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Original poster

Rabbit and loneliness?

9 replies

AuntieFesterAdams · 22/10/2018 03:25

we had two buns which came together as a pair.
They are always grooming each other and always within a metre or so of one another, even though our garden is a good size..
Yesterday one bun just died (6years) in his cage overnight. Other seems sad and is hardly moving- just laying in one of two spots.

Should I get a companion quickly or let him mourn? We are devastated by the loss of the one and do not want to lose his brother too.
Any bunny experts know the best way forward?

OP posts:
BlackInk · 22/10/2018 09:53

Aww :(

Are you sure that this bunny isn't unwell too? I would take him to a vet for a check-up first of all. Six isn't very old for a rabbit, so the rabbit who dies could have been unwell.

If he gets a clean bill of health it would be kindest to get him a new companion, although bonding can be tricky. Is he neutered?

In the meantime, give him lots of TLC and tempt him with his favourite foods.

Hope it all works out for you.

bunnygeek · 22/10/2018 10:45

That's so sad :(

I agree with BlackInk to get the mourning bunny vet checked asap. There are a few things that can have minimal symptoms and kill bunnies very quickly and be contagious, so best to get this ruled out asap. If you're in the UK, were both vaccinated?

If you haven't bonded before, you may have a reputable rescue near you who can help with bonding with one of their singles. Whereabouts are you located?

hellojim · 22/10/2018 10:56

We had a similar situation when one of 2 brothers died, the remaining rabbit seemed very out of sorts for a few days but then perked up and is still with us 2 years later! Rabbits do seem to be best in pairs or indoors with human company. If you do want to get a new friend for your bunny it can take quite a while, it took 6 weeks for us to be able to leave a male and female alone together without tearing each other's fur out.

Agree that it is would be a good idea contacting the vet, they may be able to test for disease using the dead bunny. There is a nasty virus that kills very quickly, I think it's haemorragic 2 virus. It can be prevented by a new vaccine that British vets now seem to be stocking.

TiredPony · 22/10/2018 11:10

Please get another bunny soon! They do mourn and are best kept in pairs. A good rescue will bond them for you. Sadly a bereaved bunny will bond quickly. There is nothing sadder than a lonely bunny. I've had rabbits for years and it's heartbreaking to see them so sad and lonely.
PS Sorry to hear about your other bunny.

Original poster
AuntieFesterAdams · 23/10/2018 07:21

Other bunny became ill after 2 days- vet said not much they could do bar pain relief and gorgeous bun no 2 died today in vet's office.
We are devastated as he was fine but sad yesterday.

OP posts:
MiaFarrowsWheelbarrow · 23/10/2018 07:38

So sad to read that your second bunny died, pets have a way of softening our hearts. For you 

hellojim · 23/10/2018 08:59

That's so sad.

bunnygeek · 23/10/2018 09:15

Oh no :( so sorry you lost the second bunny.

Did the vet think it could have been something contagious? I only ask that as if it could have been something like VHD it would risky to reuse the same housing if you consider getting more, or sell on, the housing they had :(

Honeyroar · 24/10/2018 21:23

So many people seem to have lost their bunnies this autumn.

Very sorry for your loss.

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