Hello! Allow me to introduce my bunny: Timothy

Despite the name the gender is: Female!

Age: 4-5 years
Health: Vet says she’s a good weight, everything is looking good
Altered: Spade at 4 years (pretty late I know)

Timothy has always been a very up-beat and independent bunny. She enjoys exploring and foraging far more then she enjoys social time with me. But I do feel a significant bond, tho I dunno if I’d call it a capitol B Bond. She likes pets and returning the favor with licks! She does get social interaction from me. On her introverted terms. At the beginning of this year I adopted a male “Alfalfa” But COVID hit and the shelter that was going to do the neuter was out of commission (As a foster Alfalfa was already in my home). So I was forced to keep them unaltered and therefor unbonded. In this time I was unable to keep their enclosures (12ft x 8 ft) in separate rooms. I kept their vision blocked but I really goofed it up from the start. They became territorial immediately, lots of peeing and pooping. A few times Alfalfa got into Tims territory. It was a bad experience I think for Timothy. No serious big fights but I think it was an overall territorial rivalry.

So sadly shortly after being neutered Alfalfa died of GI stasis. I was literally going to start the hard work of bonding a few days later. (Too soon, I know). And Timothy… honestly seems better for it I hate to say. She is way more relaxed, more able to just be herself. Litter habits are good. For a bit she was looking around for Alfalfa and pooping all around the perimeter of his enclosure. She doesn’t seem to be on guard as much and through my grief of losing Alfalfa I’ve been comforted in some small way by the relief of seeing Timothy back to her old self. I didn’t realize how much she was stressing and feeling extra alert when Alfy was around.

So here’s where I have to wonder. I would honestly like another rabbit. But only if it is good for Timothy. Do I adopt another male, start with them neutered and do the entire thing by the book? Or has Timothy had too many bad experiences and grown too accustomed to this life with me and therefor she could be happiest without a buddy?