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Old 22-06-2014, 10:46 PM   #1
Fred123
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Default Anyone keep rabbits?

We had 2 beautiful rabbits, but sadly one died today. She was the runt of the letter and always a bit weedy, but she was a lovely girl and so friendly.

My problem, other than explaining this to my son, is that we now have one rabbit who is only 2 years old and destined for a life on her own. I know that rabbits are a nightmare to introduce and can fight, but I also know they are social animals and need companionship.

Anybody any idea what to do? Do I leave her on her or introduce a new companion or 2?
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Old 22-06-2014, 11:00 PM   #2
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I'm so sorry for your loss. We have one old male rabbit who'll be 14 years old this August. He's always been on his own and is completely chilled out, occasionally watching the antics of the guinea pigs in the next door run with disdain!

I'm not really sure how easy it is to introduce rabbits, but I guess she might well miss companionship after having it for 2 years.
I hope your son is okay after the loss of his pet. It's never easy for us, let alone our kids to lose a much loved pet.
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Old 22-06-2014, 11:10 PM   #3
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Thanks Emma, they were siblings and she has always had a companion. If we can get another for her we will do so, but I just don't know how realistic this is. We don't want to risk her fighting, but at the same time we don't want her lonely when she is used to another rabbit.
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Old 22-06-2014, 11:39 PM   #4
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It is possible and a neutered male would be better. The introductions need to be gradual and on neutral territory. Do you have any rabbit rescues near you? I know we have one here and she takes your own bun and introduces and bonds as part of the service. Also is your bun spayed? That seems to make bonding easier too.
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Old 23-06-2014, 05:38 PM   #5
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I tried introducing rabbits, it was horrendous, world war 3 broke out each time. I gave up eventually.

Sorry for your loss xx
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Old 23-06-2014, 05:46 PM   #6
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Thanks for the replies, we do have a local rabbit rescue who we will get a new rabbit from if we get one, but the website is down at the minute. I will message them and see if they do bonding as that would be brilliant.
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Old 23-06-2014, 08:28 PM   #7
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it certainly takes nerves of steel!! Good luck x
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Old 23-06-2014, 09:00 PM   #8
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Well I had a very fast reply from our local rabbit rescue. They think that it will be OK to introduce another slowly and they will do the initial meeting at the rescue so that we can see how they are initially. We need to get "her" sexed anyway to avoid any unplanned fluffy bundles.
I think we will go this weekend and try it out as our poor rabbit looks lost and is clearly missing her friend.
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Old 23-06-2014, 09:18 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by becciwales View Post
it certainly takes nerves of steel!! Good luck x
Agree, I used to keep many female rabbits and it was often like world war 3. Only certain ones could be let out together, or all hell broke loose. So you can try but It might not work. As has been said you may do better with a neutered male. Good luck.
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Old 01-06-2016, 05:51 PM   #10
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Do I keep rabbits? Is water wet?

I have eight beauties right now. A quad, and 2 pairs. All the bonds I have done myself.

Is the bun neutered? If not, I'd recommend it. It makes it far easier if all parties are bonded.

The easiest bond is said to be of opposite neutered sexes. Both my pairs are male/female pairs. My quad is 1 male/3 unrelated females. But I was lucky with the quad - I honestly believe my rexes helped them all bond because the breed is so affectionate and placid.

I introduced buns in neutral territory each time - I used a dog crate for them to be in overnight and then gradually increased the amount of space they were allowed until they were back in their full hutch/run. (The smallest one I have is a total of 72sq ft, not a shop bought thing!)

But again I was lucky: each bond happened exceedingly quickly (including the quad!)

The quad are now in the dining room because Elphie has been under the weather though.

If you don't feel up to bonding, maybe go to a local rescue and see if they have any single males? They might be able to do the bonding for you too. And if there are any issues (if you do the bond yourself), they may be able to take the buck back and try again with another single male.
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