Bunny companion - rescue centre still has nothing

ripplyuk

I posted some time back about how I was considering getting a companion for my rabbit. I got in contact with the only rescue centre in my area that has rabbits and asked them about it. They said they only rehome rabbits in pairs, so I asked them to contact me if they got any single rabbits in that might be suitable.

It's been a long time now and still nothing. I can't believe they have never had a single rabbit in all this time. In fact, I imagine a lot of rabbits that are given up to rescues are singles, rather than bonded pairs. I think they just prefer to only rehome pairs.

I'm now conflicted about what to do. My bunny is 3 years old and seems very happy. I spend a lot of time with him but I know another rabbit is better company for him than me! I would have preferred to give a good home to a rescue rabbit but unless I keep waiting indefinitely, my only option is to buy a baby rabbit from a breeder, or just forget about it all.

I'd appreciate hearing any opinions on what to do. Buying another rabbit makes me nervous because I don't know if they will get along well, which is why I would have preferred the rescue centre as they could take the bunny back if things didn't work out.

NewShadow

Would there be a reason you couldn't adopt two (females) and have a trio?

If you have a male, he's not going to object to two little ladies to keep him company - ensuring you've had him fixed.

ripplyuk

Yes, he is neutered.

I really don't want 3. I'm the type who won't get any pet unless I'm confident I can afford to look after it. I'd be too concerned about large vet bills for 3 rabbits, however unlikely.

Spirit_2

Could you look at a rescue centre further afield. We have adopted a number of single bunnies over the years and created bonded pairs with our existing bunnies. There have also been some bunnies who did not get on when introduced. A good rescue centre will allow you to bring your bunny in to meet other bunnies. They may even keep them there for a week and do the bonding work for you so you need to mke sure your rabbit is vaccinated. Good luck.

iammumtoone

Whilst they only re-home them in pairs I bet as you say most of them come in as singles and get paired up at the centre.

They may be reluctant to give out one as I am sure your genuine reason for wanting one is often used as an excuse for others to get round their pair policy.

As above have you suggested/asked if you could take in your bunny to see if you can find it a match. Then they will see you are genuine.

Also rather than waiting for them to ring you, I would keep ringing them regularly to ask if they have a suitable rabbit.

Good Luck.

ripplyuk

That's what I discussed with them on the phone, and they agreed I could bring my bunny in and leave him with them to see who he gets on with. I can't just arrive with him, it has to be arranged first, and every time I ring they keep saying they'll get back to me when they have any single bunnies. They never have. The last time I spoke to them they kept talking about how some rabbits just need to be single bunnies, and I think they just find it easier to bond and rehome the ones they already have.

The place is quite a distance from where I live and my bunny gets very stressed in the car but it's the only one that gets lots of rabbits. I've contacted a few smaller rescues who occasionally get rabbit in but they didn't seem interested.

krlyr

I would consider rescues further afield - transport can be arranged, though it would mean bonding them yourself. Your local rescue might step in and help if you asked though.

Another option could be to consider finding a 'free to good home' rabbit through local free ad papers or Facebook selling/rehoming pages. Again, it leaves the bonding to you - and perhaps the expense of neutering etc. - but means you're not supporting dodgy breeders.

If you do choose to go to down the breeder route, do your homework and ask questions. A good breeder will be happy to be transparent, they'll be breeding for good health and temperament, and should be as interested in what you're like as a home as you should be in what they're like as a breeder. They should understand the issue of bonding - I'd expect a good breeder to offer to help, and whilst they may be reluctant to sell on a "sell or return" basis essentially, they may help you with your quandary if you explain the situation. If they seem to just want to flog a rabbit to you with no regard, proceed with caution.

Fosterdog

http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/centres.asp

The link has a map as a good place to start with looking for rescues, there are many more not advertised with rabbit rehome, depending on where in the country you are. I know of one multi-animal rescue near me that always has rabbits and is not on the list and another one not too far away that is a rodent rescue and again isn't listed here.

teddysmum

It isn't just rabbit rescues that have rabbits. A number of 'dog' rescues also take in other species, so it's worth asking around.


have a look on the Dogpages site, as they have an 'other animals needing homes' section, where you see cats, hamsters, fish and even snails.

missbiggles1

Why not rescue a kitten instead - kittens and rabbits can get on very well together.

sheramber

Do you have somewhere to house the new rabbit until you are sure they will get on?

They may need to get used to each other for a while before housing them together,