Three bonded rabbits: Should they be re-homed together?

Question
We have three rabbits who are 4 yrs. old and have been hutch mates for all that time.  My children have 'out grown' these guys and I am in the process of finding them a home.  How concerned should I be about all 3 going together?  Would the bunnies be 'emotionally' ok if they were sent to different homes?

Answer
Dear Karyn,

The short answer is:  NO.  I will explain.

I hope you will change your mind and keep the rabbits with you.  It is *very* hard to find a safe home for rabbits, and it is EXTRA hard to find a home for three who are bonded.  I would NOT NOT NOT separate them.  They are strongly bonded to each other, and I have known rabbits separated from their bondmates to die from grief.  I am not kidding about this.  Rabbits form incredibly strong emotional bonds, and the stress of both losing their home and being separated from each other would be unspeakably hard on them.

If you write to me at dana@miami.edu I can send you some information on finding a home, as well as an adoption questionnaire you can use to screen potential adopters.  Be careful!  And I am so glad you asked about keeping them together because that means you do care about them and love them.  I know you'll do the right thing and be patient enough to find a home where all three bunnies can stay together, if they can't stay with you.

I hope I can help.

Dana