Depressed Rabbit

HI until yesterday morning I had two lovely netherland dwarf rabbits ( for 3 years) which I allowed to run free in the garden and who went in the shed at night in their hutch. However alas this morning as I let them out , a fox took one which I am truly stunned at as the garden was very secure. However I am now left with one bunny who is used to being free and yet I have had to put him back in his run. The run is large but not large enough in my book. I would love to know your thoughts as to whether or not I should let him run around the garden still ( obviously reinforced ) or whether he is now signed off for a life behind bars.

Also he appears really depressed and is just sitting under a box in his run. I have got my hands on an indoor hutch ( as I brought him inside last night) and hope to bring him inside regulary. Are there any other owners who have experienced this situation? I don't know what to do with him, am I on the right track? Many thanks Kate

Ahw, sorry to hear about your incident! that's tragic! silly foxes

I have never experienced anything like this,as I have a free range indoor bun. Is there any chance you could bring your remaining bun indoor full time? I fear that if you decide to leave him outside the fox could come back, and even if he doesn't you'll be constantly worried about it. Indoor buns are really very fun to live with, and they soon adapt. he'll like having more company and contact with you too if he's currently depressed and lonely!

ETA if bringing him indoors permanently is not an option, how about permanently attaching the run to the shed so that he can come in and out as he wishes, I'm sure some others here have that set up. You could close off his access at night, to be sure he's safe inside his shed. that way he could still get access to outside during the day when you are out but be a bit safer, and still have more room than if he was confined to just the shed?

i would think that he is depressed because he has lost his friend, how big is your run??

i got a 7 foot run from zoplus.co.uk for £47, so if you need a big one thats a bargain..!

im so so sorry for your loss, it must have been horrible if you now lone rabbit continues pining it may be worthwhile to get him a friend.

xxx

Awww. how tragic. Sounds to me like he is mourning his friend. You may think it is too soon but have you given any thought to getting him another friend?

I would also agree with what someone has already said and maybe attach the run to the shed.

Really sorry to hear this. I really don't think you should allow your bunny to run round the garden again as the fox will remember where you are and they are very clever and overcome almost anything. Your bunny is probably griefing for the company of the other bunny.

Re Depressed Bunny

Thank you so much for your ideas, I have got hold of an indoor hutch today and he's sat in it for a bit but didn't look too impressed! I concerned that too much change too quickly could damage him. His run is at least 5ft , but no where near as big as the garden. However saying that I let him out for a quick run today and he just ran straight into the shed and hid behind his hutch. He's in the run now and I'm going to bring him in again in a moment and keep trying the indoor hutch. We really don't feel comfortable leaving outside anymore. To top it off he had his VHD jab today aswell so I'm amazed he hasn't jumped off a high bridge! I'm not sure about getting another rabbit so soon as they were a really bonded pair and I'm not sure how he'll take to another one. I have emailed a rabbit rehoming lady nearby for her advice so we'll see. I will try and look into getting an even bigger run aswell.
Thanks again Kate

Hi, so sorry for your loss. There are other members on here who have had similar exeriences. As the fox knows there is another bunny in your garden the chances are he will be back. If you want to let your bunny free range, only do so while you are there watching he/she is safe.

There are plenty of suggestions on here for reinforcing runs - normally welded mesh is used. Some people build them as they can be stronger than what you can buy.

Some of the following links relate to peoples experiences and how they try and fox proof.

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?t=135116&highlight=proof

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?t=134290&highlight=proof

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?t=132643&highlight=proof

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?t=136110&highlight=foxes

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?t=132621&highlight=foxes

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?t=128370&highlight=foxes

Depressed Bunny

Thanks so much for that it's reassuring to know that there are others out there.

Kate x

Your bun is used to have a companion, so you have to go to rehome bunny shelter and get him a companion.

As to protection, Tree bought some new shelter that has wires on all 6 direction, thus, no fox can get in. PM her or do a search under her name SOAD, there are lots of photos