Companion for a widowed baby?

Question
Thank you very much Dana for the prompt reply. You really helped me with my grief, and you made me realize a few things: people did spray for insects at our house, but it was only on the first floor, and I thought the bunnies were safe enough by moving them to the 2nd floor. I know now that this was a very grave mistake.

In a part 2 question, I have two approx. month-old bunnies - one died, & I also rushed the other to the vet the same night (last night) because he was looking sick. I took the other baby rabbit home from the vet today, and while significantly healthier, I've noticed that he's very reserved and sad recently. If I put him in the cage, he just mopes, staring into space.

Other members of my family suggested (less than 24 hours after the other one died) that we buy a new companion for the baby. Personally, I got a little bit angry at the idea. I can't even imagine "replacement," as I'm still grieving, and frankly, I'm still traumatized from getting another pet because of what happened.

1. My emotions aside, top priority is to get the baby out of this depression. Is a companion the best way? Or can just simply paying double the attention and playing with the rabbit all the time compensate for it?

Also, will the baby have a problem with a new, different companion (esp. only 2 days after the original one passed away)? Do rabbits have any monogamy or "sticking to one for life" kind of issues?

Another question - We got the bunnies from a very NOT-SO RESPECTABLE dealer, who didn't really tell us the age of the two. He just said in about 3 months, they would be ready to mate.

2. How old would that make the bunnies? About 1 month? If so, is it imperative that we feed him milk? Because up to now, we've just been feeding them leafy vegetables, carrots, grass/weeds from the garden (no fertilizers, but the vet said he still could've gotten worms from there, because the bunny was found to have worms - we're now treating it with antibiotics) and water.

Also, any tips on getting my sad bunny to drink water? I have a feeling he's not been drinking water because of the vitamin syrup in it, which the vet made me put in because he's been sick and nutrient-deficient.

I tried using a syringe (sans needle) to directly feed it, but I can't do it, even when I cradle him on his back, he's too fussy. And I'm really worried because he keeps peeing even though I haven't really seen him drink. The vet said the problem with him when I took him the night before was that he was dehydrated.

Thank you very much for your help.

Answer
Dear Mica,

I'll answer your questions by number, so we can more easily keep track.

1. My emotions aside, top priority is to get the baby out of this depression. Is a companion the best way? Or can just simply paying double the attention and playing with the rabbit all the time compensate for it?

The real question is this:  is he depressed, or still feeling sick from whatever it was that killed his companion?  If he's sick, he may need time to recover fully before he's ready to meet anyone.  But a lone rabbit is an unhappy rabbit, especially if recently bereaved.

2.  Will the baby have a problem with a new, different companion (esp. only 2 days after the original one passed away)? Do rabbits have any monogamy or "sticking to one for life" kind of issues?

Rabbits tend to be "sequentially monogamous".  They are quite loyal to a partner (usually), but will accept a new pal, as long as they are allowed to choose for themselves and proper bonding is undertaken with care.  I'd recommend you contact your local rabbit rescuer here:

www.rabbit.org/chapters

and explain what happened.  They can then help you introduce your bunny to some eligible partners, and see who likes whom.  You can find bonding tips here:

http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-a=00062824-sp00000000&sp-q=bonding&user=enter...

But the rescuer will be able to help you, too.

3.  He just said in about 3 months, they would be ready to mate.  How old would that make the bunnies? About 1 month?

Different breeds/sizes of rabbits mature at different ages.  Some rabbits will be capable of breeding at 3 months, and others not 'til 5-6 months or even longer.  So it's hard to say how old they are.  Why not ask the breeder?  He might be honest.  But it's technically illegal in most states to sell any mammal younger than 8 weeks, and this is especially critical for rabbits.

4.  If so, is it imperative that we feed him milk?

No.  In fact, it might do more harm than good if he's been *off* milk for any length of time.  If you feel he's not growing well, and want to try milk, you can use the formula here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/orphan.html

but if he's on solids, I would not try to re-start him on milk.  He won't like it (at least at first), and it's not as good (or as safe0 as his own mother's milk.

5.  Any tips on getting my sad bunny to drink water?

a.  Provide a heavy bowl, not just a sipper bottle.
b.  provide him with wet greens, which may be enough for a wee guy.  Introduce any new greens gradually, to give his intestinal flora a chance to adjust.
c.  DON'T add vitamin syrup to his water.  Rabbits don't need much in terms of supplemental vitamins, and those they can get from their food in the form of a high-quality pellet.  Putting anything in the water will deter him from drinking, and it's never a good idea to put anything in his water, from vitamins to medications.

If bun truly needs vitamin supplements, then give them orally in one dose, so you'll be sure he *gets* the dose.  If it's in the water and he doesn't drink it, then not only will the supplements be useless, but he could be getting dehydrated on top of it.

(Is your vet experienced with rabbits?  A rabbit-savvy vet will *never* suggest putting meds or vitamins in the water for the very reasons that you're seeing.)

Don't ever put a bunny on his back to administer meds.  It's very easy for him to aspirate and suffocate on a drop of liquid or food in that position.  (I was witness to the aftermath of this, when some kids were innocently feeding their bunny treats while holding him on his back.  The rabbit died before we could even get him to the vet.)

If the bunny is dehydrated, then he needs subcutaneous Lactated Ringer's Solution regularly until he's well hydrated again. Did the vet give him any?  If not, then I would NOT go back to that vet.  You need someone who will not be afraid to aggressively provide supportive care for the bunny.  A dehydrated baby is much more susceptible to illness and death, so please ask the vet about administering subQ fluids right away.

He can show you how to do this at home, if you're not squeamish. It can be a life saver, and bunny will probably perk up very soon after he's given fluids.  Dehydration can make you feel miserable.

I hope this helps.

Dana