Rabbit home problems

[Bunnybound]

Hi. My 2-year-old mini lop lost his brother a year ago in a nasty teeth op. We decided to try him as a house rabbit rather than get him a buddy but he doesn't like being stroked and hates being picked up. He makes a mess and now he is used to his freedom I don't feel I can confine him and my daughter would hate it if we gave him away. We have a run and a garage. I guess the best solution is to try and find him a mate from a rescue and then put them both there? I am worried it will be a bit cold in winter...any advice?

I'd definitely get him a friend from a rescue. A good rescue will help you to find the right match (when I did this, I brought my rabbit with me and she was put in a pen and introduced to a couple of potential matches to see who she got on with, it was a match made in heaven and she bonded beautifully with her new (neutered) boyfriend).

I'd probably build a large hutch and run outdoors, to be honest (they need natural light for vitamin D, just like humans do). You can then use the garage as an occasional back up shelter in the winter (or cover their hutch with a tarpaulin and provide extra bedding)... rabbits are actually very hardy but they do need protection from the elements when it gets very wet or cold.