Sad, but looking for advice

[HappyThieves]

It's been a few years since I posted on RO, so this is more of a re-introduction. In the interim, we've added and lost a few.Last Sunday,our favorite rabbit died, presumably of old age. Fudgie, 6 y.o.,was a magpie harlie with the best personality. He was truly a prince among bunnies! He was our first rabbit, and because of him and his easy going nature, we were able to rescue three other rabbits over the years. He was our alpha and would keep all the others in line and getting along.

Last year we had four buns total, two female (one spayed, one not) and two neutered males.So, now we are down totwo rabbits (our spayed female also died, over a year ago), but would like to add more. Here's where I could use some advise. We'd like to rescue another bun, or two because we have the room and really enjoy them. The question is what is the best approach.

First off, we can't afford to have our female spayed right now and she is VERY dominate, and keeping separate cages logistically won't work. Would it be better to try for another female, especially if she is spayed (one of the local shelters willalter, if they rabbit comes from them). Or would we do better with a neutered male, who she might like better. Or would she do better with a young kit (do female bunnies have "mothering" instincts like some dogs and cats?).

I'd really like to hear your opinions, so that we can focus our attention on the looking for just the right rabbit, and not just make an emotional decision (bc it's soooo hard not to say yes to all those REALLY cute bunnies who need homes!!).

Thanks so much for reading and I'm looking forward to reading your responses!!



--Karen

 

[HopsandLops]

Let me say first, re-welcome! And that I am so sorry for your loss, I know it can be very hard to loss a bunny that you have had for some time!

Now the advice. I would go for a Neutered male. We have found that female, in general, take to males better, and our neutered boy, hopefully take to a neutered boy better. I wouldn't go with a kit, as your female (depending on size) could easily hurt the new baby just by defending her area.

 

[pla725]

Welcome. Perhaps PAWS or PACCA will spay your rabbit at a reduced cost if you adopted from them. They are also some rabbit rescue in the suburbs that already have spayed and neutered rabbits for adoption.

I would encourage you to have your rabbit spayed before bringing another rabbit into the house. There is a certificate available online for a low cost spay or neuter.

I would arrange a play date with a potential mate first. Your rabbit will decide who she wants as a mate/friend.

Good luck.