kiwihunter8 | (no subject)

I cancelled the FL visit. I really wasn't looking forward to it at all, being "on" all weekend when all I want to do is hibernate and re-energize. Even with that Big Project out of the way, things are still really heated up. Whenever that happens I tend to go into treading water mode. Since work = livelihood, I cut way back on outside activities in order to have proper energy to kick ass at work.

It was an immense relief to cancel. They were cool about it. We DID just see each other last weekend, and I think that probably made it a lot more acceptable in their eyes.

I got two eggs today. That's the first day I've gotten 2 eggs for two days in a row! Woooo go girls! I know it's crazy how excited seeing a couple of eggs can be. It's sort of like finding good mail in your mailbox :) I put some plastic cage bottoms outside leaned against the coop part, hoping it'll help shield the bedding from the rain that is coming tomorrow. I think I just need a few slices of plywood board nearby to do this with when it rains. Because when it gets hot out, it will be helpful to be able to have more airflow in there.

I got approved from the House Rabbit society for adoption :) April 5th is bunny 101, which you have to take regardless of your experience with rabbits because of all the misinformation out there. Then April 8th, a Tuesday night, I believe is going to be our Bruno-mystery girls dating experience, and I should end up going home with a bunny that night. Works out good since I'll be teleworking the next day and can keep an eye on them and any progress. Oh, how I hope they would fall in love immediately within 2-3 days, but I have to be prepared that it could take some time. I do hope whoever Bruno chooses, it's not a hard case where we end up having to keep both buns caged for 2 months or something. I know in the end they will both be happier buns once they bond, but I admit 2 months would be a struggle (for me anyway!).

I need to get a big enough carrier for them, I think a top entry one for easier wrangling struggling bunnies.

This weekend I need to get my house cleaned/back in order. The dining room table is heaped with stuff I haven't sorted through. Also, I should go empty Munchkin's litter box & carrier and wash up some of her things. It's just sad for me, so I've been avoiding it. And I need to build a bunny cage for Bruno out of wire cubes.

So looking forward to a few days off. Tomorrow is "free" since I earned it last weekend, but Monday I could concievably go in if I get bored or something. I think I should probably take it off and enjoy it.

Really looking foward to rain tomorrow a.m.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I can't wait to see how the bun-date goes :)

Can you give me any advice of how positive or negative the bonding period usually goes?

I'm starting to get cold feet after looking online at some of the stories. I'm not sure I'm up for this. Maybe I should just let Bruno live out his natural life, make a point to interact with him daily/possibly expand his range, and then adopt a bonded pair.

I think a lot would go with first impressions, there may be a little bit of bullying, at first, but if they don't settle shortly... I -personally- wouldn't try to force it. Ichi was always VERY aggressive to other rabbits, so I gave up on her, but Spook would probably get along with another cage mate. Just watch his body language :)

I think it's too big a risk for the amount of effort I'm willing to put in. I think it might be a guinea pig instead.

From what I remember at the rabbit shelter in Austin, you'll know pretty quickly if it's a match between the buns.

Sometimes they're really particular about who they pick, sometimes they aren't. You never really know. We had buns that would fall in love instantly and some that would keep apart for a while but then finally inch closer and closer together.

I'd love to know how they do the bonding process dance at your shelter. We did it by putting the buns in ex-pens next to each other at first (close enough that they could see / smell / touch each other through the bars), and then eventually into the same ex-pen, but never into a small cage together until we knew it was love. It's too hard to break up a fight when they're in a little cage.

Bonded bunnies are the cutest things ever. I hope he finds a mate really quick. :)

Bunny

Wellll I've decided not to do it after all. I realized it's too much of a commitment right now for me, after looking around at videos online of bonding. I realize I'm coming to the exact same decision I came to last time, that getting a guinea pig friend would be easier. For good or for bad, I just don't have the patience required for this to work out, should things go badly. Also, I'll be super upset if Bruno gets bitten or hurt in some way, or vice versa.

I think the best course is to just give Bruno as much attention as I can, possibly get him a guinea pig buddy (cage on the floor in the bunny room), and if I decide to get bunnies again, to get a bonded pair straight away.

I hate to ask, but I'm not on Twitter: is Moose still around? Why did you decide not to bond him?

EDIT: Awww, I don't see you mentioning him in your move to the Bay Area (I just added you back!) , so I'm guessing he may have passed. If so, my condolences. Hearing about you and Moose, and being able to ask you questions really helped me take the plunge with Bruno.

Also, congrats on the transitioning decision, I hope all goes smoothly for you!

Edited 2014-03-30 13:17 (UTC)

Yeah, I lost Moose shortly after MFM last year. :(

He was nine, which is old for a Flemish Giant. I miss him muchly.

Moose and I were about as bonded as a human and bunny could be. That's why I didn't get him a mate... I was his mate. He was never aggressive towards other buns (in the shelter it'd be funny - the other buns would put up a show and he'd be like "eh? whatever?" and just hop off), but I knew that if he had another bun around I'd be a lot less interesting to him. The next time around I want to get a pair, however!

The day he came to live with me I promised him that when his time came, I wouldn't let him suffer. He went "down" while I was at MFM. (That's a bunny term meaning that he can't stand anymore.) I tried a few strong pain meds, but nothing worked. He was just down for good. He got weaker and weaker and eventually couldn't even get out of the way to use the restroom, so he was just stinky, gross and miserable. Once I realized this, I fulfilled that promise I made him. It was a really sad day, but I called the vet and brought him in. He went very peacefully. I held his paw and petted his head the whole way across the rainbow bridge.

Whenever I start to feel sad about Moose, I remind myself of this... it was my goal to rescue a bunny. Moose had a really rough start to life, but after he came to live with me he had a life of ease. He didn't have to worry about anything ever again.

I accomplished my mission.

I miss you, Moose.

So, so sorry for your loss of Moose. I can only imagine how much you loved him; I know I'll bawl like a baby when Bruno goes. I think you did well by him in your decision for sure.

It's uncanny you saying how Moose was bonded to you, I feel that way about Bruno sometimes. After 6 years of being with me, I think he may view me in somewhat of that light. I lay down and he's right there snuggling next to me.

Thanks, Kiwi.

The last six months of Moose's life were really hard. I watched him go downhill pretty quickly.

During that time he became a total momma's boy. He never wanted to snuggle, but he'd never be more than a few feet from me. He was usually within arm's reach anyhow. (That's really cool that Bruno likes to snuggle!)

Next time I'll get two. I always felt bad that Moose was all alone when I went to work. I'm fairly certain two Flemish Giants will eat me out of house and home, however.... :)

Bunny