Bunny lost bonded mate

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This topic has 8sd replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 10 months ago by Vienna Blue in France.

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- 01/07/2018 at 11:11 PM
  kmurphy
  Participant
  177 posts
  2017 was a rough year with Jitterbug getting quite sick with possibly an inner ear infection. However, shortly after she recovered her bonded mate Kraken died very unexpectedly. We think he had stasis and went to the vet a few times and ended up passing away at the emergency vets of what seemed like a heart attack to them. We had Kraken for around 4 years and Jitterbug for only around 2. Jitterbug doesn’t really like people but she got along great with Kraken. She does know that he died and seems to be coping ok with his death. The problem is that she is not attached to humans like Kraken was. I do not want to get another rabbit but I do want to make sure she is not lonely. Does anyone have any advice for me?
- 01/08/2018 at 5:41 AM
  Deleted User
  Participant
  22064 posts
  So sorry for the loss of Kraken (and love the name)! It’s difficult on you and Jitterbug, so maybe you can find comfort in each other.
  
  How much time do you spend with her each day? You mention that she doesn’t like humans, was she previously abused or something? Or did you get her and just bond her to Kraken? It’s possible that if you didn’t take the time to bond with her first that she just preferred her bunny friend because she understood him more? I’d suggest just trying to spend more time with her and win her over. Maybe with the loss of her friend, she will be more receptive of affection from you
- 01/08/2018 at 6:40 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9054 posts
  So sorry for your loss.
  
  How is Jitterbug doing? Is she eating and pooping OK?
  
  Is there a reason why you do not want to re-bond her? Since she was bonded before, she will be much happier if you re-bond her…
  
  In the meantime, you can try giving her a “stuffy” to snuggle with. It helps to rub her scent all over it first, and then make it “groom” her and snuggle with her. Just be sure to only let her have access to it when supervised, to make sure she doesn’t chew it and eat any of it. There are some on this site, and some people recommend looking for rabbit dog toys or baby toys, as they are safer.
  
  As BunNoob says, also try to spend as much time as possible with her. Lay on the floor near her, talk to her, etc.
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 01/08/2018 at 8:04 PM
  IrishSnow
  Participant
  3 posts
  I’m so sorry for your & your bunny’s loss. My 1st bunny was bonded to one of my cats, then my dog. When the dog passed away he grieved deeply. I finally gave in and got him a bunny companion. One of my bunnies was bonded to a chicken. My current baby is bonded to me. But I’ve been sick in bed 24/7 with it. Good luck.
- 01/08/2018 at 11:23 PM
  kmurphy
  Participant
  177 posts
  We adopted her from a shelter who said she was in a hoarding situation so I think she didn’t have much human interaction. We did get her to bond with Kraken and thought that over time Kraken would show her that we were safe people. She isn’t scared of us anymore (most of the time) but she definitely doesn’t enjoy people.
  
  She didn’t eat the first day but is now doing fine with regards to eating and drinking. Her and Kraken had a stuffy which she largely ignored but has been grooming it more often now so that’s good I guess. And I know she would probably be happy with another partner but I really don’t want to get another bunny. I hope that isn’t too selfish but I can’t bring myself to “replace” Kraken in a way. I hope that spending more time with her will help.
- 01/08/2018 at 11:42 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9054 posts
  I totally understand not wanting to “replace” Kraken, as I’m sure no bunny ever could. I for sure don’t think you should rush to find a new friend for her if you are not ready. But maybe you will be more open to the idea after some time has passed…
  
  That’s good she is eating etc. The stuffy should be a comfort to her as well.
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 01/09/2018 at 5:27 PM
  LittlePuffyTail
  Moderator
  18092 posts
  I don’t have anything to add but want to offer my condolences on your loss of Kraken.
- 01/11/2018 at 11:26 PM
  kmurphy
  Participant
  177 posts
  Thank you all for your kind words
- 01/12/2018 at 2:04 AM
  Vienna Blue in France
  Participant
  5317 posts
  Oh nooo.. kmurphy. Good to see you back but not under these circumstances
  If its just another bunny you dont want, how about a rescue cat ? It guaranteeing theyll “bond” but it will be the presence of another furball.
  Other than that, just human presence for Jitterbug, being there.
  ((Hugs))
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