Picking the Best Bunny (or Two) for Your Family
There is no doubt about it, bunnies are adorable! And to top it off, they make wonderful companions. Whether you are looking for a family pet or an emotional support animal, a bunny might be a great fit for you. One of the most commonly asked questions we get is, “should I get a buck(male) or a doe(female)?” People can’t help but wonder if gender plays a role in how well-behaved your bunny will be.
So that begs the question, “do bucks or does make better pets?”
Many experts believe bucks are the better choice for a pet. They are naturally more curious and can be more affectionate and attentive towards their owners.
Does that mean you shouldn’t pick that adorable little doe as a pet? Absolutely not.
Are all bucks more affectionate than does? Not always.
Keep reading and we will talk more about genders and making the best decision for your family!
All About Those Bucks!
Let me start off with saying, just because bucks have a reputation of being sweeter and more easy going, does not mean every single one will be. Bunnies are very intelligent creatures with their own unique personalities. Many buns will show tons of affection and some not so much, regardless of gender.
Why Bucks Make Great Pets...
As we mentioned in the intro, males tend to have more of the traits we love in our pet bunnies. These traits include curiosity, affectionate, attentiveness and a more easy-going temperament.
Many bucks love to explore their environment. They tend to be more curious about every little aspect of your home life. With curiosity comes being more relaxed in their environment.
Bucks can also show more affection towards their owners. They desire that social interaction. Many people are surprised by this. They assume does would be more lovey, but when it comes to bunnies, it’s more often the bucks.
Also, bucks tend to be more attentive. That can make them more playful and fun to be around. No bunny owner likes to feel ignored by their furry, four-legged fluffball. With a buck, that is less likely.
If you have young children (under 9-10 years old), a buck might be the way to go. Bucks tend to be more tolerant of handling than does. Younger children have a hard time understanding that some buns just need a little extra time to bond with them.
The Downside to Bucks
Please keep in mind, not all bucks are easy going and affectionate buns. Bucks tend to get frisky (sexual) towards almost anything. They could mount your foot, toys, cushions, and other buns (regardless of gender). But don’t fret, this can be curbed with neutering your bun around 5 months old.
Unaltered bucks are more likely to act aggressively than does, which can make owning one tough. Oh and they can spray, too. Say what?! Bucks (and some does) can mark their territory by spraying their urine around. Cleaning up spray is not fun, at all. Especially when they like to spray you! Spraying can typically be eliminated but neutering your bun.
Don’t Count Out Those Does!
Some of the sweetest bunnies I know are does. They often get a bad rap for being less friendly than bucks. But just like with bucks, there are exceptions to the rule.
Why Does Make Great Companions...
Does tend to display less aggression compared to bucks, which is a nice perk. Now that doesn’t mean you won’t ever get nipped or scratched by a doe, it just won’t happen out of sexual frustrations and urges. When does show signs of aggression, it is typically because they are trying to protect their den.
Great news, many does will display the same affection, attentiveness, and curiosity as bucks. It truly depends on the bun’s personality and early socialization. That is why it is so important to get your bunny from a reputable breeder, like Bailey Bunnies Rabbitry, that provides the early socialization and handling that bunnies need. Reputable breeders will also breed for health and temperament.
Also, does tend to be less mischievous than bucks. They can be more independent. And are typically cleaner buns.
The Downside to Does
Doe ownership has its downsides, too. They tend to get protective over who and what they believe is their territory. They are protective creatures by nature just like all of those mama bears out there. If you have more than one bunny, this issue can pop up. (We will discuss more about owning two buns in a moment)
If you have a larger family, a doe can have a preference for one person over another and have no problems letting you know. Does can be harder to integrate into a home with other family pets. Just like with bucks, a doe’s negative tendencies can be curbed by spaying them. A spayed doe is usually more relaxed and easy-going.
Picking the Right Bunny for Your Family
When it is time to pick the bunny for your family, pick the bunny that you fall in love with, regardless of gender. Look at the photos and the short bios we provide. Those will help give insight on which bunny has the personality right for your family. Our early handling and socialization makes a difference in how our bunnies temperaments develop.
Why Spaying and Neutering is Essential
We strongly recommend getting your bunny spayed/neutered early. Does can be spayed around 4 months old and bucks around 5 months old. The sooner you fix your bunny, the less likely you are to see those negative tendencies listed above like aggressiveness, spraying, mounting, etc. Once they are spayed/neutered, those urges tend to go away. That means a doe becomes just as viable a companion as a buck. Both genders can show the affection, love, and attentiveness you want. So remember, a spayed/neutered bunny, is a calmer, happier bunny.
</