Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Small pets

Mumsnet does not check the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you're worried about the health of your pet, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

One of my rabbits just died

2 replies

rabbitsummer · 19/08/2023 14:19

We hadn't had them for long - we rehomed them earlier in the year from a lovely lady who just didn't have the time for them anymore but they were so well looked after and really loved. They were sisters and approximately 6.5 years old.
Well this morning, everything was fine, I went out in the garden and they were fine, went back out an hour or so later and Rita had sadly gone to sleep and died it seems Sad
We have buried her in the garden but her poor sister Janet looks so sad.

We are wondering what the best thing to do now is - do we keep her as a solo rabbit? Bear in mind she is kept outside, she has a very large hutch which is left open and she has free run of our (very secure) garden. Unfortunately she cannot be a house rabbit as we have several cats and don't have a spare room to dedicate to her.

Do we get her a new rabbit to try and bond with? And if so, are we best getting a younger rabbit or an adult rabbit? Male or female? I have read online that the best thing to do is get them a new mate but I wanted to hear other people's personal experiences - this is the first time I've ever owned rabbits.

I have attached a couple of pictures of her, she had a fantastic mullet Grin

One of my rabbits just died
One of my rabbits just died
OP posts:
Luna02 · 20/08/2023 12:54

I’m so sorry for your loss.

Rabbits enjoy having company, but I would first consider are you ready for the commitment of another rabbit for about 10years. If not, you could consider adopting an older male rabbit as long as both are neutered/ spayed. It is easier to bond a male/ female pair. Some animal shelters offer a bonding program where they bond the rabbits for you.

bunnygeek · 21/08/2023 15:27

So sorry for your loss :(

She is best bonded with another bun, has she been spayed and is she up to date on vaccinations? If so, reach out to your local rescues as they are all absolutely heaving with unwanted rabbits and a good rescue will be able to help you with the tricky bonding process.

It is worth noting that most good rescues won't rehome to where they have free run of a garden unattended, even the most "secure" garden is never completely safe unless you've got a roof over the top of it. The pair would need at least 60 square foot fully secured (dig proof and with a roof on (solid or mesh)).

You can find your nearest rescues here:
http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/centres.asp
https://www.saveafluff.co.uk/rescues

Rabbit Rehome - List of Rabbit Rescue Centres with Bunnies for Adoption

http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/centres.asp

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread