How to rehome a rabbit when no rescue centre or vet can help

reehsetin

CATS wrote: »

Ms Chocoholic, he has one, and the run of a big double room in my house. The problem is he is always alone in the room

I work full time and probably spend 15-30ish minutes with mine most days it's why I got him a partner for company, two are hardly any more work than one and bar vet bills the costs are minimal.

Consider getting them a friend if you can, they prefer the company of their own kind anyway

DKLS

CATS wrote: »

My son is supposed to let him out when he gets home from school but almost never does. This means the rabbit is stuck in the room for a few days at a time on his own. There is no way I can get another one for company. His cage gets cleaned out once a week if he is lucky as my son has to do this and he always forgets.

Sound like the son could do with some lessons in responsibility.

CATS

I really dont see the logic of getting a second one, if I am struggling to cope with one, how would getting a second one help? i.e clearing 2 litter trays, 2 hutches etc.

System

Apart from being alone for long periods of time I do think your rabbit has a better life than a lot of other bunnies. At least he is warm, fed and dry.

I'm not sure rehoming him is a good example to set a young child. Pets are for life and not till you get bored or cant find half an hour a week to clean them out or 5 minutes to feed/water/fuss it.

Person_one

CATS wrote: »

I really dont see the logic of getting a second one, if I am struggling to cope with one, how would getting a second one help? i.e clearing 2 litter trays, 2 hutches etc.

It will help you existing rabbit because they will have company of their own species, it will greatly improve their psychological wellbeing.

Looking after two rabbits is not much more work than looking after one, but really, looking after one isn't quite as arduous as you're making it sound!

Be completely honest OP, are you and your son just fed up of the rabbit and can't really be bothered to put the effort in?

reehsetin

CATS wrote: »

I really dont see the logic of getting a second one, if I am struggling to cope with one, how would getting a second one help? i.e clearing 2 litter trays, 2 hutches etc.

Mine share one litter tray and they have their own room - free range, no hutches

Yours has your spare room right? Does your bun have a hutch in there? how big? it's unlikely the second would need their own if the current space is big enough, an ideal solution for them is bunny proofing the room and letting them have the whole space

Are they spayed/neutered?

krlyr

CATS wrote: »

It's always the same story, they are really full, its frustrating as it is taking up a lot of my time and no one can help.

If it is frustrating for you to find a home or rescue place for one single rabbit, imagine how frustrating it is for those rescues! They have a number of rabbits to rehome - and they cannot just give them to a rescue centre either.

It is not exactly a strenuous activity to pick up a phone or email rescues. It may get repetitive, but it is your responsibility as the rabbit's owner to care for it - or find someone who will. In this climate, a good home won't pop up overnight - there aren't people or rescues sitting around saving room specifically for your rabbit.

I agree with the other posts. Ultimately, whilst it's great for a rabbit to get lots of human interaction, many rabbits would be happy with some same-species company, fresh food and water, and to be kept in good health. If you can't find a home, I would see no harm in taking in a second rabbit for company and just letting them do their own thing - as long as you're prepared and can afford the basics (food, water, vet treatment, etc). If you can't, then I'm afraid it's just a case of trying and trying, and hoping that a home does crop up eventually.

If you haven't already, try posting a private rehoming ad on http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk

Also one rescue I've had some involvement in, who may be able to squeeze him in, is Furryfriends in Old Coulsdon.

1DayAAT

Please reconsider re-homing him and I agree, try getting a 2nd bunny or even a guinea pig to keep him company - this doesn't sound insurmountable! He sounds lucky to have the room he has and if he has an animal friend, you can worry less about him being alone. Also it might help to teach your son to step up to the plate and make some sort of visual sheet to show him when and how he has to attend to the bunny with times and tasks - it will be very good for him to learn responsibility in this way.

reehsetin

1DayAAT wrote: »

try getting a 2nd bunny or even a guinea pig to keep him company

AFAIK you're not meant to keep with with Guinea pigs, the buns can hurt them e.g. a powerful back leg kick

Kinski

We got a friend for our rabbit and it was the best thing we could ever have done for him, it took a wee while to integrate them but after a coupe of weeks they were the best of friends and the pressure was taken of us to keep him occupied as much. They shared the litter tray, they shared a food bowl even though we gave them one each and there was nothing nicer than seeing the pair of them snuggling up to each other or grooming each other.