What's best for my bunny?

[Bandits Mom]

Hi, I am searching for opinions. Mysituation is that I bought 2 holland lops which were 2 weeks apart inage almost 7 years ago. They were newly weaned at thetime. They grew up together, shared the same cage, cuddledtogether, everything was together. One of them passed away inJanuary. Now the other is left alone. I've tried tomeet her needs as best I can I bought new toys, I bought her a stuffedanimal to sleep with, she lives in our kitchen so she gets lots ofattention. She just doesn't seem very happy. Idon't believe in disposable pets so please don't freak out when I askthis question, I love her very much.

We have many rabbits which live in our yard, we live on 12acres. Would she be happier if I let her go in the yard tolive out whatever time she has left or is that a death sentence? I justthink she'd be happier having friends to play with. I wonderif they would accept her. At almost 7 years old I don't knowhow much longer sheshould live, any ideas?

Please don't think I'm a terrible person, I'm just trying todo what's best for HER, not for me.

 

[DaisyNBuster]

Aww bless her heart. It sounds like she is missing her companion.

Do you mean in a hutch outside or free run? I personally wouldn't puther outside on her own without being in a hutch or an enclosure of sometype. She may just become prey for a wild animal.

Have you thought of getting her a new friend? Maybe a rescue rabbit that is neutered and then u could try and get them together.

The poor girl. That is so sad. I hope you find a way of cheering her up.

Vickie


*EDIT* Have just noticed that u have other rabbits. Could one of thesebecome her new friend? Have you triedto bring one of theminside for playtime with her and see how she reacts with them?

 

[Stephanie]

If you just set her free on your land, that'spretty much a death sentence for her. Yes, I know you want what is bestfor your girl, but that would be a slow death by starvation, or deathby a predator. I highly doubt wild rabbits would take her in, nor wouldshe know how to cope with them either.

She is grieving for her mate, and like with us, it's going to take hersome time to come to terms with the loss. I think eventually, you couldbring in another rabbit to try to bond with her, but I am not sure howlong you should wait. For now, give her more attention and love, asmuch as you can. Even if she doesn't seem to notice, I'm sure she willappreciate it.

 

[DaisyNBuster]

Oh I'm sorry -if these rabbit arewild,don'tattempt to put themwith her,sorry I think I missunderstood that.

Vickie

 

[black_jack]

Hmmm I think the problem with trying to bond abunny at that age would be that it might be quite stressful but maybeit would be possible to pick up a similar aged rabbit from a shelterand try it that way?

 

[LittleMija2]

Aww poor bun, I would definatly get her a nuteredsubmissive boy close to her age If you could. Its so sad when you looseone, I hope your girl feels better soon.

 

[AnnaS]

I agree, house animals don't do good in the wild,she will probably get eaten or starve, especially since there is somuch competition for food from the wild bunnies.

It would be more stressful for her to lose the life she is used to.

 

[Fluffy]

Aww bless her little heart!!

yer i would leave her indoors but try to find another friendfor her have ya tried local pet stores of resuce places? they arereally good at things like that and they help get your pet and the newpet together to see if they get on!!

well good luck what ever you do! dont for get to keep us updated!!

 

[Bandits Mom]

Thanks for your opinions. I didn'tthink putting her outside was a good idea, but just wanted tocheck. We'll just keep showering her with love and see whathappens.

 

[Fluffy]

Aww bless ya , good luck with it all though!!

 

[Kricket]

Aw. So sad for you. You sound like a great mom to Bandit. Keep us posted