Lone Bunnies

My two were separated after two years approx together. Twinkle had mucky bum due to stress and now it has gone so know I did the right thing separating them.

My constant worry is that they are lonely... so what do I do?

Pickle is probably just a normal bunny (used to think he was a bully due to Twinkle's stress but now think it is she who is over the top and not him) who is a real character.

Twinkle is skittish and nervous, but better now alone.

They both live outside side by side and see each other from time to time. I am happy during the summer as we are outside more, and there is more chance of company for them, but with winter approaching I worry two single bunnies being left outside ... not much of a life

So guys, what would you do? I am also unsure as to how suitable my now split accommodation is for a rescue to pass me as the accomm now separated is:

Pickle two storey 4ft hutch with 5 x 4 run under - 24/7
Twinle two storey 4ft hutch with 7 x 4 run under - daytime access to run only.

I cant afford to buy more hutches/runs or have room in my tiny garden for anything bigger than what I now have.

I cant have house buns due to kids asthma and two naughty cats!

Would an attempt at rebonding Pickle and Twinkle be an option to see if, after a break, Twinkle can cope
Or could you re-arrange their set-up so as they can see and smell each other most of the time.

Jack's-Jane wrote:Would an attempt at rebonding Pickle and Twinkle be an option to see if, after a break, Twinkle can cope
Or could you re-arrange their set-up so as they can see and smell each other most of the time.

I had bunnies that were neighbours, before I knew about neutering and bonding. They always seemed to like the companionship.

Pickle's run is about 1ft away from Twinkles, but his is below hers as she is on a patio that is raised.... they can see each other a bit, but when the sun is out I have to put a barrier there to stop the sun getting Pickle... so he then cant see her.. its hard to describe really.... I dont have a "normal" garden

Jack's-Jane wrote:Would an attempt at rebonding Pickle and Twinkle be an option to see if, after a break, Twinkle can cope
Or could you re-arrange their set-up so as they can see and smell each other most of the time.

I am too scared to try a re-bond...

I have a bun on his own atm but that's because he hasn't been neutered yet. He seems happy enough as he is never on his own and he loves our dog.

the only thing I can suggest is rebonding them. If you don't feel comfortable doing it then there are others that can help with the bonding

Difficult decision to make. I have a 4ft double hutch (Thistle Hall) which houses two lionheads - Mr BJ and wife actually - and I think this offers them a lot more hutch space than the 6ft combo that Nia and Gabriel are in, so I would have thought that a rescue would find this acceptable. The 5x4 run may be an issue for two buns tho.

Is there a rescue that can try a re-bond for you. If it didn't work out then you will have given it your best shot. You could then maybe find a partner for Pickle at least if you feel Twinkle is actually happier on her own.

Given what you've been through with them, I'm not surprised you're scared to rebond. Wish I had something to suggest.

Thank you all for you comments. Its so difficult..

Been thinking about this even more....

I am thinking of joining Twinkle and Pickle's accommodation and giving all that to Pickle. I could then send him to a rescue to be bonded hopefully and he could live outside with his new partner.... assume the accommodation they both have joined together would be acceptable to a rescue?

Twinkle could come inside and stay in my bedroom (away from the kids)..

What do you think?

That sounds like an option. Do you think Twinkle would be happy as a house bun?

Sixer wrote:That sounds like an option. Do you think Twinkle would be happy as a house bun?

She was indoors at first when I split them. She was in a dog crate in the dining room. She didnt get out much then, but it was a trial separation. I now have a pen I can attach to the dog crate.

I am just not happy with the current bunny situation, and am just thinking of all sorts really to try to end up with a situation I am happy with.

That sounds like a good idea.