Jinx needs help!

[NalaAndJenna]

I recentluy adopted my rabbit Jinx from a friend who could no longer care for him due to a pregnancy. She tells me he eas really bonded to the family cat. Recently, he has been staying in his cage more (he has free run of my 11′ by 12′ room), eating less, binkying way less, and so on. My vet told me we should consider getting another rabbit, but my mom argues that there will be twice the pellets and mess!! What do all of you think we should do to help my bun?

[Sarita]

I think the behavior is age related rather than being lonely. Is Jinx neutered? You cannot consider bonding until he is neutered.

Would your Mom allow you to get another rabbit? I think that would be the consideration first and foremost if it’s her house, her rules.

[NalaAndJenna]

My mom is against getting a rabbit because she thinks it will be too messy. That’s the only reason If she can be persuaded the room won’t be a disaster, she would be all for it. My rabbit is primarily my pet, and I do the daily feeding, cleaning, and pay for everything from vet to cleaning supplies for him. So she doesn’t mind what I do. I would definitely be getting him neutered before attempting bonding if I were to adopt another. My concern is that if I don’t get him a friend, he will be too lonely, and if I do, he would be miserable if he wanted to be a solo bun.

[MoveDiagonally]

He will not be lonely without a bun friend because he has you! Bunnies can live really happy lives as single rabbits loving on their human companions or they can live happy lives with a bunny companion and human companion. It’s really up to you. He is likely to be fine either way.

Ask yourself:
Do I WANT another bunny?
Can I afford another?
Do I have the time for another?
Do I have the patience for bonding?

Do I have the space to keep them seperated while bonding? (Or even indefinitely if they don’t end up getting along/bonding for whatever reason). 

If you answered “yes” to all those questions then I think it’s worth pursuing (if you’re mom allows it, it is her house after all).

[NalaAndJenna]

Thank you I’m just extremely concerned because he does not seem to be bonding with me. He used to run to his cage the minute I entered the room. he now will sit and allow me to be near him, none of my
other family, but he does not ever come up to me for love or play or anything like that. He is rather solo and inactive. That’s why I was concerned he needed another rabbit to bond to. I would love a second bunny, and I can answer a big YES to all of your questions! I have also done a lot of research on bonding. I’m just not sure if it is the right choice for my bun or not.

[LittlePuffyTail]

It takes bunnies time to bond with their humans. Some take longer than others. My bunnies, for the most part, just do their own thing when they are out. If I want snuggles, I usually have to go to them. I don’t suggest that with a new bun, though. My best advice to get him to bond with you is let him out and just stay at his level as long and often as you can. Sit on the floor and watch TV or read a book. You can have some pellets or small treats handy and when he comes over to you, offer one.

You may find he bonds with you very well and, if you are able to give him lots of time and attention, he can be a very happy solo bun.

[Bam]

I think your rabbit needs more time with you. How recently did you adopt him? My bunny Bam needed a whole year before he was comfortable with me.

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

Our first bun bonded within days of adoption…however, the second has taken almost a year to be comfortable with us, and we’ve had him since he was about 7 weeks old. Just give him time….and as LPT said, spend time in the room with him…and let him come to you.

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