Difficult decision

[Archie and Taz]

I absolutely love both of my buns, they are so cute, smart, and loving. I wish I didn’t have to even think about this, but I think having two rabbits was not something I was ready for, and I didn’t put everything into consideration before I went through with this. With school, looking for a job, and my recent mental health issues, I’ve been finding it difficult to give the bunnies the maximum amount of care and attention they need. The last thing I would want for these bunnies is for them not to have everything they need. It is a major responsibility owning two bunnies, and I think it’s just too much for me. I think the right thing for me to do would be to put one of them back up for adoption. If it would mean that they would find someone who would be able to invest more of their time into giving him love and attention, then I would be happy. There were no problems when I only had one, and I want to go back to that. It makes me sad to think if I do this what if he ends up in a bad home, and having to choose which one I keep and which one I put up for adoption, and separating them since they are bonded.

[Harley&Thumper]

If you want to do what’s best for them and can only manage 1 bun at a time, I would rehome both of them so they don’t have to be separated and then rescue a single bun.

[Asriel and Bombur]

I have to agree with H&T on this one. I know it’s a big responsibility, I have two un-bonded buns and work and go to grad school both full time and deal with BP. It really is a lot of work, but that being said, I wouldn’t rehome one. You can’t just separate bonded bunnies. They’re bonded. They can get severely depress and stop eating, and some have even died from the loss of a bondmate. So if you want just a single bun rescue a single bun. But don’t break up a pair.

[Doodler]

I understand bunnies can be overwhelming at times and I am sorry you feel you are to the point where you feel rehoming may be necessary.

Please do not separate them. I don’t mean to make things harder for you or make you feel worse, but it is actually cruel to separate a bonded pair. If you feel you can’t care for both then you really need to rehome both of them together.

I am wondering if you could clarify more on why you feel you have the time to take care of one, but not two, considering they are bonded? When I had two separate bunnies it was absolutely a little overwhelming. Now that they are bonded it’s honestly not that much more work at all. Some find it actually easier to have two. I find it to be about the same except a few more pellets to scoop, hay to put out, greens to give and a few more things to wash. That’s it. In a way I find it easier because, although I give them the same amount of attention, I don’t worry if they get enough attention. I know when I am not with them they have each other.

I know you posted a question about a weight issue for one of them. If it was the agreement with your mom that you would take over feeding that has caused it to be overwhelming I would have her take that back over. With that said feeding two instead of one shouldn’t be that much more work so maybe we can help you with some suggestions on how to help make this easier for you. It sounded like your mom would have been the one feeding for the most part all along anyway.

If you rehome them I would strongly consider if you even want to get another bunny. It is a major responsibility to have one bunny as well.

[DarthVadar]

Bunnies do need a lot of care and attention, don’t get me wrong, but I think it is often overstated. They need to be loved by a knowledgeable owner who has their best interests at heart; buns don’t care if the toys you got them are super expensive or time-consuming to make, or you bought the highest quality hay and pellets ever. As long as they are healthy and loved, they will be happy. So don’t get stressed out what you can and can’t do for them. Its really sad when buns get rehomed just because someone thought they weren’t taking good care of the bunnies, when in reality the buns were loving life. Of course, if they are actually not getting what they need or they are driving you insane, the best decision would be to rehome them. But take a step back and re-evaluate the situation first.

[DanaNM]

hi there,

I’m sorry you are having a rough time

I agree with others that you should not separate them, as it can make them both very depressed and potentially physically sick from the depression. If you do choose to go down to 1 rabbit, it would be best to rehome them as a pair, and adopt a solo bun.

If you don’t mind me asking, could you explain a bit more what problems you are having with the pair that you did not have with just 1 rabbit? In my experience it isn’t usually too much extra work to care for 2 rabbits vs. one, assuming the second one doesn’t have health problems or behavioral issues. Is it mostly a financial decision?

I also think that if you are concerned that you aren’t spending as much time with them, then it’s even better to keep them bonded and together, because then at least they have each other when you can’t be with them. With 1 rabbit you have to spend even more time with them to make sure they aren’t lonely.

I don’t think there is any shame in re-homing, but I wonder if you may be giving them a better life than you give yourself credit for!

I was just having a similar conversation with my friend about her dog. She is going through a bad breakup and is worried about her dog having to be in his crate more while she’s at work (vs with her partner who worked from home), so she is considering re-homing. But, I pointed out that she and her dog might be happier if he stays, even if it means a bit more time in the crate temporarily. I know she will be comforted by her pup in this hard time!

(((HUGS)))

. . . 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.  

[Doodler]

Archie and Taz,  I thought I would check in to see how you are doing.  You and your bunnies have been on my mind. 

Please remember that this forum is full of people who are here to help if there is anything we can do!

[Archie and Taz]

Honestly, it’s not really a problem with the bunnies, it’s more me and how much stress I’ve been under lately. I don’t spend as much time with them and there’s a lot of yelling in my house and I could imagine that would be stressful for them. It’s somewhat financial, a month ago we had to say goodbye to one of our dogs, but before we knew that surgeries and vet bills were $4400. Luckily I have a huge bale of hay so we haven’t had to buy hay. But I think the night I posted that I was under a lot of stress.

[Archie and Taz]

I’ve been alright, I was highly stressed the night I posted that. I’m still stressed and struggling with my physical health right now but I still have my buns and am planning on keeping them. Thank you, by the way, your advice meant a lot.

[Doodler]

I am so glad to hear that things are looking better! Trust me I understand how there are days where things are just overwhelming and it feels like something has to give.

I am so sorry to hear about your dog and about your physical health. I also understand how financial strains don’t help. That is a significant bill that would make most of us overwhelmed!!

I am also glad they have each other for the times you can’t be there. It’s obvious that you love them and want to do the best you can for them. Take care of yourself and those sweet buns and like I said don’t forget we are here to help where we can!

[Archie and Taz]

Thank you. I have been needing help caring for them due to my physical health but other than that right now it’s not too bad.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m glad you decided to keep them. I understand how it’s quite hard sometimes to find a good balance.

[Author]

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