Post-bereavement care for Rahu

[Lulu&Rahu]

Hi everyone

My 7 year-old rabbit, Rahu, lost his beloved brother a month ago, and I'm looking for advice on how to support his wellbeing. The two were completely inseparable and I'm not sure how best to support him now. I was thinking about introducing some young females; however, I have a few concerns about that option - including the risk that he doesn't bond with them - and am wondering whether he might not be better off remaining single now. He *appears* healthy and content, and is showing no behavioral changes, so I don't see any evidence that he is suffering from grief or loneliness. However, I would hate to think that he is suffering in silence and I'm doing nothing about it. He's neutered, in case that's relevant information.

Any advice?

Lulu

 

[Watermelons]

If he seems content and is acting normal id leave him solo.
If hes not a chewer you could get him a stuffy. But rabbits do better solo then most people think.

 

[JBun]

Bonding can often be a stressful process. I agree. If his behavior is normal and there aren't signs he seems depressed from the loss of his companion (eg despondent or unusually lethargic), I would think he would continue to be fine on his own. Especially if he also gets plenty of interaction and attention from anyone in the home (provided human interaction isn't a stressful thing for him).

But if he doesn't enjoy the company of people or other pets in your home, and you feel he is lonely and would benefit from having a friend again, it might be worth trying. Though I would say to try and find a 'love at first sight' match. I'm not a fan of overly stressful bonding matches anymore.

 

[Lulu&Rahu]

Bonding can often be a stressful process. I agree. If his behavior is normal and there aren't signs he seems depressed from the loss of his companion (eg despondent or unusually lethargic), I would think he would continue to be fine on his own. Especially if he also gets plenty of interaction and attention from anyone in the home (provided human interaction isn't a stressful thing for him).

But if he doesn't enjoy the company of people or other pets in your home, and you feel he is lonely and would benefit from having a friend again, it might be worth trying. Though I would say to try and find a 'love at first sight' match. I'm not a fan of overly stressful bonding matches anymore.

Thanks so much! This is really helpful. He has chickens and dogs around (albeit not much of a love story), and he comes up to us for treats, but he's always been a shy one and doesn't enjoy being stroked. Perhaps the best thing is to just increase the number of times we check in on him each day with a bit of salad or carrot?

 

[Lulu&Rahu]

If he seems content and is acting normal id leave him solo.
If hes not a chewer you could get him a stuffy. But rabbits do better solo then most people think.

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. This is definitely reassuring. A stuffy is a really good idea! I'll try that.

 

[Mom to Minx]

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. This is definitely reassuring. A stuffy is a really good idea! I'll try that.

Sorry for your loss
I got my Minx a stuffed rabbit Christmas of 2024 because I felt bad for her that she didn’t have a partner, she loves to groom her bunny (her baby) and she also like to toss her across the room…a little abuse going on there but she loves her anyways!