Rabbit depression, is it too soon?

[P'Up2.6]

Greetings! I know it’s been on here a hundred times, but I am worried that my rabbit is depressed and needing a companion. We got Tommy from a pound in September. Had him neutered, but he was always peeing on the couch and on the spare bedroom furniture. We got a baby mini rex in December, and when we got home things didn’t look like they were going to go well. It took about 2 months for them to bond. It was worrisome and trying but one day they were snuggled up and he was grooming her! They were so sweet and loving to each other. The most wonderful thing happened, Tommy became the most behaved rabbit ever! No droppings or marking the couch up anymore! We lost our baby girl in April. Lately Tommy has been spending a lot of time in our storage/shop area, where we keep her cage, and more recently I found him sleeping in the last blanket I haven’t washed that had her on it when she was alive and well. It broke my heart. We all still feel the sting of loosing our Lilly too soon to GI stasis, but I am afraid my special little guy feels extra alone now that he has know company and love of another bun.
I would like to take him dating, but the only rabbit sanctuary/Rabbit House Society is 4 hours away. Our local shelter and one 40 miles away often get rabbits but they are more pound type places. I’m afraid taking Tommy to one would make him freak out as if we were taking him back! I’m open to any suggestions at this point. Another point- would it be possible to bond another rescue boy? I feel like since we got Tommy from the shelter, that he is more grateful, like wants to please us. The babies I’ve bought seem to turn out spoiled. I know that’s my fault! Anyway, my vet is more comfortable doing nurtures on males and I like to make her life easier and I don’t want to have to take a girl out of town to get her spayed. Thank you for your time

[drwil]

A woman called me with this exact question since she knew I was a member of the House Rabbit society.

You need to watch this. Rabbits can get depressed after their buddy dies. Unfortunately, and I do not mean to scare you, but I called a more experienced member who told me rabbits can die from grief.

A very good and humane breeder had a pair who would break into each others cages. They would not breed with any other rabbits. They loved each other. They got too old to breed so she put them together to live out their lives. He died at age 11 she lasted 2 more months passing away at 13.

So while it might not be this serious do not take their emotions lightly. You might find a day off and take your bun to see other rabbits but spend the day with him and the potential buddies. They usually recover but it is emotionally trying.

Please do not let this post scare you but these are the words of a House Rabbit Society sanctuary manager and a respected breeder.

And yes they can feel abandoned. My rabbit had to spend a week in boarding because toxic chemicals were being used to refinish our bathroom. She stopped eating and the techs had to force feed her because she would not eat.

You could try looking for a sprayed female on craigslist or hoobly. Sometimes you can get one from 4H club members who are soon going off to college where dorms and landlords do not allow pets. Usually they have an experienced adult teacher who can find a well behaved bun who needs a home.

Hope this helps.

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