Separating bonded rabbits and de-stressing

[Zombie-Sue]

Okay, so I recently adopted Pudd (originally Flap Jack, but I renamed him Pudd) the netherland dwarf from a shelter.

First of all, the shelter’s “small pet area” where they used to house rabbits and reptiles and such is completely stuffed with cats. In fact, the whole shelter is stuffed with cats. They have hundreds and hundreds of cats. It’s unreal how many cats people just THROW AWAY. Oh I’m off topic.

Anyway, Pudd was housed in a dog kennel in the main room. So there was just a constant wave of cats and dogs and humans going by him, and he had no hidey house.

Furthermore, I was reading his paper and it said BONDED BUDDY WITH WAFFLE and that was crossed out. The volunteer explained to me that he had been separated from his friend. She said that they do that sometimes if the rabbits are young, haven’t been together very long, and the staff decides it wouldn’t be too stressful, because single rabbits are more likely to be adopted. However, he wasn’t young–he’s a little over 4 and she said that they came in together.

He was shedding quite a bit, which she thought might be due to stress, although it could just be a regular molt. He does strike me as a friendly, but very stressed rabbit–and it’s understandable why, after all he’s been through and then being thrown into my car and driven to a new house on top of it all.

I think the shelter is doing its best–but do you all agree with their decision to separate them? It just does not sit right with me. Neither does the fact that he didn’t have a hidey house in his cage.

Furthermore, he goes to the vet tomorrow. I’d really like to help him be as comfortable as possible through all of this poking and prodding. Does anyone have any tips for relaxing stressed rabbits? I’ve mostly left him alone, he’s housed in a room that he’s kind of out of the way, all the usual stuff–what else? Especially while I’m loading him into the car? Thanks for reading this novel and any advice lol.

[Sarita]

I know that shelters main focus is to get their tenants new homes and they probably have few people coming in for rabbits and probably not much information – they probably have very limited experience with rabbits and it is really hard to judge them unless you can volunteer with them and help them with the rabbits. As you mentioned they are stuffed to the gills with cats. I think these shelters who take in dogs, cats, rabbits, anything else are just doing the best they can. I think the most important thing is that both Waffle and Pudd now have new homes.

You might try some Rescue Remedy and see if that helps. I think the fact too that a carrier is kind of like a hidy house may help him be more comfortable. Going to the vet is never a treat for any rabbit no matter how hard we try to make them comfortable :~)

BTW congratulations on your new edition.

[Zombie-Sue]

Yeah, like I said, I really think that the shelter is doing the best that it can, but I do think they made a bad call in this situation. I’d like to volunteer, but I’m allergic to cats. If I end up stepping down at my job, I’d like to see if I could become a rabbit and dog only volunteer. What they really need is more cat people, though. It makes me so sad to see literally HUNDREDS of homeless cats in a city the size of Des Moines (NOT BIG) even though I don’t like cats.

Good point. I’ll make sure I give him a soft towel and I’ll put him back in immediately when the vet is done with him. Thanks (:

[Zombie-Sue]

OH MY GOD NO MORE DOUBLE POSTS PLS. Is there a forum God out there?

[calipa_st]

poor guy lost his buddy I can’t believe they did that to him

[Sindri]

First off congrats on your new bunny! Did the shelter still have his bonded friend or did it get adopted already? Poor little guy. I wish I had some tips on de-stressing him while loading him in the car but I don’t. I usually just lure mine into their carriers with their favorite treat. As far as how you have housed him since you got him he probably likes that. My female I know for sure is a netherland and she does seem to get stressed way more than my other bunny so it can take a while for him to feel more comfortable in his new home even under normal conditions. I am not experienced with other rabbits I have only ever been around one other. I only know how my 2 are temperament wise I wish I could be of better help. Glad to hear that you took him in. =)

[Peony]

Are you able to adopt Waffle still or is he/ she? in a new, different home?

For whatever reason, my rabbit goes bonkers in chewing a grass mat when she is stressed. Oh that first day she was in a chewing eating frenzy. Now she hardly touches the things. Every once in a while she has ripping the grass mat to shreds moments and I am like I wonder what stressed her out.

For your question, I think it would been better try list them to adopt them as a pair at first.

[Zombie-Sue]

nope, Waffle got adopted out first.

[Peony]

ouch and sad, shame

[Sindri]

How is Pudd doing? Is he doing better?

[mollys1]

This sounds like the same shelter I adopted my bun from as I live about an hour from Des Moines. Its crazy. The small animals have been out in the main area since at least August when I adopted by buddy! They definitely do the best they can but I’m not sure I would agree with the decision to separate a pair :/ Good luck with him, I’m sure he’ll adjust to your loving home soon enough. If it helps my bun hates going to the vet and he’s usually really calm

[Zombie-Sue]

Yes, thanks for asking. Pudd seems to be settling in okay. (: Soon he’ll have three NEW friends.

@mollys1 Yeah, the ARL probably? They aren’t bad but I think they could be better about buns.

[Sindri]

Glad to hear he is doing good. Yah more bonding for you! I look forward to hearing how it all goes.

[Author]

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