Adopting an Older Bonded Pair

[Bunnies4ever]

Hello Everyone!  I came across a bonded pair (7 & 5 years old) that are in rescue. Cody is a Polish or Netherland dwarf (not sure which) and Charlie is a Holland Lop.  They were living in a deplorable condition and are now in foster care.  I’m thinking about adopting them, but have a question.  I consider myself a pretty experienced rabbit mom, but is there anything I need to know about an "older" rabbit.  I would love to adopt them so they can live our their years with love and tranquility. Currently my buns are 1.5 and 2 years old.  Even though they were living in cramped quarters, they seem to be in good health with no apparent health problems, but will be checked out by my vet.  Thanks.

[osprey]

I don’t have any experience with older buns (my guys are all around 2), but good on you for considering adopting what would otherwise be a difficult to place pair.  I have read in passing that older bunnies have less energy for chewing, digging and running than their younger counterparts, and some older bunnies begin to lose weight and need extra calories in their diet from alfalfa hay.  This would of course be based on a suggestion from your vet.

[JK]

I don’t know about older rabbits but I did want to say you are an angel to consider this.  Over and over again I am so shocked about what animals must endure because of horrible humans. It should be an eye for an eye in my opinion!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Oh right! I’ve read that too osprey! Alfalfa hay is good for senior buns! Your vet will be able to tell you if they should have it now or not yet.

[Bunnies4ever]

Osprey, that’s good to know! I did ask some questions about chewing and their foster mom says that they don’t. I didn’t know about the the extra calories so that good to know also! Their foster mom has them set up in her bathroom right now, since she also fosters guinea piggies and probably is running out of room in her house! I plan on building a NIC cage this weekend. I’m so excited! She sent me some pictures of them and I will try to post them later!

[Sarita]

Kudo’s to you for considering these rabbits!

Most rabbits are considered senior around 8 years old in my opinion so these are quite senior yet :~) but getting there. The majority of my rabbits I’ve had for over 5 years and I’m not certain of their true ages since they came to me as adults. It would be wise to get bloodwork on the bunnies so that the vet has a baseline in case they do get ill.

As far as behavior, it’s hard to say, none of my rabbits are the same but they do tend to be less destructive.

I have friends who have rabbits who are 9 years and older. Yes, they have had some health issues but every rabbit is different but certainly older rabbits might have a greater need in some areas than younger ones.

Let us know what you decide.

[Bunnies4ever]

Sarita, thanks for the advice! I will have the bloodwork done when I take them in for their check-up. My vet is pretty bunny-savvy so I’ll ask what he thinks.

[Gravehearted]

Kudos to you for considering adopting them, it really would be a blessing for them!

I’ve had older buns and they aren’t too different. They do tend to get a lil more mellow with age, but none of mine lost enough weight to be of major concern

[RabbitPam]

I love an older rabbit! After about his 6th year Spockie mellowed and was really easy to have around. I could let down my guard because his habits were formed and he was more into naps and affection. It was as if, after 5 years of tasting those wires, he finally knew they weren’t food and lost interest. He had the option to run and play, but obviously liked just hanging out.

Their teeth may need some work, but then, not long after I started getting dental procedures done by the vet, the teeth stopped their constant growing and he was actually better off. They can age the way we do – quickly deteriorating or just slowing down a bit. Possibly more visits to the vet, but so worth it.

Also, the bonded pair will have your two young ones as companions. Are you introducing them first or just going to accomplish the rescue?

It’s wonderful of you to give them a great home.

[LittlePuffyTail]

That’s great that you want to offer them a loving retirement home. I hope all goes well with the vet check.

[Bunnies4ever]

Thanks so much for all the advice! Right now, I plan on accomplishing the rescue if I can. I informed their foster mom of my intention on building the NIC cage. She really wants them to have enough room since they were living in a really confined space. I told her not to worry, they will have their own room to romp and play in!

Currently, Kahlua and Chloe live in my office upstairs and I plan on Cody and Charliie living downstairs in my spare room. Hopefully, once everyone settles in, I’ll introduce them. I know Kahula is not the friendliest rabbit in the world, he harrasses Chloe most of the time. Chloe just wants to chill out under my desk and Kahlua wants to play chase!

[Lisa_43]

Ditto here as well, good on you for taking in senior rabbits that would find it harder to get a home.

[skunklionshow]

I love that senior pets are more mellow and set in their ways.  3 out of 4 of my cats are considered Seniors, they’re about 13 yrs old.  I have had more vet bills w/ them then when they were younger….dental problems, thyroid, diabetes.  The ex once told me that w/ aging cats, they tend to keep all the interpersonality characteristics of their younger selves, just w/ less energy.

I’m so excited for you.  I’m sure you will provide them w/ a wonderful retirement home!

[MooBunnay]

Yay for adopting senior rabbits!! My constant “daydream” is having a retirement home for older bunnies. Also, I would consider 7&5 a bit more “middle aged” than “senior” really. I have a couple 5 yr. old bunnies and they still act like little children I think that you’ll really enjoy having the older more mature rabbits.

[Scarlet_Rose]

That’s wonderful you are considering Charlie & Cody! I love older bunnies myself, although the vet bills can be a bit higher. Just a thought – motility can be an issue so you’ll want to know how able they are to hop up & down levels in a NIC condo and if they will need ramps and a litter box with a low side.

[Bunnies4ever]

Thanks for that thought Scarlet Rose! I was thinking about low level platforms, but now I think I might use ramps. I plan on making it big enough that I can have two boxes; one at the top and one on the bottom.

[Scarlet_Rose]

You’re welcome and that’s a great idea and two waters as well! With smaller breeds though, they tend not to have quite so much trouble with motility issues like bigger rabbits. I think the fosterer would be more than happy to share all info with you too so you have a better idea.

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