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Original poster

What should I do with my lonely bun?

35 replies

NameyMcNameChange1 · 08/02/2019 18:26

He’s 7 years old and last month his brother, who he’s been with all his life, escaped and was eaten by a fox. The rabbits have always had a large shed and then a series of runs joined with tunnels. They’ve been very self sufficient and despite trying a lot when they were younger have never displayed anything other than wariness towards people.

Since rabbit 2 has died rabbit 1 has been frantic. Running round and round his loop of the run, banging his feet noisily and making his run to the point he’s got cuts all over his face. He’s obviously very distressed Sad.

I’ve been spending an hour or so a day sat in his shed with him. He seems to calm down when I’m there and does at least eat while I’m in there but still won’t let me touch him.

I really don’t want to get another rabbit. I just see us being in a cycle of forever having rabbits. Although I’m glad I was able to give my rabbits a good life I didn’t enjoy having them as much as I’d hoped and they were a lot of work and very expensive to buy all the sheds, tubes runs etc which need to be replaced as they inevitably rot within a couple of years. We have chickens but whenever I’ve let them all loose together the chickens have pecked the buns. I may try moving the shed though as possibly just having the chickens to watch might calm him slightly? I can’t bring him indoors as we have a house cat who will kill anything that moves.

I’m very reluctant to rehome him as it seems very rare to find rabbit owners who actually give them enough space. Even the space at the local rehoming centre given to each rabbit is tiny.

Wwyd? Please be gentle, I really am trying to do the best for him.

OP posts:
Original poster
NameyMcNameChange1 · 08/02/2019 19:19

Hopeful bump

OP posts:
foxfoof · 08/02/2019 19:25

Have you tried putting in a small soft toy? It worked with one of my bunnies when she lost his partner

ImNotKitten · 08/02/2019 19:25

I dread this too as like you say you have to draw the line somewhere or you’ll have a never-ending line of pet rabbits.

Moving the chickens nearer is a good idea. Have you tried him with the cat? Just that most of my bunnies will happily chase the cats! I know you have to be so careful but with supervision my rabbits can certainly hold their own - and then some.

I wouldn’t rehome him either - sadly he is probably coming to the end of his life. I haven’t had one live beyond 7 and am very dedicated and receptive to their needs as you are. You’re doing the best you can in the circumstances.

Corbby1 · 08/02/2019 19:31

Wow it sounds like you have given your bunnies a really wonderful life!
I know you said you don't want another one, but what about adopting one of a similar age to yours? That way they can both enjoy their older age together and you don't end up in an endless cycle of replacing buns (obviously you will have to have one on their own at some point but hopefully when they are old for a shorter period of time). Just a thought xx

MyPuppyIsADick · 08/02/2019 19:35

Hi OP, where are you based? The rescue I’m involved with has a scheme where you can ‘adopt’ a bunny as company for your own then return them to the rescue to be rehomed when yours passes away - for people in your exact situation, with an older bun who don’t want to be stuck in a never ending cycle of bunnies!

Original poster
NameyMcNameChange1 · 08/02/2019 20:09

That sounds like a perfect solution mypuppyisadick (love your username btwGrin). I’m in Devon, the only one I’ve managed to find is in Exeter. It’s an RSPCAone and the cages are a similar size to the ones at Pets At Home. So obviously very reluctant to send him there.

OP posts:
Original poster
NameyMcNameChange1 · 08/02/2019 20:11

Unfortunately cat would definitely go for him. He’s an enormous Maine Coon and a complete prick. He’d eat my 3yo if I left them alone together long enough.

OP posts:
Solstice888 · 09/02/2019 14:28

Having kept rabbits all my life I would suggest either - rescuing an older rabbit from a shelter but keeping it separate. Put it somewhere they see each other and you could make a point of letting one run about the garden whilst the other is in the run sometimes, so they can get close. I wouldn't bother trying to bond them. Second option - make your bunny a house Bunny. Being inside means u will be around him more and he will get more attention feel less lonely. House breaking male bunnies isn't usually too hard, even older ones (though they may leave a poop or two in their faverote place).

gubbsywubbsy · 09/02/2019 14:29

Get a rescue guinea or rescue rabbit that will die about the same time ?

Veterinari · 09/02/2019 14:38

He really does need a companion. You’ve done a wonderful job of providing him with a great environment but his social needs are as if not more important to his welfare. You need to rehome him or adopt another adult bun as company. Rabbits can live to be around 12 years old so keeping him alone for years is simply not an answer

SirVixofVixHall · 09/02/2019 14:49

Yes, rescue GPs or rabbit that are also older. They are miserable alone.

NotYoonique · 09/02/2019 16:44

NOT Guinea Pigs. The two shouldn't be mixed for numerous reasons. Definitely look into fostering if you don't want another full time rabbit or rehoming him to live with another rabbit would be kinder

www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/

houseofrabbits · 09/02/2019 16:58

I agree with @Veterinari, your rabbit really needs a companion. I would suggest adopting a rescue rabbit of a similar age. Please do not get a guinea pig, they should not live together. I don't think moving the chickens closer would help much either!

Veterinari · 10/02/2019 08:12

Yes chickens and Guinea pigs are not suitable substitutes - he needs a rabbit companion

MyPuppyIsADick · 10/02/2019 21:51

Hi OP, we’re based in Scotland so probably too far for you to travel? Sad it might be worth looking to see if any rescues in your area do something similar. To the pp who suggested bringing him indoors, he would still need the company of another rabbit so that won’t solve the OP’s issue. In your shoes failing the fostering option I would surrender him to a reputable rescue i.e. one that will ensure he goes to a new home with bunny company and adequate living and exercise space as per RWAF recommendations.

Solstice888 · 10/02/2019 23:25

Think we will have to agree to disagree, I think some rabbits can be perfectly happy without another rabbit for company, so long as you yourself give them plenty of time and attention.

Look at YouTube's Bini the bunny and there's also lennon. Both are very close with their owners and seem happy enough at just that. To be fair, both owners keep their rabbits very stimulated though (toys, days out ect).

However, they never had companions so I guess they won't miss it. I agree another bunny would be ideal but not that it is necessary. Just up the cuddles and attention I say, and making it an indoor bunny (even if its just bringing the cage inside) would help that.

Heaviestdirtyestsoul · 10/02/2019 23:37

Placemarking for advice as i have a 10 year old bun and a 6 year old bun, they are inseparable and I know we have not got long left with oldest, and the younger one just tolerates us, whereas the 10 year old is so so friendly and trusting. Sorry your bun is so distressed :(

Original poster
NameyMcNameChange1 · 11/02/2019 07:06

I’m really not keen on bringing him indoors even if I could keep him separate from the cat. As mypuppy said it doesn’t solve the problem of him not having a companion. A friend of mine has a house rabbit that seems like the friendliest little thing on earth. But I always think it’s only like that because it’s desperate for some kind of interaction with something. It needs interaction with a rabbit, not a human.

It may be a bit late now. Bun has completely stopped eating now. I’m giving him some critical care gunk in a syringe but he’s really not happy or well Sad. If I can get him to perk up over the next few days then we’re going to partition part of his hutch/ run off and put a nearby neighbours bun in it. She’s said we can look after it for the foreseeable and then she’ll take it back.

OP posts:
ImNotKitten · 11/02/2019 07:49

Have you taken him to the vets? Crucial to get some drugs into him to keep his guts moving and get any pain under control.

Solstice888 · 11/02/2019 07:55

You sure it isn't just ill? Anyways, have you tried banana? Most bunnies love it and it should cheer it up. It isn't healthy in large amounts but I think given the situation, it couldn't hurt to give him some.

I think rabbits raised by owners indoors and on their own just tend to bond better with the owner, it's not about it being sad it doesn't have a bunny companion because it's owner is all it ever really knew.

Shoebedoo · 11/02/2019 08:05

We got a guinea pig for our rabbit and they get on really well! Our rabbit is quite protective of him! I think they are great buddies!

anniehm · 11/02/2019 08:08

My rabbit used to hang out with the dog, she was tiny, he was 25kg! She would hop into his bed with him and go to sleep. She lived alone (most did then) but came inside and was human socialised.

1400spincycle · 11/02/2019 08:09

I understand the not wanting to be trapped into a never ending bunny cycle. I had simmilar with pet rats. In the end I went online and managed to match my bereaved rat up with another simmilar singleton online. pre-loved seems to be a good place to advertise.

I ended up travel a fair distance and sending my rat with her own cage to match her up with the right new owner. It was worthwhile to see my very unhappy and depressed rat run to her new friend with open arms. They were kept seperately, alongside for a bit but settled really well together.

I guess it is rehoming but equally I would had of brought the other rat to mine if this had worked better.

Original poster
NameyMcNameChange1 · 11/02/2019 08:11

He went to the vet on Saturday. They just gave me a sachet of critical care powder to mix up and syringe into him. He hasn’t been given any pain medication as vet didn’t think there was really anything wrong with him. He’s still moving around ok when he want to . He’s just not wanting to eat and seems to be pooing everywhere rather than mainly in his litter tray like usual. Also chewing the shed to pieces Sad.

OP posts:
MyPuppyIsADick · 11/02/2019 12:27

Sorry to hear your little bun’s not well OP Sad can you ask around for a rabbit savvy vet and get a second opinion? The not giving pain medication is a nonsense - after my local vets let my rabbit down badly when he was unwell, I found a great vet who saved his life by giving him metacam for previously undiagnosed back pain. She said in her experience if a rabbit stops eating it’s most often due to pain of some sort, might not be the case in your situation but worth checking.

It’s not in my nature to ‘correct’ other posters on MN but there is so much misinformation about rabbits out there that I have to comment when I see advice being trotted out that actively poses risks to the animals (like living with gp) without a second thought. I don’t dispute that bunnies can live happy lives alone, my own was a single for 2 years until I became involved in rescue and she was happy! But she is a million times happier with a buddy. It’s not my opinion that this is the case, it’s all there on the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund website. It’s irresponsible at best for pp to dole out ‘advice’ that goes against rabbit welfare recommendations.