Custody question

[BrooklynBuns]

Hi,

My partner and I are splitting up and we’ve been rabbit parents for a year, first with a single rabbit and then a second rabbit about 3 months ago, who we’ve been bonding (not quite done with that process) to the first rabbit. We both love the rabbits a lot and would say we’re good about taking equal care of them. We decided we wanted to finish the bonding process even with one person moving out as we didn’t think it was fair to the rabbits to keep them from having a companion, especially when they are almost completely bonded. The question remains who should the rabbits ultimately live with or have folks had success co-parenting rabbits in different homes? I will most likely have the larger space for the rabbits and more the financial means to take care of them, but if my partner ends up in an ok space, that might be moot. I should add that my partner is looking for spaces to live very close to where I live, either walking distance or maybe a subway stop or two away. I guess the question is this, taking the two owners out of the picture for the moment, what is more/less stressful for the rabbits?

1. Having them lose an adult caregiver to which they are attached?
2. Shuttling them between homes (even if sort of close) every couple of weeks or so?

And if the decision is made that they would be better off living just at one location, how can we lessen any separation anxiety that the bunnies might have?

Thanks

[Bam]

In my opinion, it would be better for the buns to have one home. This is because rabbits are stationary as a species. In the wild, they invest lots of time and energy in building their intricate home warrens. This is the reason why rabbits often are so highly territorial. The cost of surrendering their home is higher than the cost of defending it.

It might sound harsh, but two bonded rabbits are not so dependent on their human caregivers for emotional supöort. The humans will of course be the providers food, shelter and a clean, predator-free environment – but the rabbits will look to each other for social interaction, comfort and love.

This said, I move my own rabbit between my apartment and my summer cabin during summer, and this seems to be beneficial for him. He has his own area with his own blankets, tunnels and hidey house, in the cabin, so he always feels right at home as soon as we get there.

I hope you will get more answers from other members, especially members who have been in similar situations.

 

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