Health issues with 1 bun in my pair, thinking of starting trio

[mochina]

I have a large free roam space for my rabbits and have good care. I’ve had my bonded pair M x F for over 2 years now and my lady is undergoing some health issues. I’m panicking because my rabbits and specifically my girl rabbit are essential for my mental health. She is very well bonded to me and as cheesy as it sounds she’s my best friend, and has always been support for me as someone with clinical depression, GAD, chronic pain, and autism. Caring for rabbits greatly helps my mental health and I am very passionate about them, and constantly strive to improve my care. With her health issues, she has been in and out of the emergency vet and I am scared for both my boy rabbit Mochi and myself. My girl Mina has been very reliant on Mochi with her health struggles and I am pondering possibly getting another rabbit. I am wondering if adding another companion may possibly help Mina feel more comfortable. I hate to say this but I am so so scared of Mina dying and Mochi and I being alone. I have found a female rabbit with a really sweet personality for adoption and I want advice for if possibly bonding a rabbit with my pair would help under my circumstance. I’m desperate, so forgive me if I appear to be jumping the gun or making rash decisions. Any suggestions are appreciated. Mina is in the emergency vet over night, and I am just unexplainably scared.

[Susanne]

Aww I totally relate to how a bunny can provide emotional support!! Caring for my bunnies helps me as well.

I’m not an expert as others here are, but have read just about everything available online, etc. Based on what I have read a sick rabbit may not bond with another. I also read a widowed bun could be bonded fairly quickly after a loss. So I’m thinking either wait until hopefully your girl gets better to introduce a third, or if worst case she doesn’t pull thru then a new rabbit could help you and mochi grieve (not that she can be replaced or forgotten).

 

[DanaNM]

Trios can be great, but adding a third rabbit in this situation would be very stressful for your current rabbits and likely you. Also, one of the pre-req’s for a bond is that all rabbits are healthy. Adding a third also always runs the risk that the current pair may split and then you end up with 3 solo bunnies. Definitely not something to deal with when one bunny is poorly.

I do understand that fear though, and I’m very sorry you are going through these troubles with Mina. 🙁 I’ve had two buns that have been widowed/widowered by the loss of their partner (one bun was widowed twice, and then her third partner was widowed when she passed). They always seem to handle it better than I do! If she passes (or whenever she does in the future), be sure to bring her body home and let her partner spend time with it. They seem to understand what has happened that way and have an easier time moving on. Sometimes when a bonded bun’s mate just disappears, they wont stop looking for them and can get very depressed.

Overall, Mochi will be OK no matter what happens, so you can work to find him a new mate whenever you both are ready. You will be a comfort to each other during that time as well. <3

((( Sending positive vibes for Mina )))

. . . 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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