Finding friends - thoughts?

Philip needs a friend.

We contacted a rescue about a potential friend and the rescue replied suggesting a pair that they have in, a 6yr old head tilt girl and an 8yr old boy, and I thought at Philips age (10) maybe a trio would be best? I have posted on a busier rabbit forum and on one of the rabbit FB pages I am on, not had many responses but still they are generally discouraging of a trio.

The bonding can be harder, longer and if it goes wrong you can break an existing bond or end up with 3 singles. We can't accommodate multiple single rabbits, so if the bond failed the new ones would be returned to the rescue.

I'm really torn. Obviously with older bunnies the worry of losing one is more of a concern although i know anything can happen at any time, and my thoughts with a trio are if the worst happens to any then we aren't left with one grieving bunny. But I don't want to put Philip through undue stress that may not even work out

I'd try for a single friend. A trio can be difficult to bond and I think at Philip's age that's something he'd not take well to, especially as he's grieving already. Maybe a single bun, and as he's used to being with a buck I'd try another buck.
But it's still early days after losing MJ..... if he's eating/pooing OK then I'd be inclined to hang on a while longer. But you know him best.

Hmm... I’ve never liked the idea of a trio but that’s purely because, in my case, 2 is/was definitely enough.

I think if most are suggesting to steer clear of a trio I would take the advice. But at the same time, go with your gut. You know Philip better than anyone!

I would go with a single bun for him, you don't want to stress him out any more trying to bond him into a trio.

The rescue wouldn't happen to be fairly beloved rabbit care would it?

Xx

OK so not that I totally ignore the advice I'm given but the pair are reserved, pending Philips check up next week. I asked in a couple of FB groups and another bunny forum also and views were mixed... but the slight majority leaned towards the pair on the basis that the rescue wouldn't be suggesting them if they didn't think there would be a good chance it would work out. I did speak to the rescue about my concerns but they're still confident, they've also offered us to take the buns on a trial/temporary foster basis so we won't pay the adoption fee until we know they are going to settle together. If it doesn't work out then they'll go back.

No not fairly beloved (thats where Philip came from) its one called Cavy Capers in Dundee. I hadn't heard of them before but I saw them recommended in one of the bunny FB groups.

Fairly beloved is where blitzwing came from and they failed to mention her teeth even though a vet looked her over

I am always wary of advice even from rescue centres, as they are trying to get pets adopted( especially one with tilt). I like that they arent taking anything until they know it going to work makes what there saying about the trio more reliable. I would still give a vet nurse a call for advice, if you have a rabbit savy one you can call. No harm in getting someone that knows Philip advice.

I am lucky I have a helpline with my insurance provider and a rabbit specialist nurse at my vets( she helped me bond my two).

Gem xx

Our experience adopting from Fairly beloved wasn't great either. We adopted MJ from Buddies Bunnies and they were brilliant, so our experience with rescues is mixed!

I was hoping to have a chat with the vet school, I had called to speak to them about Philips symptoms and was going to ask then but they never called back. I'm not sure my own vet have that type of experience with buns.

I am going to follow the RWAF bonding guidelines, slow and steady! Hopefully this will give them the best chance.

How is he?

Any further forward with the trio?

He's still very quiet, he's eating but other than that he pretty much just sits in one spot in his pen all day

When he was at the vet they recommended finishing his treatments before bringing any other rabbits into the house (in case he had respiratory infection) he has his check up at the vet tomorrow so fingers crossed that goes well.