getting another bunny after one died??

Question
I had 2 dwarf rabbits, and they LOVED each other very much.  My one baby died today, leaving the other very seemingly lonely and scared.  How long do I let my one rabbit left grieve for her friend until I purchase another for her?

Answer
Hi,

sorry to hear your little guy passed away.

hopefully you allowed your rabbit to be around the one that died, so that she could get an idea of what happened.  This is critical to the living bunny figuring out what happened.  Otherwise they just think "one day they took away my friend and I never saw him again, and I don't know why".  And they may be afraid that will happen to them.

The best thing to do for the near future is to spend more time with her, giving her a lot of attention and love.  Keep all the things that smell like your boy in with her.  His scent will eventually start to fade off, and this helps the survivor of the pair to realize he's gone.  For now they will be comforting for her.

It may sound funny, but just talk to her about what happened.  They are empathetic animals, they will understand.  If you're crying that's okay.  And just tell her that you're going to take care of her, that you love her, and right now you guys are going to spend more time together.

At some point you may get an indication she may be ready for another rabbit.  Best thing to do is go to your local animal shelter or rabbit rescue group around you, and arrange to have a few bunny dates with potential suitors.  Generally you need to do this with fixed rabbits, and that is generally what you will find with rabbit rescue groups (and most shelters if they are proactive with their rabbits).  Don't try pairing with any intact male - he will totally be revved up on hormones.

But the key is letting the rabbits pick each other.  Rabbits pick who they will get along with.  It may be a bunny we would not pick.  That is why you need to try several.  Size differences, color or breed types mean nothing to them.  

But this is probably weeks to months down the road.  You are the alpha bunny, you need to bond with her and be her buddy right now as you are the stable piece in her life.

Write back as things progress.  Lee