Rabbits

[SharonMT]

We had a pair of bonded bunnies - siblings - from birth. One died two weeks ago - totally unexpectedly. We bought a baby, brought him home and he died within a week. My daughter is distraught. Is the right thing to do finding another potential friend for my remaining female? She seems ok but am concerned she's lonely. TIA.

I think rabbits are okay on their own as long as they have lots of human contact. Guinea pigs struggle alone but I think rabbits are okay.

Sorry to hear of your loss :(

It's definitely a good idea to find your female a new friend, they definitely mourn the loss of a partner.

I recommend finding a local rescue who can match make your girl with a new friend and do the bonding for you - as it can be quite tricky.

Rabbits are not OK on their own. Op were your bunnies vaccinated against RHD2, the fact that the second one died makes me think there is an outbreak. It remains in the area you need to disinfect everything

Do you know how the baby died? Had they been introduced and could the older bunny have attacked it? Bunnies can be surprisingly aggressive.

Many thanks all for your help. Sadly don’t know how either died which is hard. Rescue centre is a good idea. No, they were kept it adjacent runs so definitely no attack on the baby, thank goodness. We are supposed to be going on holiday next week but feel terrible abandoning our newly-bereaved bun. Any thoughts?

Our local rescue does residential bonding for new pairs- they also do holiday care. I would combine the two!

I agreebto getting a similar aged rabbit to your existing rabbit from a rescue. A good rescue will make sure they are bonded and help you with the process. If they dont bond they will try another until you get a match. We have fostered and rescued many many different kinds of animals and we always tell our children they are not our pets we are looking after them and giving them a home, if in the future there is a better home for them where they will be happier then they will go there. Maybe a similar explanation will make sure your daughter isn't upset if any potential mates have to go back because they aren't getting on.

I think it would be a great idea to have another rabbit as a companion .. another rescue rabbit would be lovely

Thanks so much all. Called the local bunny rescue centre and they didn’t have any males close to our female’s age so have gone with a bonding/boarding option with a local - v small - breeder and going for a baby mini lop - my daughter was keen on ‘rearing’ one. Really hope it works out.

I think if you pay enough attention to her, then she will not be alone.