Lost a bunny, where to go from here

[Burrow Beans]

Hi everyone,

So in April 2016 I adopted the sweetest dutch rabbit named Panini. She went through 3 different mates- we lost the first (Avocado) due to genetic issues and underlying medical problems the vet didn’t detect when he was neutered, the second (Raleigh) due to a seizure, and she’s been happily bonded with the third (Mason) for a little over a year.

Nearly a week ago, we completely unexpectedly lost Panini. Mason is now alone and I’m not sure what to do with him. The only reason we continued to get rabbits after losing her prior mates was because Panini was my first rabbit and my absolute world. Of course I love Mason dearly, but am not sure what’s best for him. 

There currently aren’t any rabbits that aren’t bonded pairs adoptable near me. I have a friend who was a single (male) rabbit that I could potentially send him to, but I’m not sure how much I want him to go to someone I don’t know extremely well. What would be best for Mason? He doesn’t seem to be incredibly affected by the loss of Panini- as in, still eating normally, functioning normally, and living his life for almost a week. Is he okay to live as a singular rabbit? I’ve always had rabbits in pairs as they’re so much happier when they’re together. 

I’m extremely reluctant to adopt another rabbit because of the history I’ve had with them so far and losing 3 in about 2 years. It was more so getting mates for Panini rather than just to have 2 rabbits. Long story short, what is best for Mason?

Thank you!

[Bunny House]

I’m sorry for your loss. I understand how scary it would be to get another bun. My buns have had serious health issues so I know how much it effects you. I have 3, which is a pair and a single. She lost her partner in August from being deathly ill. She is doing great on her own, but I am bonding all 3 because she can get lonely. If you still want him, try and work on developing a bond with him. Some buns can be alone and it doesn’t affect them. Just make sure that if you want to give him away, that he returns to full health before, as moving to a new home can cause changes in their mood and cause them stress to where they can get sick. I thought about giving my bun to someone since I didn’t want her to be alone, but I’m sticking with her and bonding her to my other 2. Is say stick it out with him and you might just encounter a bun who needs you to save them and you can then bond the two

[borya91]

Hi Burrow Beans, I just wanted to say I’m really sorry about the loss of your rabbit, Panini     I’m sorry I don’t have any advice to give because this isn’t an area I’m well educated on.  I just wanted to say I’m sorry, made me sad to read that   I hope everything works out.

[Bam]

I’m very sorry for the loss of Panini.

Rabbits do prefer to live in pairs, but they can be happy as singles as well, provided they get lots of attention from their humans. You would need to spend more time with him and he’s likely to become more interested in you now when he’s single. It could be a good opportunity for you two to bond, because a rabbit in a pair will always choose the bonded mate over a human. 

I have only had single rabbits, two of them at the same time but in separate compartments of my appt, because I could not bond them. 

[Author]

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