Bunny either grieving or sick - which one!

[ellebasi_]

Yesterday we had to put my 3 month old bunny Dora down as she had a nasty, complicated leg break. Her sister Daisy has obviously had a big change now that Dora isn't around anymore. Today she has suddenly become very quiet and more timid than usual, even flinching away from a hand offered to her. Last night she pooped normally and ate her breakfast normally, and she grazed all day today. Now we have her inside in her hutch to try and keep her company but she is hiding in the nesting compartment huddled up in a little ball, and is refusing her favourite food (parsley). Is this grief, or something to be more concerned about?

 

[JBun]

It could be either. You will need to keep a close eye on her eating and poop. Clean out her cage so you will know for sure if she stops pooping. And monitor her food and water levels very closely. It's best to frequently give small amounts when it is suspected a rabbit isn't feeling well, so that you will know for sure if they have eaten anything. If she hasn't eaten anything or pooped, for more than 12 hours, you need to get her to your vet.

If her hutch isn't normally inside, it might be best to keep it in its usual location, as she doesn't seem to be responding well to being indoors, and putting her back in a familiar area, might help her feel more at ease.

 

[ellebasi_]

Thank you! She has eaten and had some water in the last few hours so I think she's ok but i'll keep an eye on her overnight and in the morning. You have come to my rescue a few times now, much appreciated

 

[Imbrium]

Was Dora the more dominant of the two? Bunnies always grieve, but it's probably harder on a more submissive bunny to lose their braver counter-part (especially if they didn't get a chance to see the body and have no idea what happened to the other bunny).

As long as she's eating, drinking and pooping then I wouldn't be too worried... I would give her more attention than usual to help with being lonely. You can give her a stuffed animal to snuggle with as long as she's not chewing on it (since you don't want her ingesting fibers, stuffing, eyes, etc.). Try to keep her usual routine as much as possible - bunnies are creatures of habit.

 

[ladysown]

give her some time, she'll most likely come around just fine.

 

[ellebasi_]

Thanks guys. Daisy was the submissive one so it makes sense now that she would be more upset. We plan on getting her another bunny friend in the next few days and seeing what happens. They were very young so I don't know if that means their bond would be stronger or less important. Ill give her a soft toy to snuggle with today and see how she goes