Hi there, hope someone could offer some advice. A few days ago I took on a pair of buns, on a long term, possibly permanent basis, from a friend who felt unable to give them the love and attention they deserve. This was in no way through fault of her own, and I won't bore you with details, but I was more than happy to help. I asked her if she knew the sexes, and she said she was not 100% sure, but they were definitely not 'one of each', as they have been together since birth ( July 08 ), and there has been no mating interest, and no pregnancy. They arrived, and have gone into my double storey 5'x2'x2' outdoor hutch (have been outdoors all winter). I know this is not an ideal set up, but is quite a bit bigger than they had before, and I thought would suffice until payday when I could invest in a 'mansion' for them. For the first 2 days I left them in their home to get used to their new surroundings, lightly handling them when feeding etc (they have not been handled much at all, and are not keen on it - will obviously be working on that). I was outside with them regularly, and did not see any hint of mating interest. This morning they came out for their first explore - and what do you know - immediate chasing and, ahem, humping. So with a couple of pairs of hands, and a very reluctant bunny, I had a good look, and lo and behold, I have 'one of each'.
So now, I have a couple of questions. Obviously Mr. Bun will be neutered asap, but what to do in the meantime. They are separate at the mo, but the earliest I can get another hutch is the weekend, and I realise the doe may already be pregnant. How much stress will I put them under by separating them (a necessary evil I guess)? As I said before, they have been together since birth, and are always cuddled up to each other. I feel terrible taking them away from one another. And I have to keep them apart for a few weeks after neutering, correct?
What would you advise? What can I do to minimise stress? Will they be very cold and lonely apart.
Many thanks for your help, sorry for the long post but I wanted to get all the details in so to hopefully get the best advice. x
So now, I have a couple of questions. Obviously Mr. Bun will be neutered asap, but what to do in the meantime. They are separate at the mo, but the earliest I can get another hutch is the weekend, and I realise the doe may already be pregnant. How much stress will I put them under by separating them (a necessary evil I guess)? As I said before, they have been together since birth, and are always cuddled up to each other. I feel terrible taking them away from one another. And I have to keep them apart for a few weeks after neutering, correct?
What would you advise? What can I do to minimise stress? Will they be very cold and lonely apart.
Many thanks for your help, sorry for the long post but I wanted to get all the details in so to hopefully get the best advice. x