At wits end and need help

[Migizi]

So background:

I have a 3 year old lionhead doe, neutered, named Tyrion.

She was doing fine on her own with me as a house rabbit and such.  I kept hearing over and over to get a companion for a rabbit, because a human is not enough.  So, I got a local rescue Flemish Giant named Titan, who is a unneutered buck. Because of money stolen from me, I don’t have the funds to get him fixed at the moment.  I know it should be fixed before trying to bond, but I digress.

I’m pretty much at my wits end and about to find a new home for him if it doesn’t get better. I built a 4 foot high fence in my basement for them to run around in.  BOTH of them are able to get out and I have no idea HOW. I can’t build a roof high fence, that’s ridiculous.  They are NEVER out at the same time because Titan charges Tyrion and they fight, so it’s pretty much worthless to try and bond them until he’s fixed.  Still, I’m pretty worried that even with him fixed, it won’t solve anything. 

 Tyrion is terrified pretty much 24/7 now, even when their cages are separated by a solid 5 feet (I only let them out one at a time and the rest of the time they’re in their cages).  So much so, she’s scared of ME now even when she used to sit in my lap, ask for pets, etc. Now she won’t even come to me if I have food in my hand.  She constantly thumps and it’s a bummer considering I got her originally as a companion. I’ve tried sitting down with her one on one without him around, but since having to move my rabbits down stairs and out of my room where I am most of the day due to family issues (they’re selling the house and apparently rabbits bring down the value of a house, I don’t even know), it’s pretty much been a no go.

What should I do? There’s no guarantee me spending $150 on a fix will help them bond at all, and I feel like I’m ruining Tyrion as a pet because of him. :\ 

[Sarita]

Have you asked the rescue you adopted TItan from if they can take him back? Most reputable rescues will take back their own animals if for some reason it does not work out (or really any other reason).

[Migizi]

It wasn’t a ‘rescue’ per say. He was dumped at a local pet store because his previous owner wanted to throw him into the woods to die and demanded the store take him or he’d let him die. I heard about the trouble through a local 4-H leader, and when I went to check it out, the pet store was basically starving him, keeping him in a cramped cage with wire bottom that was creating sore hocks on his big feet, and not feeding him vegetables/pellets. I wouldn’t say it was a split second decision, but I felt the urge to get him out of there before he became too sick or died.

So short answer: no, I can’t take him back…oops.

[Sarita]

Unfortunately you will have NO chance of success unless he is neutered. That is always the first and foremost advice when trying to bond any rabbits – both must be altered.

[Migizi]

I guess I’ll give it a go when I have the money, but if it doesn’t work after that, than what do I do? Just give up the buck? I don’t know anymore…

[Sarita]

Well that is up to you as to whether or not you are willing to keep both rabbits separate. Many people who have rabbits know they may be taking on a second rabbit who will not or they cannot bond with their initial rabbit that the consequences may be to just keep them separate.

[Zombie-Sue]

It really sounds to me like you were completely ill-prepared for this rabbit. Sometimes we have the best of intentions, but it’s not enough. You just didn’t know what you were getting into. I really think it might be in the best interest of the both of you to surrender him =/

[Jessie1990]

On the fence issue: my rabbits can clear 4 feet no problem. I had to put a blanket over Moogle’s pen to make it look like there is a roof. I have had no issues since. You might also put something between the rabbits to prevent them seeing each other if that is a stressor.

[tanlover14]

I agree with Jessie. I have a sheet over mine because my rabbits are pretty clever at jumping also. It does wonders.

As Sarita said, you won’t have a chance to bond until he is neutered.

As for Tyrion being scared, did you ever consider putting a towel up on the side where she can see Titan? Some rabbits get more and more aggressive if housed in the same area as another rabbit that they can see. It’s almost like taunting them even if that’s not the intention, which will definitely not help you in the future with bonding.

Not to sound harsh BUT I think you need to work on your attitude in regards to Titan. Did you expect these things to happen? No. But these things can and DO happen when you decide to bring another bunny home. It’s unexpected, frustrating, and hard on you. And I completely get that! New bunnies can always be stressful but putting blame on the bunny won’t help you or your relationship with him.

First things first – make sure no bunny can see each other.
Second, spend adequate time with each rabbit. Is there any way you can perhaps bring one upstairs for some one-on-one time as long as there is no one there to view the house? That way you can establish some one on one with no other bun around. Just you two. The only way these problems are going to get fixed are with dedication and time from you. You really need to be dedicated though or it’s not going to be positive for you OR the bunnies. If you’re willing to try, I think you can make it work if you love them both and really do want to make it work.

Just my opinion..

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