Harvey is a sad bun

sarattie · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 3:16 pm Post subject: Harvey is a sad bun

Just wanted to pick your brains really.

Harvey is doing really well, but he has returned to his depressed withdrawn bun state he was in when Sam was first born. Despite his cage door being open all day he stays inside and will only be coaxed out with a carrot. The patio doors are always open but I have to "put" him in the garden, he does one lap, then within a minute or so hes back laying in his cage. He's not bothered by sam anymore (he used to seem frightened of the new addition!) and occasionally gives him a nose nudge. I am just so worried about him being in his cage for long periods, even though its his choice. We still giev lots of cuddles (which he would probably rather do without!! ha ha grumpy ole man!) and weekly groom so he's still being handled alot. And with me being on maternity leave, he has had plenty of fuss and company.

Now here's my wonderings... is he just chilling out more in his more mature stage of life (but he's only 5!) not that he was a particularly lively one anyway! Or is he sad?

James and I have discussed getting another bun to bond him with in the hope that this may cheer him up having another companion of his own type, but I have 2 problems with this.

1 - The indoor cage is a Ferplast 180cm width (the largest that we can fit in our lounge) and I wouldnt feel happy keeping 2 buns in such a small indoor cage as we close it up over night. So theres the option of having them outside in the 4ft cage plus 4ft run which I would probably extend the run a further 4 ft. However, I have personal issues about outdoor buns and with having Harvey indoors for 5 years I would worry about him going out.

2 - If we did get another bun to bond him with, what would we do if they didn't get on? We aren't in a position of ending up with multiple cages. He may like his own company? And then theres "when one passes on" problem too

So as you can see I have lots to think about!! I just wondered what you thought about this? Do I leave it a while and see how he goes, is there anything I can do, or is another bun companion the answer even though he'd have to be downgraded to the garden?

Anyway, I would appreciate your thoughts, sorry for the waffle on!!

On a plus side, the breeder who I got Harvey from has offered us a retured doe, same age as harvey on a trial. if they get on we keep, if not she has back... might be worht a try....
_________________

Spork

Moon

tigerbabe · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 7:12 pm Post subject:

Well I think you know I'm a bit biased on this subject, I would defo go for the getting him a friend option

In terms of work two is no more than one, on a day to day basis. As far as the worry of one passing on and being in the same situation, it is a worry... it's my biggest one as I don't really want 4 seperate pairs forever! Maybe have a look on Rabbit Rehome and see if there are any single ladies around Harvey's age??

Any half decent rescue would be happy to take their rabbit back if it doesn't work out, and some will do the bonding for you (yes, we all know I'm a wuss when it comes to bonding

)

I have to admit there are parts of their personality that you just don't really see when they're outside bunnies but if Harvey is depressed then you're probably not seeing them anyway. None of mine are at all bothered by being outside, Smudge & Jasper adapted to the move out there with no problems at all and are still as friendly as they were indoors.
Personally I don't think buns being outside is a problem as long as they have decent housing and human contact... it's when they're stuck down the end of the garden in a tiny box that it becomes a problem for me (and Harvey certainly wouldn't be that!).

If you want to keep him indoors with a partner the only option I can think of is maybe trying one of those fold up metal runs. You could fit it around the cage at night so they'd have the extra space, and take it down in the morning so it's not in your way. I don't knw how practical that would be for you though..?
_________________
Kerry... Pixie, Flash, Daniel, Freddy, Michael, Jason, Ninja, Willow, Simon, Jack, Emily, Harry, Sophie, Smudge and Jasper

sarattie · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 7:54 pm Post subject:

well the update on this is that I contacted Sue, (harvey's breeder he origionally cam from) and she has a 3 1/2 year old doe, Harvey's neice in fact, who she considers very close in temperment to Harvey.
She's offered her (Florence) on a trial basis to see if it works out. If it does she stays, if not she goes back to sue.
She is developing a cateract but I dont see that as a major problem, and not something I mind getting sorted at a later date if required.
James agrees that if a mate for harvey makes a happier harvey then it can only be a good thing. its so sad seeing him look so depressed.

Im now looking up tips on bonding!! lol not had a pair before! (except mummy and daughter but that was easy!)

thanks for your advice though, I completely agree, and first and foremost harvey's happiness is the priority here for me.

Holidays may be more complicated now though!! ha ha ha!!
_________________

Spork

Moon

tigerbabe · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:30 pm Post subject:

sarattie · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:45 pm Post subject:

good tip! thanks!! fancy popping over!!!!?

Im going to visit "Florence" this week.... might ahve to ahve a name change though!! awww couldnt do that to her!! damn Flo it is!!

She's a Sooty Dwarf lop, thats all i know at the moment!!
_________________

Spork

Moon

FluffyBuffyWatwat · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:35 pm Post subject:

Re cage space issue, since mine have the run of the house a lot we don't tend to worry about them having a smaller cage, especially as the three of them tend to all squash into the tray and leave the rest of the cage empty.
I've been fairly lucky with bonding, with the boys I just sorta bunged them in and hoped for the best, and it was just a case of being patient with the Cowbag.

Get him a guinea pig. *snort*
_________________

Bear Booth Brennan Danny Dean Dexter DiNozzo Flack Gibbs Greg Harper Harry Ian Jensen Jeremy Jethro JimBob Mac McGee Morgan Muse Noah Prophet Rufus Sam Spencer Taylor Tennant The Stig Tim Tony Warrick Wilson

Abby Arissa Astrid Boo Buffy Chloe Cameron Daisy Glory Henrietta Iani Imp Izzy Katie Lexi Mabel Maisy Martha Minx Misty Myrtle Olivia Pixie Renee Serren Sophie Sprite Spirit Stella Tamara Wendy Wilhelmina
Willow Xiva

In Loving Memory of Ben and Watkins

I love Ian Watkins and he loves me!!!!!

sarattie · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:40 pm Post subject:

Im going to meet Florence tomorrow!!!

Im so excited!!!!!!!!!
_________________

Spork

Moon

FluffyBuffyWatwat · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:43 pm Post subject:

It amuses me that most people manage to get the mixed sex pairing.
I fail at that.
Jack and Gil were S'POSED to be girls.

_________________

Bear Booth Brennan Danny Dean Dexter DiNozzo Flack Gibbs Greg Harper Harry Ian Jensen Jeremy Jethro JimBob Mac McGee Morgan Muse Noah Prophet Rufus Sam Spencer Taylor Tennant The Stig Tim Tony Warrick Wilson

Abby Arissa Astrid Boo Buffy Chloe Cameron Daisy Glory Henrietta Iani Imp Izzy Katie Lexi Mabel Maisy Martha Minx Misty Myrtle Olivia Pixie Renee Serren Sophie Sprite Spirit Stella Tamara Wendy Wilhelmina
Willow Xiva

In Loving Memory of Ben and Watkins

I love Ian Watkins and he loves me!!!!!

sarattie · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:48 pm Post subject:

The ferplast is fine while Im home all day every day, but once im back at work its a little confined for 2 large bunnies, as we close the door while we arent about.

Do all yours poo in the same tray lucy?

Any tips on outdoor hutches?? I have no idea!! harvey only goes in for holiday home times and thats with the front door off!!! ha ha!

heres the out door cage, Im thinking about getting another run the same for the other side so its got more run area.

_________________

Spork

Moon

FluffyBuffyWatwat · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:54 pm Post subject:

Mine sleep in the tray and poo all over the floor. Refined lot they are

_________________

Bear Booth Brennan Danny Dean Dexter DiNozzo Flack Gibbs Greg Harper Harry Ian Jensen Jeremy Jethro JimBob Mac McGee Morgan Muse Noah Prophet Rufus Sam Spencer Taylor Tennant The Stig Tim Tony Warrick Wilson

Abby Arissa Astrid Boo Buffy Chloe Cameron Daisy Glory Henrietta Iani Imp Izzy Katie Lexi Mabel Maisy Martha Minx Misty Myrtle Olivia Pixie Renee Serren Sophie Sprite Spirit Stella Tamara Wendy Wilhelmina
Willow Xiva

In Loving Memory of Ben and Watkins

I love Ian Watkins and he loves me!!!!!

sarattie · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 11:01 pm Post subject:

Im thinking extension already.

Do I
A- continue the run another 4 ft, from left extending the existing one
B - add another run the other side
C - add another cage onto the end of the run ie cage run cage

There this on ebay I could convert:

_________________

Spork

Moon

tigerbabe · Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:52 am Post subject:

Would you be able to make it wider... ie front to back?
That's 8ft in total isn't it..? That's a good length as long as it's wide enough.
If you can make it even bigger than that though without it taking over the garden, I say go for it

My hutch is 6x2x2 over a 6x4x2 run, it's a perfectly adequate space but in an ideal world I would go bigger. I also leave the front of the hutch covered all the time, they can go and hide away if they want to or they can sit out in the run... they've got perspex on the lid of the run and one end so they don't get wet when it rains.
_________________
Kerry... Pixie, Flash, Daniel, Freddy, Michael, Jason, Ninja, Willow, Simon, Jack, Emily, Harry, Sophie, Smudge and Jasper

sarattie · Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 6:25 am Post subject:

Unfortunately I haven't got much scope for depth as it runs down the passageway at the side of the house. Our garden is quite small and pokey with no ideal spot. Down the side we can just leave the cage open and then they have the run of the garden as it is all secured off.
_________________

Spork

Moon