Losing two bunnies within a span of 2 months

[asmayi]

Hi everyone,
I have never had pets. I am 30 now and loved rabbits for a long time. I adopted a 3 month old rabbit European breed. His name was Coco and he was such a cute ball of fluff. I was happy and tried to follow every instruction given to me by older rabbit owners and yet somehow Coco got diarrhoea and before I could take him to the vet, he passed. That was July 7, 2025 and he came to me on June 29th.
Then camw Poco on July 29th and he is was older 4 months and a jolly little thing. He was active and showed every sign of a happy bunny until last Thursday (14th August, 2025) I found him lifeless in his enclosure.
I am broken and hollow and wondering if I am not a fit pet parent or if my house is cursed or if i am cursed. I don't know what to do anymore.

 

[Shimmer]

So sorry for your losses.

I would wait a while before you get any more rabbits (at least a few weeks). In the meantime, thoroughly disinfect anything they have had contact with (eg with bleach or steam clean). Were they both from the same place? If so, I would look elsewhere next time. I would also let the previous suppliers know what's happened as it's possible they also have a problem that they are passing on to new owners, especially with such a short time between you getting them and losing them. These measures will help to deal with any residual infections / parasites, etc. that could affect another rabbit.

Rabbits are quite fragile creatures, particularly when young. It is very important to continue to feed them on what they are used to - so get a list from the previous owner. Any changes should be made very slowly - over a matter of weeks - particularly if it's fresh greens and a young rabbit. Hay or grass should always be available, as that keeps their guts and teeth in good order.

Some rabbit diseases are spread by flies, so look at ways of protecting them (eg fly mesh, UV lamps, etc.) if appropriate. Rabbit waste should also be removed daily and placed away from their living area.

I hope you have a much happier outcome next time.

 

[tonibun]

I am sorry to hear of your losses Shimmer has given you some very good advice. Have you looked on the Rabbit Welfare Association's website where there is lots of info about all aspects of Rabbit care.

 

[a reader of books]

I am so very sorry you lost your two bunnies, and so young and so quickly after the other, too. That's heartbreaking; no wonder you are feeling so hollow and broken. With them both passing away only a week and two weeks after you adopted them, I wonder if they were both in not very good health to begin with, especially if you got them both from the same place where they might have trouble with parasites or anything else contagious. I don't know if it's just the photo, but the bunny in your first photo, the one with the very big ears, looks very skinny to me, especially for a young bunny.

If you did get them both from the same place, then like Shimmer, I would inform them and not adopt a bunny from them again. I definitely agree with Shimmer's other advice, too, if you plan on adopting another bunny in the future.

 

[bunny momma]

I am sorry for your loss. I agree you may want to find a different supplier after cleaning everything. Years ago I lost three young bunnies and two adults due to an unidentified illness over a span of a month, so I know how devastating it can be. Others gave you good information, especially about keeping their diet hay and the same pellets/nuggets they were previously eating. Avoid giving treats, fruits and even vegetables until they are older and then only tiny amounts introduced very slowly. I never give commercial treats or fruits, though some people do not have issues. Bunnies can be delicate creatures and as prey animals they hide their pain, often until it is too late. Stress can also impact their health. Young bunnies are much more susceptible to illness, especially digestive issues, than older bunnies. When you are ready for another bunny, perhaps you may want to consider adopting an adult bunny.

 

[Cinnabun14]

I am so sorry for your losses. I'm with Shimmer and the others on this one too. Please don't give up, and don't blame yourself either. Sending healing vibes for you

 

[asmayi]

Thank you everyone for your kind words. I will definitely keep everyone's advice in mind. I have thoroughly disinfected the space and cried while doing it. It will take some time for me to adopt again but I won't adopt from the same person. You all cannot imagine how much the heavy weight of guilt has lifted even though some of it remains.

 

[bunny momma]

Thank you everyone for your kind words. I will definitely keep everyone's advice in mind. I have thoroughly disinfected the space and cried while doing it. It will take some time for me to adopt again but I won't adopt from the same person. You all cannot imagine how much the heavy weight of guilt has lifted even though some of it remains.

Those on this forum have provided me with comfort when my heart was breaking and I felt I let my bunny down when they passed. It is natural to want to know why and we often do not have an answer so we blame ourselves. Sending comforting hugs.

 

[joey&boo]

How hearbreaking. I am very sorry you lost these beautiful bunnies

 

[Pets mum]

So sorry that you lost your two lovely bunnies, I hope this won't put you off adopting in the future. Good advice already given by others, so I'll just wish you good luck for the future, and don't forget we are always here.