Arthur update - returning to foster care

Update

It is with much regret that after discussing Arthur's behaviour with his foster carer it has been decided that Arthur is not the bunny for our family Although he has started to relax more and I have seen promising signs it still remains that I cannot trust him not to lunge and bite. This is a huge concern as I have 3 small children who enjoy helping me with the feeding and playing with the bunnies. I cannot risk Arthur taking a chunk out of one of my kid's hands or worse. They are under strict instruction not to touch him, but kids will be kids and my son in particular loves the rabbits and does enjoy their company.

The fosterer has a friend who lives down the road from her who has experience with rabbits and will be able to offer him a child free environment and spend a lot of time with him.

I feel that in time Arthur will learn to trust and the antisocial behaviour will cease, but a quiet indoor household is best for him. I don't think putting him outside and leaving him to his own devices will benefit him in the long run.

Arthur was a house rabbit previously and I think he needs to remain one. He isn't impressed with Tilly, he behaved like Vince does to the other trio, and I'm pretty sure Vince would have a hard time bonding with other rabbits if he were to lose his girls.

So, Arthur will be going back on wednesday. I know some of you have done great work with nervous/aggressive rabbits and I take my hat off to you, but at this time, sending Arthur back is the right decision for my family.

i agree give him his own time and sit in the room with a book i'm sure he will pop over and investigate when he feels secure enough x

I am sure that this has not been an easy decision to make but I think you have made the right one. It sounds as though Arthur has found the right home for him elsewhere, I hope this makes it a bit easier on Wednesday.

Giving up bunnies, even for the right reasons isn't easy - I speak from experience. The aggressive bun, Barney, we had had had to be rehomed. As well as the aggression towards me, he was also bullying Herbie which I believe led to Herbie developing snuffles and syphilis at the same time. If Barney couldn't get at me he turned on Herbie instead. His parting gift to me was to take a chunk out of my side whilst picking up his poos from the floor of the conservatory. Luckily, my local rescue knew of lovely lady who had a group of rabbits living free range in her garden. Barney went off there and was very happy doing his own thing with all the other buns. Despite the horrid behaviour towards me I was upset to see him go - even mardy buns sneak into your heart.

to you

big hugs to you, I can imagine the decision was difficult but it definitely sounds like you're doing the best thing for you and for Arthur.

It's a shame that it didn't work with him, but at the end of the day your safety, your childrens safety, and tilly's safety has to come first! I'm sure he'll be very happy in his new home as an only bun the right husbun for tilly will come soon enough, I'm sure

He is such a lovely bun to look at and when I'm feeling brave I have given him nose runs and full body strokes, but I jsut don't trust him. I certainly don't want my children to try and touch him and I'd be ever so upset if he attcked and injured Tilly.

Still, he is still being spoiled rotten, I went to the supermarket to get him a box to play and hide in and he has some cosy fleece now in his cage which he now enjoys sleeping on. He's just had some cucumber and savoy cabbage for dinner and some ready grass and fresh hay

I'll miss the little beastie, but will also feel a bit relieved that he will be going to a quiet home and be indoors again.

So, the hunt for Tilly's husbun begins again

thats a shame but at least hes going to another good home

Bless your heart! That was a difficult decision to make. But you must make sure your children are safe and that precious Tilly not be injured. I'm so glad Arthur will now have a wonderful forever home and sending vibes for you to find the PERFECT husbun for Tilly.

Thank you, I feel bad for giving up on him but it wasn't done lightly I can assure you.

we all know how much bunnies mean to you,so we all know that it would have been a hard choice

This must have been a hard decision, but it sounds like it's been the right one for both your family, you and Tilly, and for Arthur as well.

I hope you aren't too upset and that you find a lovely new husbun for Tilly very soon

I think there are two terribly difficult decisions you can make in a buns life, and that is one of them. But I do agree that in this case it is the right one, and the fact that he can go to somebody with the right environment for him is a massive bonus. I have no doubt he will become a happy and confident guy.

For you for being so brave

I am so sorry about this not working out. Hopefully he will be happy in his new home and you will find the perfect husbun for Tilly.

I don't think you are giving up on him. I think you realise that he needs a different home and you are helping him get that. Hopefully, he will be happy in his new home and you can get Tilly the husbun she wants.

yes i agree with nickieM you're not giving up on him you are doing whats best for him and tilly

Thanks guys. I've been chatting with him this evening. He turned his back to me then glanced over his shouder to see if I'd noticed.

'Yes Arthur, I have noticed, I'll just go and bog off then shall I?'

nothing more cute than a bun shun

When we do anything wrong, Binky sits with his face to the wall LOL!!

Hugs

Jo xx

Ah, yes! When they turn their back and those ears lay down flat so they have cut out any sight and sound of you. Even more effective if it is preceded by the 'shake the dust off my feet' foot flick!

I had those too and tails shakes! I took him back today, I packed him some lavender and a chunk of apple tree branch from our garden.

I do hope he sorts himself out and founds a nice loving home.

Good luck Arthur!

Hugs to you