My rabbit died :(

[Cydaea]

My female rabbit named Josephine that I had for 9 years died last night She was about 10 years old. I feel so sorry for her 'boyfriend', my other (fixed male) rabbit, they'd been together for 8 years and were inseparable.

I'm considering geting a new companion for him right away so he doesn't get lonely. Is this a good idea? And should I get a baby/young rabbit or one that is about his age? I could find an elderly rabbit in a shelter somewhere and they'd be happy someone would adopt it. But my main concern is, what's best for Leon (that's his name). If it's better for him to get a young rabbit friend, than I'll just have to deal with doing this again in a few years.

Any other rabbit lovers/experts here?

 

[Elytra and Antenna]

The rabbit died used to mean one was pregnant.

 

[Cydaea]

I've never heard of that... but I can assure you there's no 'bunny' in the oven

 

[edgeofthefreak]

Although it's not the same pet, I had a pair of inseparable rats where one died rather unexpectedly. They had almost night and day personalities. Betty, whom did not live very long, was calm and very pettable. Ronnie, sitting behind me on my chair, was fast and agile, and pretty much wouldn't stop moving for petting time. Now that she's our only rat, she has the personality of BOTH mixed in... she seems to really understand petting now.
It's so very sad when one of a pair passes earlier than the other. We have the time to devote to giving Ronnie the attention that she doesn't get anymore from her sister...
We also have a bunny, but he's never had a bunny friend. He's not too social, so out on a limb, I would suggest MY bunny (about 5-6 years old) wouldn't be a good match! If you can't find him a suitable friend, may I suggest (you're likely already doing this) just upping the daily attention he gets from you?

 

[Cydaea]

Although it's not the same pet, I had a pair of inseparable rats where one died rather unexpectedly. They had almost night and day personalities. Betty, whom did not live very long, was calm and very pettable. Ronnie, sitting behind me on my chair, was fast and agile, and pretty much wouldn't stop moving for petting time. Now that she's our only rat, she has the personality of BOTH mixed in... she seems to really understand petting now.
It's so very sad when one of a pair passes earlier than the other. We have the time to devote to giving Ronnie the attention that she doesn't get anymore from her sister...
We also have a bunny, but he's never had a bunny friend. He's not too social, so out on a limb, I would suggest MY bunny (about 5-6 years old) wouldn't be a good match! If you can't find him a suitable friend, may I suggest (you're likely already doing this) just upping the daily attention he gets from you?

I'm trying to give him more attention, but he doesn't want it. He's never been very social towards humans, they both weren't so it was a perfect match. I keep them outside in a large pen, which they loved. I've actually left the door open by accident on several occasions but they never even escaped.

I've contacted a few rabbit/rodent shelters in the area, and I've been offered a few older ladies looking for a new home. Nobody ever wants the older ones, so the people were very happy someone is interested

 

[zonbonzovi]

I can't find my source atm but I recall reading that they do best in bonded pairs. I had a pair for years and it was rare for one to be away from the other for very long. It could take a little bit for Leon and new friend to get used to one another but it's likely better for Leon's longevity. Good for you on looking at shelter options!

 

[Crysta]

Im sorry to hear about your bunny I will be really sad if my girl was going to go. She's 3 years old now (wow) so I still have quite sometime left (she's a flemish so not sure how long she will live.) She loves people though. I considered getting her a friend, but she already eats too much and I dont think I could keep up with the amount of poo. Plus my buns doesn't chew wires, or wood, or anthing (except the yoga mat sometimes, but thats when im not petting her)

She seems to do well though. She's a house bunny, with a hutch for outside on the beautiful days, or days where she gets restless. She doesn't like being in the same area all the time lol.

 

[Cydaea]

Update: found a new friend for leon I'll be picking her up on friday. She's 6 years old and beautiful: http://www.konijnenparadijs.com/images/mei2/naamloos2.jpg

Leon is all black so it will be a nice contrast

Of course I need to bring him with me so they can meet before I bring her home, that way if it's not a match we can see if we can match him up with one of their other rabbits.

 

[PrettyHate]

Update: found a new friend for leon I'll be picking her up on friday. She's 6 years old and beautiful: http://www.konijnenparadijs.com/images/mei2/naamloos2.jpg

Leon is all black so it will be a nice contrast

Of course I need to bring him with me so they can meet before I bring her home, that way if it's not a match we can see if we can match him up with one of their other rabbits.

That new bunny you are getting has an adorable face! What is its name?

 

[Cydaea]

Her current name is Monica, I kind of like it but I may actually call her Annabelle. I'm not sure yet.

 

[PrettyHate]

Her current name is Monica, I kind of like it but I may actually call her Annabelle. I'm not sure yet.

I would only keep calling her Monica if she knows her name, otherwise I like Annabelle better

 

[Cydaea]

I would only keep calling her Monica if she knows her name, otherwise I like Annabelle better

I'm gonna see if she responds to her name, if not, Annabelle it is I always liked that name. And since I'm not gonna have any human children, I'll keep giving my pets human-names.

 

[zonbonzovi]

Ditto on what PrettyHate said. I hope you'll post a photo of the young lovers together?

 

[MelissaDBrown]

I am sorry for your loss of your girl. I have a rabbit and I love him so much. It's so hard to see an animal lose their companion but it sounds like you found your boy a great new companion. I hope everything turns out great and everyone is happy. I think Annabelle is a beautiful name too!

 

[Munch]

Post some pictures of them together please, that other rabbit looks like just like my rabbit "Teddy Bear".

 

[Akai]

Curious...what is the lifespan of a rabbit typically. I picked up a dwarf variety last year for my niece for her birthday and she loves it. I'm thinking I should get her a male if it will improve her longevity because she adores her little bunny.