Keeping a single bun and the Welfare act

I was reading up on the Animal welfare act, and having a single bun, this bothers me:

for any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals

- which indicates that having a single bun (being sociable) is against the law.

The RWAF interpret it as this:

Rabbits are sociable animals and should be kept in pairs or
groups, unless a houserabbit with lots of human contact.

The RSPCA don't give any guideline, and the AW Act itself is completely unspecific.

So who decides if my houserabbit has enough company? What's the measure?
I think Berts has enough company, he's only alone in the afternoons when he's napping, and 2 mornings a week. He has company from 5 til bedtime in the week and most of the week-end, but someone else may, quite rightly perhaps, say that this isn't adequate and that he should have a companion.

I think this bit of the AW Act is more than likely to protect single buns from living outside alone, but it address an important point of welfare that shouldn't be overlooked for housebunnies too, and i wondered your thoughts?

I have often thought about this with Shadow, who is (not my choice) a part time house bun (hubby won't let him in full time )
I feel he would benefit from much more contact and stimulation OR a pal! Then there is the thing that they might be quite happy with the set up as they are (I'm thinking of Bertie's life here) and introducing another bun would upset, what I see as a lovely balance.
Emma x

Jay and Emma I think even the AW Act would exempt you! Both your buns are so well cared for and clearly happy.

Jay, if you need to justify this to yourself just think about all the progress you have made. I remember you saying that Bertie didn't like to be pet when you first got him (I think I've got that right), and now he's literally jumping through hoops for you!



On a more serious note I think the statements are being made for what the majority of buns (single or not) unfortunately experience. That, as well all sadly known, is a life of being cooped up in a tiny cage and shoved in a corner of the house. I guess, they are hoping that at the very least if a rabbit has to suffer this fate he/she will be able to do it with a companion.

It's sort of a catch 22 right... one sad lonely house bunny, or two sad bunnies... which is worse?

I have some other comments to make but I am running late and this is the first topic I've read.... so I'll be back to this topic later!

Blimey

that makes me feel like a terrible person.

Daisy is on his own from 8.30 til 4.30 monday to friday. I know that he sleeps all afternoon but It makes me feel like a terrible bunny mummy..

He does have lots and lots of toys and he has our undivided attention when we are home (when he wants it), and we are there almost all of the weekend. He literally has the run of the entire house, and his "area" takes up the whole of the extention.

He seems quite cheery though bless him, always springing about the place and being cheeky. He has a fab relationship with us - he has us right around his little paw and he couldnt possibly be more loved, in fact its our attentions to him that gets refused most of the time.

I hope that this was a general statement aimed at those buns left in a hutch alone day and night and not at people who would do anything for their buns as Ive actually found that quite upsetting.

Katieb wrote:Blimey ....that makes me feel like a terrible person.....I hope that this was a general statement aimed at those buns left in a hutch alone day and night and not at people who would do anything for their buns as Ive actually found that quite upsetting.

Katie I'm sorry, it wasn't meant to upset anyone, I asked the question because I'm confused as to what the AW Act is actually saying, as it doesn't seem to address the balance between giving company/loving and caring for your bun, whatever it's circumstance, and what is considered being neglectful. I know very well that all our HH buns are exceptionally well loved and cared for, so this wasn't about our rabbits or their guardians, but the wider question, and how that is interpreted.
We know our bunstas, and we'd know if they were unhappy. I sometimes bring up these debates because it helps us all to educate other people, or new rabbit owners, which in turn helps the buns, which is we're all here after all

Sorry if you read it differently, you wouldn't be here if you didn't want Daisy to have a better life, and you give Daisy a wonderful life - and people who don't care about their buns don't take them to see specialists

I wouldn't get too hung up about this. As long as you are not mistreating (by commission or omission) your rabbit then, you give them as much love and attention you can then you can't go too far wrong. Don't think though that bringing another rabbit into the equation is going to make the single bunny any happier - what if they don't bond? Two bunnies which will dilute the time you can spend with either of them.

One thought though does spring to mind. There is specific legislation about the socialisation needs of animals - yet as a society we give our most sociable animals no legal rights to company. The elderly, the housebound and the ill are still in need of company and as a society we (on the whole) give them little thought. (How's that for thought provoking - animals have more legal right to company than humans)

James.

James1966 wrote:I wouldn't get too hung up about this. As long as you are not mistreating (by commission or omission) your rabbit then, you give them as much love and attention you can then you can't go too far wrong. Don't think though that bringing another rabbit into the equation is going to make the single bunny any happier - what if they don't bond? Two bunnies which will dilute the time you can spend with either of them.

One thought though does spring to mind. There is specific legislation about the socialisation needs of animals - yet as a society we give our most sociable animals no legal rights to company. The elderly, the housebound and the ill are still in need of company and as a society we (on the whole) give them little thought. (How's that for thought provoking - animals have more legal right to company than humans)

James.

Fair point on the question James, and I decided a while back, after much discussion with bunny experts that to bring another bun here would be too risky, because if I unsettle Bertie, the bond doesn't work etc, then I'll have 2 rabbits that may need re-homing, and this is his home, we are merely his guests/slaves I wish that when they make new legislation to protect animals that it would apply to all scenarios. As it stands (to me) technically, it could be argued by an RSPCA person that I am neglecting Bertie's needs, in respect of this clause, although I would go to my grave opposing that.

As for your second point, I'm very glad that there is legislation in place to protect those who cannot speak for themselves. I agree with your sentiment, but we are able to sort out our problems, but many times we choose not to. Animals in our care are not able to sort these things out for themselves, so they do need legislative protection. What we are unable to sort out in respect of this is proper policing and support, which has the same restrictions as our elderly folk - money.

I know your aim wasnt to upset Jay - its not you that upset me its the generalisation made above - and like you say - how do you define adequate time???? Its just hit a chord I guess (ouch).

I am glad, that said, that some sort of legislation is out there because so many people get buns and leave them to languish on their own ignored and lonely.

James1966 wrote: Don't think though that bringing another rabbit into the equation is going to make the single bunny any happier - what if they don't bond? Two bunnies which will dilute the time you can spend with either of them.

James beat me to it .

This was the other point that I was going to say. I think, despite the many valid arguments for bonding, their are a lot of rabbits who are completely content being on their own.

My two definitely like one another, but TBH if I took Hippo away tomorrow I honestly don't think it would phase Brynn. Hippo seems to be much more needy. Brynn is just sort of an independent gal. She doesn't mind giving affection and snuggling, but she doesn't seek it out the way Hippo does.

It's kind of funny actually, considering I got Hippo because I thought she was lonely. She always looked so sad and lonely when she was in her cage sleeping (she chooses to sleep there for the record). Well... fast forward to the present day and she still prefers to sleep alone in her cage. She accepts Hippo cuddling up with her but she never initiates it.

All in all, Hippo is definitely a benefit in her life (she loves him, and gives him so many kisses), but I wonder if this would change with a smaller cage. Perhaps because Brynn can always get away and have some independent time, they are able to balance between her nature and his neediness.

........... or maybe I am just bunny obsessed and reading wayyyyyy to much into this! hhaa

[quote="ElleyMay] their are a lot of rabbits who are completely content being on their own.

[/quote]

Sorry but I think Fudge is one of these.....I am still not sure Fudge realises he is a rabbit!

I always worry Fudge doesn't have enough fulfilment but you know whatI think he is too bonded to me to accept another bunny...and at the moment I dont ahve the finances to take on another bunny....

I believe, as others have said, that the legislation should not be interpreted too literally. There are quite a few of us, myself included, who have rabbits who despite our best efforts will not tolerate the company of a fellow rabbit, either due to past experience or a general lack of understanding where socially acceptable behaviour is concerned.

Some of us also have rabbits who are naturally wary of human beings and are by far happier 'doing their own thing'. Juno lives in the house, has a large crate full of toys and activities in the spare room, but will see me maybe 2-3 times a day. That suits her just fine as though she will tolerate me if necessary it is clear to me she would rather I just left her alone. She will not tolerate other rabbits.

I don't feel bad about me spending so little time with her but I do feel bad that her lack of social skills are probably my fault, and that had I bonded her young, she may have taken to a companion easily.