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What to do now (Autumn)

Husbun?

  • She really does need a husbun

    Votes: 2 12.5%

  • If you can't, she will still be happy

    Votes: 14 87.5%
  • Total voters
    16
JessBun

JessBun

Mama Doe
As some of you know, I talked about maybe rehoming some of my furry pets when I lost Micky. I was in terrible grief, and felt as though I had let them down in one being killed :( I'm getting a clearer mind now, and feel as though I'm still happy to get Albert piggy a wifepig when he's been castrated, and obviously my two bonded male piggies will stay together.

This leaves me with Autumn leaf, who is a bit more tricky because now, she has no future partner (Micky was to be her partner if they bonded, I suspected they would as both very similar in that they are incredibly gentle buns). Now that I'm thinking clearer, I still feel as though I just couldn't open my heart to anymore buns as it's so devastating when you lose them. Obviously this could change in the future, but as it stands now for the foreseeable future it's just a no-go for me. If it changed - it would be such a long time off.

Autumn is a house bunny who is incredibly human orientated. She follows us around, climbs all over us and bosses us into cuddles and grooms - she even grooms us back :love: I am at home with her most of the day - although, it won't be the case forever. I'm wondering whether she can truly be happy as a single bun given her nature, or whether I'm not putting her needs first. She is incredibly affectionate. I've included a poll in case anyone doesn't feel comfortable with giving a straight answer, as I believe the polls are anonymous?

I'm incredibly attached to her. But, I really must put her first and if you don't feel it's fair on her then please feel free to say - that's what this thread is for. I don't know if not being emotionally able to welcome another bun really justifies not meeting her needs. This isn't a poll about rehoming her at all - just whether I need to suck it up and get on with doing what's right by her - I guess my main fear is not liking the new bun, or almost resenting him as he won't be Micky. I know that sounds awful. Thanks in advance xxx
 
I would keep her on her own with you. Like you say she loves company and is very affectionate to you. I have a single bunny and she follows me everywhere but will only jump on my lap for a treat although she puts her head down for me to give her nose rubs and to give her kisses and I get kisses back.

She's been ill for years and is on long term medication now and I asked my specialist is it mean her being on her own, not that I could afford another one and would worry that the bond would break while I'm at work and they would fight. He said no he would worry she would be dominated as she is a very friendly little bunny and that she looks as me as her friend. I hope that brings a bit of comfort to you as it did to me as I always worry she's lonely but when I'm home she follows me around but does doze off a lot after having a little run around so don't think I'm missed too much. Your bunny is loved and cared for and I know everyone says a bunny needs a companion but I don't always think that's the case. I think if she wasn't so human orientated than another bunny may be the answer but then what happens if one of them dies, do you get another one? I think keeping her on her own is fine as she is obviously happy.
 
I agree with everyone. I have had many house buns who were happy to live alone and share their happy lives with just us adults. I'm sure Autumn is very happy with you and she obviously soothes your pain. Just keep things at the status quo. My lone house buns lived indoors and were happy with a cat basket, litter tray and toys. Just be happy that she is happy. xxxx
 
I sounds like she seems happy as she is, especially as she is very human orientated, like my single house bunny, Boots. If she has human company most of the time then she should be fine. You can always think about getting her a friend in future if you decided you wanted to.
 
Treacle is now a house bun, after losing her brother Toffee, a couple of months ago. They lived side by side after having a big fall out, and I could not get them to rebond. I now have a much better relationship with her, and she with me. She was never a bun for fuss or cuddles, now she can't get enough. I am fortunate, being retired, to be home a lot.
It sounds as though your bun is happy and content, I wouldn't worry, she sounds fine :D
 
I think that whilst you are at home most of the day having Autumn as a single House Rabbit would be fine. But if/when your circumstances change and I assume this would mean you will not be at home as much I think she would need a Rabbit friend xx
 
Agree with others.
She's an incredibly happy house bun at the moment and I don't think you need to change that while you're home & around.
When your position changes (e.g. going back to work etc) then you could look into a bun friend which would hopefully have give you enough time to mourn and come to terms with your loss properly x

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk
 
JessBun said:
As some of you know, I talked about maybe rehoming some of my furry pets when I lost Micky. I was in terrible grief, and felt as though I had let them down in one being killed :( I'm getting a clearer mind now, and feel as though I'm still happy to get Albert piggy a wifepig when he's been castrated, and obviously my two bonded male piggies will stay together.

This leaves me with Autumn leaf, who is a bit more tricky because now, she has no future partner (Micky was to be her partner if they bonded, I suspected they would as both very similar in that they are incredibly gentle buns). Now that I'm thinking clearer, I still feel as though I just couldn't open my heart to anymore buns as it's so devastating when you lose them. Obviously this could change in the future, but as it stands now for the foreseeable future it's just a no-go for me. If it changed - it would be such a long time off.

Autumn is a house bunny who is incredibly human orientated. She follows us around, climbs all over us and bosses us into cuddles and grooms - she even grooms us back :love: I am at home with her most of the day - although, it won't be the case forever. I'm wondering whether she can truly be happy as a single bun given her nature, or whether I'm not putting her needs first. She is incredibly affectionate. I've included a poll in case anyone doesn't feel comfortable with giving a straight answer, as I believe the polls are anonymous?

I'm incredibly attached to her. But, I really must put her first and if you don't feel it's fair on her then please feel free to say - that's what this thread is for. I don't know if not being emotionally able to welcome another bun really justifies not meeting her needs. This isn't a poll about rehoming her at all - just whether I need to suck it up and get on with doing what's right by her - I guess my main fear is not liking the new bun, or almost resenting him as he won't be Micky. I know that sounds awful. Thanks in advance xxx
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We are here on this forum because we love and care for our rabbits *far* more than the average Joe. We go the extra mile or hundred when it comes to their happiness and welfare.

In your case Jess I would agree with cpayne that Autumn would be happy as a house bun and if that suits your heart and circumstances at the moment then I feel that's the right thing. I take into consideration the whole picture - your needs as well as Autumn's, even though you have her as a priority above your own needs. I believe *your* needs are also important and though you could review the situation if and when you are not at home so much, if circumstances meant it was still not right for you to get her a companion then I think that would also be the right decision.

(((((( hugs ))))))
 
Jack's-Jane said:
I think that whilst you are at home most of the day having Autumn as a single House Rabbit would be fine. But if/when your circumstances change and I assume this would mean you will not be at home as much I think she would need a Rabbit friend xx
Click to expand...

This xx
 
Jack's-Jane said:
I think that whilst you are at home most of the day having Autumn as a single House Rabbit would be fine. But if/when your circumstances change and I assume this would mean you will not be at home as much I think she would need a Rabbit friend xx
Click to expand...

I agree with Jane
 
I think it sounds like she's perfectly happy with life as it is at the moment. I think with human-oriented house bun, that the addition of a partner just gives them that little bit extra. Autumn clearly loves you, and you her. There may be a time when you're ready to open your heart to another buck as a companion for Autumn, but you've gone through a serious trauma and are clearly grieving Micky. Even if it doesn't happen, I am sure you'll be able to tell if anything is lacking in Autumn's life. There's no rush for anything at the moment. You need to take care of you. xxx
 
She sounds like a perfect house bun.My two bridge buns were and I feel they didn't miss out at all not being outside.Our garden wasn't pest secure or human secure.I too was home all day and they free ranged in the house,mostly being cuddle carpet slobs.Rio was on his own the first two years,then his wifebun Cleo joined him.Sadly she died aged four of severe bloat.Rio lived to eight.he fine on his own before and after Cleo.
 
This is exactly what I'm about to face with Bianca now that Bill has left us. She is the most affectionate and loving bunny and I'm worried sick about what to do with her and whether or not she will be happy as a solo bunny.

Thanks for starting this thread, I have found the answers incredibly reassuring and it's taken a lot of the pressure off of us. Xxx
 
tlcwrites said:
I think it sounds like she's perfectly happy with life as it is at the moment. I think with human-oriented house bun, that the addition of a partner just gives them that little bit extra. Autumn clearly loves you, and you her. There may be a time when you're ready to open your heart to another buck as a companion for Autumn, but you've gone through a serious trauma and are clearly grieving Micky. Even if it doesn't happen, I am sure you'll be able to tell if anything is lacking in Autumn's life. There's no rush for anything at the moment. You need to take care of you. xxx
Click to expand...


I do think this is important :)

I know we want to do the best for our rabbits, but we also deserve a quality of life, which sometimes goes out the window for long periods of time. When a human loses a partner, the remaining one often has to carry on solo, and make the best of their life without another. We can enrich our rabbits' lives when this sort of thing happens so it's a compromise between their happiness and ours.

Well that's what I think anyway :D
 
MightyMax said:
I do think this is important :)

I know we want to do the best for our rabbits, but we also deserve a quality of life, which sometimes goes out the window for long periods of time. When a human loses a partner, the remaining one often has to carry on solo, and make the best of their life without another. We can enrich our rabbits' lives when this sort of thing happens so it's a compromise between their happiness and ours.

Well that's what I think anyway :D
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That said it perfectly for me. Jess i think you are already putting Autumns interests first. You clearly love her and she is happy. I think you know in your heart that shes where she needs to be at this time. You said yourself, things may change and you could end up getting her a husbun. Dont give up on her and yourself. You have been through a traumatic event and i think you need each other. There are loads of single happy buns out their, then one day they get their match. Time is the key. Think about yourself too. :love:
 
willow and squiggles said:
That said it perfectly for me. Jess i think you are already putting Autumns interests first. You clearly love her and she is happy. I think you know in your heart that shes where she needs to be at this time. You said yourself, things may change and you could end up getting her a husbun. Dont give up on her and yourself. You have been through a traumatic event and i think you need each other. There are loads of single happy buns out their, then one day they get their match. Time is the key. Think about yourself too. :love:
Click to expand...

I agree with W and S. Don't give up on her, you both have loss. Heal together! xxxx
 
Thank you all for your input, it is appreciated. I do agree that when I'm not home as much as I am now anymore, she will probably need a friend so that was being taken into consideration as well. I've no idea when that's going to be, but hopefully not too long. I can't say changing my stance on adopting a bun in future is ruled out because it's definitely not, just I can't fathom it for the foreseeable future is all. And I wasn't sure that was all that fair or not. I've often wondered how people go about it when they lose a bun from a pair, and don't want to keep adding bunnies. I suppose the difference is Autumn is very young and (hopefully!) has a very long life ahead of her so I need to think of that too.

You have definitely helped, and even those who may vote that she needs a husbun either way, it's good for me to take those perspectives into consideration as well. I do just want what's best for her.

We've had our noserubs and cuddles this morning - and currently she's trying her best to destroy a paper bag that has pellets in it. I'm making her work for it :lol: Then I'm going to pop her in the outside run whilst I do some gardening in a bit as it's nice and mild today. She loves being on the grass. xx
 
I think you should keep things as they are. If Autumn was to be re-homed, she might have a pal, but might also have to live outside in a hutch, rather than have the space you can give her as a house rabbit. Our bun Stakki is a single house bun and he's like Autumn in that he relishes human affection. The one bond I tried with him did not go well at all, over several occasions. He made it clear that he was bonded with us and I respect that and wouldn't dream of changing things.
 
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