Post-bereavement care for Rahu

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Lulu&Rahu

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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
 
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.
 
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?
 
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!
 

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@Lulu&Rahu, my condolences on the loss of Rahu's brother. You are so considerate to be thinking of his inner feelings.

Our singles do okay with plenty of affection from us, their human "parents." When we had multiple bonded pairs, in senior status, I made sure to spend more time with them after the loss of their bondmate.

The affectionate licking and kisses often transitioned to me (on my skin or hands & face, etc.) after a bondmate's loss. Cuddle time on my lap was beneficial for both of us.
 
@Lulu&Rahu, P&T were bookends for many years. Head scritches to both as I cared for them. OMG, after P's unexpected loss, his wifey girl T. went through a period of bereavement for her husbun of numerous years.

Then, middle-aged girl bonded exponentially with me as her caregiver.

@Mom to Minx, thanx for sharing the pictures of Minx's Christmas stuffie bun. Brings comfort!
 

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