Was my Harry bun whimpering because he realized Mila was death?

[HarryMila]

I had 2 bunnies. Mila passed away yesterday after a very bad GI stasis she was not able to overcome. Since she had a chronic gi stasis desease we did y need to take her to the vet and instead the vet trained us in how to take care of the episodes and would refill our medicines.

unfortunately she passed away yesterday, Harry our other bun seemed to ignore her when she got too sick and unfortunately the inevitable happened.

We gave Mila space to rest and recover but it seems she was just waiting for us to come near her to support her during her passing, si de when we got close to her again she started let go of herself, she had some spasms, laid on her side and passed away.

mila and I had a strong bond so I was crying a lot and eventually we brought Mila very close to Harry, he got closed and smelled her and tried to lick her and then went away when he noticed she was not replying. He then sat like 3ft away and started whimpering. I was crying and he was facing us and Mila. He was serious and sitting and I could almost interpret it as him crying and mourning what he just realized.

Howver since it seems hard for me to believe what I saw I wanted to ask if anyone else has witnessed a similar behaviour or my head is making it up. Did Harry understand what was going on?

[DanaNM]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure Harry knew that Mila was sick and understood that she had passed. I think they often will distance themselves in the final moments as an adaptation to avoid predators (in the wild, being near a poorly rabbit would put you at higher risk yourself). I haven’t witnessed that exact behavior but rabbits are known to show a whole range of behaviors when their partner passes. Some even will binky, which people have called the “death dance”.  I have heard a kind of whimpering sound in my rabbits in other situations, usually when they are afraid or stressed (like during nail trims).

I’m sure Harry will appreciate spending extra time with you as you both grieve. Again I’m so sorry for your loss.

((( Binky free Mila )))

. . . 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.  

[Bam]

I’m sorry for your loss.

I haven’t witnessed that behavior. When my Snöa’s husbun passed she just seemed so very puzzled and subdued, but we were at the vet so the whole situation was abnormal. Then she was withdrawn for a few days. We spent extra time with her and made sure she ate.

Binky free, Mila

I hope Harry bun will be ok.

 

 

 

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