Have we overwhelmed Lola?

[LolasMummy]

Hi, Sorry this may be a long post.

Lola was bonded to Gus, they were completely In love. At xmas time we went away for a week, leaving the two buns with my sister house sitting (she has 2 bunnies so we were sure of her looking after them). Lola and Gus stayed inside. On xmas night, we had a call to say that Gus had been found deceased on our balcony. We were devastated, especially for Lola. We came home after a week away, and Lola is a completely different bunny. She is aggressive to us, chasing and circling us on movement, and growling (new sound for her!!!). We gave her a couple of days and decided to try to find a bunny to bond her to as she seemed somewhat depressed. We adopted a 12 week old (should have got an adult straight away looking back), and he has been neutered now. We are waiting two more weeks to introduce them on neutral territory (hard as Lola owns the whole house). I am concerned that Lola has been aggressive to us that she may not accept a new bunny now. I have never seen her so bad, at first I thought it may have been grief and she does seem somewhat sad, but this new bunny smell seems to be driving her aggression to peak. I am actually scared of her and have been putting her in an xpen during the day when i’m home 

I feel terrible for her. Firstly, her carer may have been more physical with her (trying to pick her up etc even when asked not to) so I thought that may have been why she was aggressive to us when we arrived home. But since we have acquired Wally, she is even more aggressive.

It is sad for us, as she was such a kind, licking, loving girl before.

Do you think she can accept a new friend or is protecting her territory for Gus still?

Is she just confused?

Will she stop this aggression?

We are desperate. We want our old Lola back.

Thanks, appreciate your input.

[Zombie-Sue]

Yes, I think she can accept a new friend and I think she will stop.

What was the first bonding like? Did you bond them or did they come to you bonded?

[LolasMummy]

Thanks Zombie-Sue.

We bonded Lola and Gus, went to the rescue and introduced them. They got on well from day one but had their moments. Took about a month for them to be completely bonded.

I just feel terrible for her, being so territorial now. I just wish she could talk and tell me what will make her life better.

[Zombie-Sue]

Have you taken her to the vet? Since you just had a death and a drastic change in her personality, I wonder if something medical.

[LolasMummy]

Haven’t taken her to the vet. Might be an idea I suppose due to Gus’s passing. I’m unsure of what medically could make her act like this though? She seems to be on edge often. Will book her in for a check up.

[Zombie-Sue]

I can’t point to anything specifically, either, except that rabbits are WEIRD. Sometimes they just respond that way to pain or discomfort.

[Deleted User]

Hi LolasMummy – I’m a bunny mummy too, (go QLDer! Lol!).
My boy Henry has never been partnered with another bun (only 3 dogs), so I’m not the best to be offering advice, but thought I could offer a suggestion into Lola’s behaviour? I don’t know this, but is Lola still looking for/wondering where Gus is? Is it too soon for her? And because you lost Gus at your sister’s house, has she come home expecting him (back to routine?). I know I am asking more questions than you asked, but it’s all something to think about? (If only we could read bunny’s mind’s). My Henry gets on with all my dogs, but has taken a ‘special’ liking to my eldest (I reckon cause she’s to old to get up and move away if he annoys her? Lol..) and wonder how he will go when she ‘goes’? Because we have a ‘spare 2’ (as terrible as that sounds) I think Henry will adjust quickly (though missing her patience) cause he bonded with them all on day one.
Gee – poor Wally. Maybe start a new forum on bonding Lola and Wally – a lot of BBer’s are super experienced at bonding bunnies (sorry – not me) and can guide you through the process. I am so sorry for your and Lola’s loss, Gus obviously made an impact on both your lives, what a wonderful bunny! But now you have to take care of (YOU), Lola and Wally! Wishing you all the very best.

[Author]

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