Young rabbit died, when to get a companion?

[Aimee]

Hi all, we bought two young rabbits from pets at home (lesson very swiftly learnt on that front!!) just over a week ago. One rabbit is doing really well and has settled like a dream. Sadly the other rabbit developed diarrhea and they admitted he was ill when we bought him. After a lot of back and forth, they agreed to cover all costs and despite emergency admission to the 24/7 vets he didn't make it. Our daughter is devastated as she saved for so long and was so excited. It's been a horrendous experience for us all and the poor bunny deserved better!
I'm very mindful that our remaining bunny is young (we estimate around 11 weeks) and will need to be neutered soon. That being said, I also don't want him to get lonely and sad, given they had both been together in the shop. We have a dog and spend a lot of time with him, but I realise nothing will replace a rabbit companion.
Is it best to get a second rabbit as soon as possible, so that he won't get too tied to the space being only his (they have free roam of a whole room and their hutch is open all day to come and go as they please). Or, is it best to neuter our bunny and wait until his hormones lessen to introduce a second bunny? Aware there is likely not one absolute answer and it is likely down to individual characters, but really do want to do the best for him as I'm certain he's been aware of his bunny friend being very very ill over the last few days and the fact he is now gone.

 

[Omi]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I'm so sorry that it's under sad circumstances. Yes, I'm afraid you have learnt the hard way re Pets at Home. It's very sad when your daughter has had to experience it all too, plus as you rightly say the little bunny deserved a lot better.

I would suggest the first thing you do is to get your remaining bunny properly sexed and also vaccinated by a vet. In view of the possible infection from your other bunny, a vet check would be also sensible and then you can discuss neutering. Pets at Home aren't renowned for their skill at sexing bunnies either with some unfortunate results. If the bunny is a boy, then he can be neutered as soon as his testicles drop, if the vet is happy with his weight. That should be around now or at least very soon for your bunny. You also need to be aware that he will likely still be fertile for 6 weeks after the neuter., so bonding would need to wait until then.

If I were you this is how I would proceed. I would also be looking for a recue bunny to bond with your bunny. If you have a male, then the easiest bond would be with a female. Obtaining a female from a rescue should mean that she is already spayed and vaccinated. You might be able to locate one close to you, who is around the same age, but that's not absolutely necessary from the bunnies' point of view.

Boy bunnies aren't as territorial as females and so you should be lucky and not have an issue with bonding, although it will need to be done carefully and in a neutral space. If you don't feel confident to do this yourself, you are welcome to ask questions here, or the rescue, where your new bunny will be adopted from, will sometimes bond the bunnies for you for a few days before you taking them home together.

Good luck and come back with further questions if you need to.

 

[bunny momma]

I am sorry for your loss. Years ago I had a similar situation with young bunnies. Even absent any serious pathogen their complicated digestive systems are delicate at that age.
Omi gave you better advice than I could in response to your question, so I will just say I hope you will continue to post here as you and your daughter continue your journey with bunnies.

 

[Aimee]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I'm so sorry that it's under sad circumstances. Yes, I'm afraid you have learnt the hard way re Pets at Home. It's very sad when your daughter has had to experience it all too, plus as you rightly say the little bunny deserved a lot better.

I would suggest the first thing you do is to get your remaining bunny properly sexed and also vaccinated by a vet. In view of the possible infection from your other bunny, a vet check would be also sensible and then you can discuss neutering. Pets at Home aren't renowned for their skill at sexing bunnies either with some unfortunate results. If the bunny is a boy, then he can be neutered as soon as his testicles drop, if the vet is happy with his weight. That should be around now or at least very soon for your bunny. You also need to be aware that he will likely still be fertile for 6 weeks after the neuter., so bonding would need to wait until then.

If I were you this is how I would proceed. I would also be looking for a recue bunny to bond with your bunny. If you have a male, then the easiest bond would be with a female. Obtaining a female from a rescue should mean that she is already spayed and vaccinated. You might be able to locate one close to you, who is around the same age, but that's not absolutely necessary from the bunnies' point of view.

Boy bunnies aren't as territorial as females and so you should be lucky and not have an issue with bonding, although it will need to be done carefully and in a neutral space. If you don't feel confident to do this yourself, you are welcome to ask questions here, or the rescue, where your new bunny will be adopted from, will sometimes bond the bunnies for you for a few days before you taking them home together.

Good luck and come back with further questions if you need to.

Just wanted to thank you for the reply. Vaccinations were already booked so that's in hand, and we have booked him in to be neutered. I've found a local rescue who do a bonding service and so that is the plan in the new year. In the meantime our bunny has been appropriately spoiled with toys and extra time to keep him company and seems to be a happy soul!

 

[Babsie]

Omi has given you excellent advice - I just wanted to say how sorry I am that you had such a sad experience with your poor little rabbit.
It sounds as though you have everything in hand and we look forward to your updates.

 

[Omi]

Just wanted to thank you for the reply. Vaccinations were already booked so that's in hand, and we have booked him in to be neutered. I've found a local rescue who do a bonding service and so that is the plan in the new year. In the meantime our bunny has been appropriately spoiled with toys and extra time to keep him company and seems to be a happy soul!

It all sounds great. Sending lots of good wishes that you find a lovely partner for him and that the bonding goes well.

 

[Barn Yard Bunnies]

Sending my condolences.