Blind Bunny Care

[Alissa]

 Yesterday, I happily adopted my second bun, Nova. Nova is a two year old BEW minirex doe. Unfortunately, she is completely blind. Seeing as I have never owned, maintained, or cared for a blind bun, does anyone have any tips or pointers they could give to me? 

I did realize what I was taking on when adopting her, and she’s a total sweetheart. I would appreciate any help.

Thank you! 

 

[Deleted User]

Really doing the obvious works best, truly a case of pause and think, you’ll most likely get it right. To start you off here’s a few ideas:
. Make sure whatever environment you choose for her stays the same, … don’t move furniture and so on. Don’t rush her when she explores, she’ll work out how best to collect the information she wants and needs for herself. (And yes, that may mean bumping into things, as long as they won’t hurt her (in which case they shouldn’t be there in the first place) let her, its better in the long run.) Try to avoid picking her up and putting her down in another spot, even somewhere else in the same room. Even after she is well acquainted with the space she lives in being moved from one spot to another without knowing where she is being put down is disorienting. Remember she does not see you reaching towards her, I’d suggest trying to make a habit of speaking quietly (maybe even sayint something specific every time) when you are going to touch her, even pat her. Even if she wants to be petted it can be very frightening to be touched if you are unaware of how close someone is. Try to observe her and follow her queues, … and maybe most important don’t do things for her! If she is healthy in every other way then she’ll figure them out on her own.

I have some other thoughts and I’d offer to send you a private message but that’s the one feature I don’t get along well with on this forum. If you want to get in touch with me please feel free to send me an email address (sorry, just can’t write any other way) and I’ll be happy to continue this discussion in more detail. I probably can help you quite a bit.

[Chronicambitions]

Bunnies also have a pretty incredible sense of hearing as well as smell. I have a feeling your new bunny will adapt easier than you expect.

I found this old post about one of the forum leader’s bunnies who was both blind and deaf. I think it would be helpful.

https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aft/76449/Default.aspx

[Alissa]

Thanks! I’ve been letting her come to me as she pleases. She’s been exploring my room, as well as sniffing my other bun, Bella, through the bars of her cage. I haven’t moved furniture, I’ve just picked up the room and put a towel down so she can rub her scent on it. That way, when I clean her cage, she’ll still have a familiar item to lay on and what not. Thank you guys. This will definitely be a new (but exciting and fun) learning experience.

[tobyluv]

Nova is beautiful. Thank you for adopting her. I had a bunny who went blind due to cataracts. He did occasionally bump into furniture, but he handled the blindness very well. Grey Dove gave you some good advice.

[Sarita]

She’s stunning! Grey Dove gave great advice. Are you planning on bonding her with Bella – she would probably benefit from having a partner.

I have a REW standard rex named Emmy and she was such a funny rabbit full of personality. Just love the rex fur.

[Author]

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