of recommendations!

Choosing a Companion

Hooray! You've decided that one bun just isn't enough and so you've made up your mind to bring home two! Before you settle on which bunnies you want, there is one very important factor to keep in mind.

Opposites Attract

While bunnies don't have to be from the same litter to bond, age and gender WILL make a difference. Bonds between same sex rabbits (F/F & M/M) are notoriously known for being a bit unstable. This is primarily because while rabbits are very social, their natural territorial instincts will always reign supreme. At first, baby bunnies may seem to get along perfectly, but as soon as the hormonal changes start, the natural hierarchy and fight for dominance will kick in, which can cause fights to occur.

To avoid this, purchasing a male and a female pair is the safest way to go. Additionally making sure that both bunnies are fixed around the ages of 4-6 months will help keep everyone calm (and avoid any unwanted baby bunnies)! Be sure to chat with your Exotic Vet if you have any questions or concerns.

Personalities

Don't assume that just because a young Holland Lop is calm and collected (or playful and attentive) around other buns that they'll ALWAYS remain that way. Rabbits personalities can change quite a lot as they age and are never guaranteed to stay the same as when they were young.

Hormones play a big part in personality and so it's a good idea to consider getting your new Lop fixed before any negative traits begin to surface. We offer lifetime support for our Fluffletale Family, so if you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!