Bonded bunny died need advice

[Jessica]

I’m in a tough spot and don’t know what to do. I had two rabbits. I had my boy Remix 7 years and my girl Gizmo for 6. They have a large room that they live in as well as a very large 6 floor built cage in the room that they are free to go in and out as they please. I found my boy Remix dead today. I loved him and will miss him greatly but I’m very concerned now for Gizmo. She was the alpha and he was the one who relied on her for confidence, but I still don’t know what to do for her now. My husband said I have two options: either her live alone or I find her a home with another bunny lover who’s looking to add a second bunny. I have a 9 month old baby and will be adding another baby soon, so integrating another bunny isn’t really the best option. Gizmo and Remix were not easy to introduce and I remember it being very stressful and I don’t think I can do that again with my current situation.

So what should I do?? Can a bunny live okay alone after being very bonded for years. I have never re homed another animal and it pains me so much to think of her going to another home. But I want to do what’s best for her. I also added their housing situation because I will not let her go to a home where she lives in a cage. Don’t know if I’d be able to find someone who would have the stipulations I’m looking for.

I don’t know what to do.

[DanaNM]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

I wouldn’t rule out rebonding her just yet. Every pairing is different, and just because Gizmo and Remix were hard to bond, that doesn’t mean it would be hard to re-bond Gizmo. Sometimes when rabbits experience the loss of a bonded mate, they re-bond more easily. Your room is also large enough that it could be split in two, so another rabbit could be a neighbor until the time was right to bond them. Even if not re-bonded right away, most rabbits are happier having a neighbor than being completely alone.

Is there a shelter or house rabbit society near you? It might be worth talking to them about options. They might even have someone there who could help you with the bonding process. If you explain the situation, maybe they could even re-bond Gizmo for you?

Most people agree that when a bunny has been bonded, they should be re-bonded, but you should keep a close eye on Gizmo to see how she’s doing. Give her extra love and attention, and make sure she’s eating and pooping ok as she grieves. You can try giving her a stuffy to snuggle with as a comfort, but make sure she’s not chewing on it. I did this with Bertha and would make the stuffy snuggle and “groom” her, and she would groom it back sometimes.

If she seems to be lonely and depressed, and you’ve exhausted all options of adopting another bunny, then it may be the kindest thing to re-home her, but you would want to be very sure that her new family plans to re-bond her.

Again I’m really sorry for your loss.

. . . 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.  

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