Depressed bunny

[ButterBuns]

Earlier last year (around October), Ohagi crossed into bunny heaven leaving behind her companion Butter. Butter seems to sit hunched up in a corner and won’t eat his hay. He’ll occasionally eat veggies, take small nibbles of hay here and there, and goes nuts over pellets and apple treats only.  Could my bunny be depressed?

He doesn’t like to be petted anymore and runs away from me even when I reach out with a treat. HELP!

[Muchelle]

Bunnies can get depressed after the loss of their bonded mate, so that may well be the case. If he’s having low appetite, I’d have him visited by the vet just to be sure he’s not having physical issues (slowed down GI trait, teeth problems). Is he peeing/pooping fine?

As I have a solo bun, I am not very experienced, but I’d say you should try to re-bond with him, as if you had just taken him home.
Sorry for this kinda bad response, I am sure more experienced members will come say much smarter things!

[DanaNM]

Sorry for your loss of Ohagi

Yes, bunnies certainly can get depressed, and it can cause or mask physical illness (like GI slowdown). He could also be having dental issues… so I agree with Muchelle about a vet visit just to rule things out.

I think re-bonding is one of the best things you can do for him (once you are sure he is healthy), but in the meantime you can try getting him a stuffy to snuggle with, just be sure he doesn’t eat it! I just got my Bertha a stuffy (she was just widowed ) , and have been making it “groom” her and snuggle with her. She has been snuggling with it and grooming it back, which is nice to see. But, I only let her be with it while I’m supervising to make sure she doesn’t chew it.

. . . 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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