Helping a bun cope + getting him friendlier?

[Biscuit@Smores]

I’ve been posting about Smore’s situation for a while. He had flystrike and he seemed to be improving. He seemed fine and I was watching him so diligently but sadly he crossed the rainbow bridge.

He and his brother, Biscuit, were outdoor bunnies, I was going to make them indoors after Smores healed and got the supplies. I was keeping biscuits outside and Smores inside to let smores heal and also the hutch I had was too small for 2 rabbits.  Biscuit was confused about where his brother was so I would bring him out in a carrier (mesh) to help him see but, biscuit never approached the carrier. I put a towel that smelled like smores in the nighttime cage and a biscuit sits next to it.

It’s been 2 days since Smores died. We brought him out and Biscuit caught a glimpse of the body. I was too stressed and emotional to remember to let him see the body fully.

I’ve been spending time with Biscuit and making sure he’s acting right. Out of the two he was the less friendlier and also the dominant bun. He likes pets but Smores would be the one who would run up to you. Biscuit recently hasn’t been letting me pet him but will let me sit next to him sometimes but, some times if I get close he leaves. I try to respect his boundaries so If he leaves I don’t chase him.

I was planning on bringing him indoors but since he’s healthy my folk say not to, even for the night since he’s been outdoors all his life(7 yrs). I know many say to get a new bun but I don’t think my folk would let me and I don’t think I can emotionally deal with ‘replacing’ my Smores.

Any advise would be great.

[DanaNM]

I think in your situation continuing to spend as much time as possible with him is the best you can do. Keep a close eye on his eating to make sure he doesn’t go into stasis from depression. Bringing him in would be ideal, so he could spend more time with you but as you mentioned that’s not an option right now.

. . . 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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