Cruel to keep just one bunny

[ApplesTheHare]

My bun is getting on for 7, and recently lost his girlfriend. He's never taken to another rabbit other than her, and became quite aggressive previously when living near other rabbits. I know that rabbits are very social so keep thinking I should get him another companion but am also wondering whether it would be fair on another bun? I've also recently had a massive drop in income so although I've got insurance and am committed to paying all and any costs relating to my current rabbit, I'd not be able to insure another pet atm. Have I become a dreadful pet owner...???

Tricky one as although it wouldn't be responsible to take on another bunny if you can't afford it, almost all bunnies are much happier with a companion. I think if you were going to keep him single then you'd need to invest a huge amount of time to spend with him and for that reason he might be better off indoors.

Is there any way you could cut costs in other areas to pay for the extra costs? Could you look into less expensive insurance for your current bunny so it wasn't that much extra for two bunnies?

hello! rabbits are social animals and can become depressed if they are alone but you can just spend more time stroking and bonding with him, your not a bad owner atall! .. you could always adopt an rabbit from a animal shelter for free.. some actually will bond your rabbit with another to find him a suited companion, i have 6 bunnies i dont have insurance for them i just take them the vets every so oftern and get them checked nd they only charge a check up fee which is not expensive atall.. This way im not having to pay insurance charges every month but they still get looked after and so be the time one does get ill then ill just deal with that when it happens my bunnies are all very happy and my boys do prefer spending time alone with a few tickles... compared to the girls hehe

I always feel terrible as I am constantly advising people that bunnies need to have bunny company and yet I have a single housebun. Yes, buns do really need a friend but they don't get on with every bunny they meet. My boy had a difficult start in life and was reluctant to meet other bunnies. So we have him as a housebun where he is very much involved in everything from chasing the Hoover to going to bed with the DDs.

At 7 your boy is an older rabbit and it may be difficult to find him a suitable friend. If you are giving him loads of attention and he seems happy and lively then he may be content to live a quiet, peaceful retirement. If he seems mopey and sad it may be that he needs company of his own kind.

As for insurance, I don't have any. Some people here put the amount they would normally spend on insurance aside each month and save it so that it builds to a nice sum if required.

Thanks everyone. I'd love to bring him indoors, and he was a house rabbit who free ranged around the whole house in the past, but we have a dog these days, which was never an issue as the buns were happily living outside.

Argh it's so tough as he actually seems happy in himself, just the same as normal really, but I would also always tell other people that buns are sociable and need company of their own kind so I'd feel like a massive hypocrite not following my own advice!