Hi everyone, not sure where to put this, so moderators, feel free to move to another category! 

So, for those of you who don’t know my buns, I currently have a bonded pair, Bertha and Moose. I was just up at my mom’s for Thanksgiving, and could not leave in good conscience without rescuing two bunnies that used to be looked after by my little sisters. Their conditions were never ideal (outdoors in hutches), and I always tried to help them improve their lives. This year they went off to college, and their conditions became downright abusive. Unsanitary, one bunny clearly needing medical attention, hadn’t been groomed in who knows how long, etc. Unlimited pellets, no hay (although my mom said she did give them hay regularly). 

My husband agreed that we could not leave them there. Our game plan was to bring them home, then take them to the rabbit rescue in our town. They handled the trip (a 6 hour drive) better than I expected. They are currently living in the bathroom (divided in half with a buffer), eating, drinking, pooping. I gave them both a thorough grooming.

They are both unneutered males, about 9 years old, unbonded. The dutch bunny, Strudels, is in much better shape. He is much more active, his weight seems good, no obvious illness. Coat is not in great condition but not too bad. 

Todd is a very very tiny dwarf chinchilla bunny. He had a huge matt above his tail which I was able to remove, one dreadlock dangling from his chin, and crust all around his eyes and nose. I cleaned around his eyes with a soft warm cloth to try soften the crust. He is underweight (which means he weights basically nothing). When I went to check his nails I realized that two of his front toes seem to be gone…. his other nails were curved the wrong way, so I’m guessing he had caught them in the wire cage and injured his toes.   His front teeth look fine, and he seemed to have no problem with me feeling around his mouth, but my sister said he has never liked hay, so of course I suspect a dental issue. He is also sneezing a bit….

I can’t believe my family (which generally takes great care of their pets) could let things get this bad for them. They all realized how bad it had gotten and were very thankful I could take them. but GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. 

While I was grooming Todd, my husband said, “Do we have to give them up tomorrow?”. I really really want to keep them, but I just don’t see how it would work. And Todd needs to see a vet, and I don’t think we could afford Moose’s dental issues plus whatever is going on with Todd. 

I am guessing they are much too old to be neutered. But I also wonder if age has mellowed their hormones enough for them to bond? Does anyone have any experience with this or thoughts on this?  Right now Bertha and Moose seem completely indifferent to them (which is a relief, because I was worried bringing two intact males would upset their bond). I have them out of sight of each other, with the hallway as a buffer.  

I also don’t know whether the rescue would try to adopt them out since they are no neutered. I imagine they will either go into sanctuary foster care, or will live at the shelter for the rest of their lives, which would be a massive improvement for them (our rescue is amazing…). 

As my husband says, no matter what happens, the important thing is we got them out of there (and they are both eating and pooping!)…. but I can’t help wonder if we can space for them.