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Avatar universal

Lonely bunny

Two days ago we lost one of our bunnies. We aren't exactly sure what the problem was, but he's no longer with us.

My question though is about my bunny's mate. The one that passed away (Max) was a mini lop and his buddy (Ruby) is the holland lop. I'm just wondering how Max's passing will affect Ruby. She's in good health, but I know that an animal goes through drastic changes when they lose their mate.

Is there anything we can do to help her feel better? I know that she's looking for him. I love my bunnies very much and I really want to do all I can to help her through this!
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Avatar universal
Hello!

Thank you for your response. Ruby is a house bunny and she is doing very well so far! I'd love to give another bunny a good home, but we currently have four, and I think that that is enough for us. Ruby has two male netherland dwarves (that are neutered) and a female dutch that live "next door" to her. Ideally, I'd love to see her make friends with our Dutch, who is also in a cage by herself, but seeing as they're both female and there is a bit of a size difference, I don't think that its a good match.  

Ruby loves to be petted, so we are trying to give her as much attention as possible! She is eating well and is rearranging her home to suit her better! We added in a hidy house and a blanket, since there's more room in the cage now.

Thank you for your kind words!
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Olivia,

I am so sorry that you lost your pet.  You didn't say whether Ruby is a house rabbit or whether she is kept outside or in hutch.  Either way, she will certainly feel the loss of her mate and will certainly be lonely.

Spending more time with Ruby and giving her extra attention during this time will certainly help her.  She was used to the presence of her friend and will take comfort in your presence and attention. If she is a house rabbit, try to let her spend as much time as possible in the rooms where you are.  Just being around you will be comforting and help her lonliness.  If she enjoys being held and/or petted, spend extra time doing this each day and just talking to her.  You may find that Ruby exhibits even more personality and more desire for your attention now that she is without a companion.

You may eventually want to introduce a new bunny friend, especially if Ruby is kept outside or in a hutch, but I would recommend waiting at least a month for her to become more acclimated to the loss of Max.  If you do introduce a new bunny, you will want to make slow introductions and supervise interactions until you are sure everyone is going to get along.  She will probably bond better with a male again than with another female.  

If you do decide to get a new bunny, you may want to consider a rescue bunny.  There are so many wonderful bunnies who have been abandoned or rescued from bad situations.  You could give a rescue bunny a second-chance at a good life.  You can search for rescues in your area by googling "bunny-rescue + your city or area".

Good luck and again, I am so sorry that you lost Max
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