Do Rabbits Grieve?

[LopLover]

Hi all, 

About a week and a half ago, my father passed away. Since Igloo and I both lived with him, Igloo was in the house when he died, and I came home and discovered his body. Since then, Igloo has been acting very strange. He’s not eating as much (usually he has 1/2 cup of pellets a day, and now he’s not finishing them), is very reserved (sleeping a lot) and also clingy to me (every time he sees me, he runs over and chews the bars and stands up and looks at me, even if he’s already been out for hours. He wants to be held or in my lap all the time too). 

He’s still eating hay, finishes his veg, and seems to be pooping and peeing a lot. 

So, do rabbits grieve loss? Is that what this is? Igloo spent a lot of time with my dad while I was at school, or work. My dad used to talk to him and pet him while I was gone – he gave me an Igloo report when I got home every day. I’m wondering if the sudden cease of interaction throughout the day, and the sudden absence of a person he knows very well, and thrown Igloo into some sort of depression. Is that crazy? How do I help him? 

Thanks everyone

[Diamond]

First of all, I’m so sorry about your father. I can’t imagine going through that, and you’re in my thoughts.

as for Igloo, I’ve definitely heard of rabbits becoming depressed when a bonded friend dies or goes away, so i don’t think it’s a stretch to say he misses your dad. My advice would be to give him attention, but also try to get him settled into whatever the new routine is going to be. Best of luck to both of you.

[Vienna Blue in France]

I too am so very sorry to hear about your father…. how absolutely sad for you.

Yes I do believe they ‘grieve’. Whether that is the human translation of what they are going through or not, they have sensed a change and can’t understand why.
If your father was home all day and Igloo was used to a presence all day, then it could just be blues through loneliness.

Could you leave the radio on? I know it sounds crazy but lots of animal owners do it to keep the animal ‘company’. It may help bridge the loneliness entering into the new routine as Diamond suggests.

Keep strong. Good luck.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so very sorry for the loss of your Father.

Absolutely bunnies can grieve. They can form bonds with humans, other bunnies and animals and for sure grieve when they are gone. Try to spend as much time as you can with your little bunny. You have both suffered a loss and will need time to heal.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I’m so so sorry for you loss *hugs*

I can say it better than LittlePuffyTail did-perhaps you can comfort each other. I think the radio is also a good idea.

[Author]

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