Debra Olon-West

 

It is sad enough to lose a bunny for the caregiver, but it also affects their bonded friend if they had one.  Remember that rabbits live in groups in the wild, so it is natural for them to not be alone.  Bunnies are very loyal to their bonded friends and will often mourn like people if that friend passes over the rainbow bridge.

 

Bunnies may mourn in the following manner:
  Eat very little or nothing at all.
  Constantly go to the last place they saw their bonded friend.
  Act sick or become suddenly ill.
  ‘Look’ for their friend.
  Displaying abnormal/destructive behavior.
  Be antisocial.

 

When Babette passed on in ’03, I didn’t realize that Mario missed her since they were not in the same cage.  Obviously he did, since he would go to the spot where she was buried outside and would lay down there during his run around time outside.

 

A friend brought her rabbit in for us to look over since he lost weight after his bond mate passed over in winter '06.  The poor thing was almost skin and bones.  What he needed was extra TLC and a change in diet (we put him on our weight blend feed and advised extra fruit to help him put on some bulk).  He is doing better although he does not have a new friend yet that we know of.

 

Unfortunately, we lost Baxter during Easter break '05.  His bonded friend Sebaygo was lonely without him and would go to the last spot Baxter was in the hutch.  His appetite dropped and he was eating little pellets, but would be seen eating hay.  Sebaygo did find a home and a new friend, but it will take time for the bonding process between him and Belle.  Update:  Belle and Sebaygo are doing great near Philadelphia, PA.

 

Suggestions to help the bunny through the mourning process:
    Give him time to grieve, but keep a close eye on his eating habits.  Make certain that he is eating hay at least and drinking every day.
    Be prepared to take the bunny to the vet if necessary (such as if he loses too much weight).
     Give the bunny extra TLC and spend extra time with him every day.
    Try getting him a new friend and patiently go through the bonding process with them (See the article INTEGRATING YOUR BUNNIES).  Remember your original rabbit has lost his best friend in the whole world to him, so this may take longer than expected.

 

Hopefully, you will result in a happy bunny with a new friend

 

For educational purposes

on Perfect Pets/Gander Gab