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Do rabbits grieve when their bonded partner dies?

Learn how long rabbit grief can last, the health risks to watch for, and how to safely introduce a new companion. Learn how long rabbit grief can last, the health risks to watch for, and how to safely introduce a new companion.

Do Rabbits Grieve When Their Bonded Partner Dies? What to Do Next

Rabbits form incredibly strong social bonds, so when one bunny dies, the surviving rabbit can experience real behavioural and health changes. In some cases they may become withdrawn, stop eating properly, or even develop gut stasis, which is why it’s so important to support them carefully during this time.

In this episode of The Bunny Coach Podcast, I answer a question from a bunny parent about what really happens when a rabbit loses their bonded partner and how to help a bereaved bunny through the transition.

You’ll learn:

• Whether rabbits really grieve and how long it may last
• Why bereaved rabbits can be at higher risk of gut stasis
• Signs your rabbit may be struggling after losing their partner
• Why it’s usually best to give both yourself and your rabbit time before rushing into getting another bunny
• The pros and cons of adopting a baby rabbit vs an already neutered rescue rabbit
• Why rabbit “speed dating” at rescues doesn’t always predict bonding success
• How quarantine and pre-bonding can help set up a future bond for success
• Why simply having another rabbit nearby can sometimes help a bereaved bunny feel less alone

Losing a bonded rabbit is heartbreaking for both the owners and the bunny left behind. But with the right support and a careful approach to rebonding, many rabbits go on to form happy new partnerships.

Need Help Bonding Your Rabbits?

If you're struggling with rabbit bonding, or you're planning to introduce a new companion and want to get it right from the beginning, I offer two free ways to get started:

• Answer a few questions online and receive personalised advice by email - Tell Me What Is Happening

OR

• Book a free 15-minute rabbit bonding assessment call Free 15 Minute Call

Once I understand your situation, I can recommend the most suitable support option for you and your rabbits.

Because when bonding is done correctly, your rabbits can move from stress and conflict to a calm, happy partnership much faster.

Subscribe to the Bunny Coach Podcast

If you found this episode helpful, make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

The Bunny Coach Podcast helps rabbit owners understand rabbit bonding, rabbit behaviour and rabbit care, so you can create a calmer, happier life for your bunnies and a more peaceful home for you.

Each episode covers topics like:

🐰 rabbit bonding and rebonding
🐰 understanding

Subscribe to the Bunny Coach Podcast

If you found this episode helpful, make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

The Bunny Coach Podcast helps rabbit owners understand rabbit bonding, rabbit behaviour and rabbit care, so you can create a calmer, happier life for your bunnies and a more peaceful home for you.

Each episode covers topics like:

🐰 rabbit bonding and rebonding
🐰 understanding rabbit behaviour
🐰 common rabbit care mistakes
🐰 helping rabbits live happily together

Send a text

The Bunny Coach Podcast

Episode Summary

If your rabbits went straight into a fight during their first bonding session, you might be convinced they’re unbondable. But before you give up, listen to this episode. With experience supporting over 500 rabbit bonds, the Bunny Coach shares why fighting doesn’t mean failed bonding — and what you can do instead.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why rabbits often fight on first meeting — and what it actually means

• Why it can seem like you have two dominant rabbits — and what's really going on

• Why a tailor-made bonding plan works better than a one-size-fits-all method

• The rare circumstances where a rabbit genuinely cannot be bonded

• What to do if bonding really isn’t working — including rehoming options and why there’s no shame in that

Key Takeaways

• Fighting on first introduction is very common and does not mean your rabbits are unbondable.

• Most rabbits — even rescue rabbits with difficult histories — can be successfully bonded.

• What looks like two dominant rabbits is often a dominant rabbit and a frightened one.

• Bonding requires a flexible, tailored approach based on your rabbits’ individual history, your home setup, and your available time.

• Truly unbondable rabbits are rare, and usually have experienced significant trauma.

• If bonding doesn’t work out, rehoming is a valid option — not something to feel guilty about.

Work with Fiona

If you’re struggling with bonding — or want to get it right from the beginning, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE!

START HERE:

• Answer some questions online and receive a personalised email response

• Book a free 15-minute call to talk through your situation face to face

After reviewing your situation, the Bunny Coach will recommend the most suitable support pathway for you, with different levels of support available to fit your needs and budget.

• Website:

PS IF YOU LOVED THAT, YOU WILL LOVE THIS .....

To give your rabbit the A+ Bun Life they really deserve, hop on over to Fiona's Happy Bunny Club, your safe, one-of-a-kind space to get personalised, one-to-one guidance and feedback on your exact situation, from a Rabbit Expert, who has been exactly where you are and now supports hundreds of rabbits and their guardians every year!

Fiona's Happy Bunny Club is an amazing fun and supportive community of other bunny nutters with no drama (because we all know that people who aren't crazy about bunnies just don't get us!!), a whole library of bunny care classes for you to learn more about and develop an amazing bond with your precious fur baby, PLUS REGULAR LIVE BUNNY CARE MASTERCLASSES, QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS, AND DISCUSSIONS WITH GUEST RABBIT EXPERTS

Find out all the amazing benefits here -

FIONA'S HAPPY BUNNY CLUB - MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP

THE ONLY BUNNY CLUB LIKE IT IN THE WORLD WHERE YOU GET PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS AND ON-DEMAND CLASSES,

COME ON OVER - YOU'LL LOVE IT!!

PS Sign up to receive weekly Care Tips, Special Offers, and Fun Stuff here

https://therabbitrooms.ie/newsletter

...

Send a text

This episode of the Bunny Coach podcast addresses common worries about bonding rabbits, including anxiety, fear of 'messing it up', concerns about restricting space, time and energy demands, and worry that your rabbit won’t love you anymore when they have a bunny friend.

Listen in for my tips for helping you feel better about bonding and more prepared to give it a go!

Fiona

CLASS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST - identifying and Dealing with the Bonding Behaviours - get it here - Bonding Masterclass Part 2

Planning to bond — or feeling stuck?

Start by telling me what’s happening with your rabbits.

I’ll read through everything carefully and review your situation, then recommend the most suitable support pathway for you.

There are different levels of support depending on your situation and budget, and you can decide what feels right. Click the link below to get started -

Bunny Bonding Quiz New

You don't have to do this alone!

Fiona x

PS IF YOU LOVED THAT, YOU WILL LOVE THIS .....

To give your rabbit the A+ Bun Life they really deserve, hop on over to Fiona's Happy Bunny Club, your safe, one-of-a-kind space to get personalised, one-to-one guidance and feedback on your exact situation, from a Rabbit Expert, who has been exactly where you are and now supports hundreds of rabbits and their guardians every year!

Fiona's Happy Bunny Club is an amazing fun and supportive community of other bunny nutters with no drama (because we all know that people who aren't crazy about bunnies just don't get us!!), a whole library of bunny care classes for you to learn more about and develop an amazing bond with your precious fur baby, PLUS REGULAR LIVE BUNNY CARE MASTERCLASSES, QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS, AND DISCUSSIONS WITH GUEST RABBIT EXPERTS

Find out all the amazing benefits here -

FIONA'S HAPPY BUNNY CLUB - MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP

THE ONLY BUNNY CLUB LIKE IT IN THE WORLD WHERE YOU GET PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS AND ON-DEMAND CLASSES,

COME ON OVER - YOU'LL LOVE IT!!

PS Sign up to receive weekly Care Tips, Special Offers, and Fun Stuff here

https://therabbitrooms.ie/newsletter

...

Send a text

The Bunny Coach Podcast: Making Bonding Fit Your Lifestyle

Episode Overview

Fiona Murphy, The Bunny Coach, breaks down the different approaches to rabbit bonding and how to make the process work with your busy schedule. She addresses common questions about 24/7, daytime, and date bonding methods, sharing practical advice from her experience bonding over 280 sets of rabbits and helping hundreds of people around the world bond their bunnies too.

Key Topics Covered

Different Bonding Methods: 24/7 vs Daytime vs Dates

Making Time for Bonding: how to fit it around your lifestyle without stressing yourself out

Self-Care During Bonding

Important Safety Tips

About Fiona Murphy

• Owner of small animal boarding business since 2014 (Dublin, Ireland)
• Bonding rabbits professionally since 2016
• 98% success rate with over 280 bonded pairs, trios, and quads
• Offers online support worldwide via Zoom calls, bonding membership, and self-study classes

Resources

Website: thebunnybondingcoach.com

Planning to bond or feeling stuck?

Start with a structured assessment so we can determine the right level of support for your rabbits.

I offer a range of support options to suit different stages and budgets.

Take the Clarity Quiz and tell me what’s going on with your bunnies. I personally review every submission and respond myself. Click the link below -

Bunny Bonding Quiz New

PS IF YOU LOVED THAT, YOU WILL LOVE THIS .....

To give your rabbit the A+ Bun Life they really deserve, hop on over to Fiona's Happy Bunny Club, your safe, one-of-a-kind space to get personalised, one-to-one guidance and feedback on your exact situation, from a Rabbit Expert, who has been exactly where you are and now supports hundreds of rabbits and their guardians every year!

Fiona's Happy Bunny Club is an amazing fun and supportive community of other bunny nutters with no drama (because we all know that people who aren't crazy about bunnies just don't get us!!), a whole library of bunny care classes for you to learn more about and develop an amazing bond with your precious fur baby, PLUS REGULAR LIVE BUNNY CARE MASTERCLASSES, QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS, AND DISCUSSIONS WITH GUEST RABBIT EXPERTS

Find out all the amazing benefits here -

FIONA'S HAPPY BUNNY CLUB - MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP

THE ONLY BUNNY CLUB LIKE IT IN THE WORLD WHERE YOU GET PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS AND ON-DEMAND CLASSES,

COME ON OVER - YOU'LL LOVE IT!!

PS Sign up to receive weekly Care Tips, Special Offers, and Fun Stuff here

https://therabbitrooms.ie/newsletter

...

Send a text

Creating a Neutral Space for Bonding

Host: Fiona Murphy, The Bunny Coach

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Fiona Murphy tackles one of the most common concerns rabbit owners face when bonding their bunnies: creating a truly neutral space. Whether you have free-roam rabbits, limited space, or rabbits that have been everywhere in your home, Fiona provides practical solutions and expert guidance to help you successfully set up a bonding area.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why Neutral Space Matters
• Making Any Space Neutral
• Space Management for your rabbit's living area as well as the bonding pen
• Setting Up Your Bonding Pen (Ideal dimensions, height recommendations, equipment options, flooring protection, what to put in the pen)
• Your Comfort Matters

Coming Up Next:

Next episode will cover how to make time for bonding even with a busy lifestyle—you don't need to commit to a minimum of four hours per day!

Contact & Support:

If you're struggling with bunny bonding or need personalized guidance, visit thebunnybondingcoach.com for expert help from someone with extensive hands-on experience.

Episode Duration: ~19 minutes

Keywords: rabbit bonding, bunny bonding, neutral space, rabbit behavior, pet rabbits, rabbit care, territorial rabbits, bonding setup, rabbit enrichment

PS IF YOU LOVED THAT, YOU WILL LOVE THIS .....

To give your rabbit the A+ Bun Life they really deserve, hop on over to Fiona's Happy Bunny Club, your safe, one-of-a-kind space to get personalised, one-to-one guidance and feedback on your exact situation, from a Rabbit Expert, who has been exactly where you are and now supports hundreds of rabbits and their guardians every year!

Fiona's Happy Bunny Club is an amazing fun and supportive community of other bunny nutters with no drama (because we all know that people who aren't crazy about bunnies just don't get us!!), a whole library of bunny care classes for you to learn more about and develop an amazing bond with your precious fur baby, PLUS REGULAR LIVE BUNNY CARE MASTERCLASSES, QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS, AND DISCUSSIONS WITH GUEST RABBIT EXPERTS

Find out all the amazing benefits here -

FIONA'S HAPPY BUNNY CLUB - MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP

THE ONLY BUNNY CLUB LIKE IT IN THE WORLD WHERE YOU GET PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS AND ON-DEMAND CLASSES,

COME ON OVER - YOU'LL LOVE IT!!

PS Sign up to receive weekly Care Tips, Special Offers, and Fun Stuff here

https://therabbitrooms.ie/newsletter

...

Send a text

🐰 Welcome to a New Season of The Bunny Coach Podcast

Preparing for Rabbit Bonding

Even thinking about Bonding rabbits can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re hearing horror stories online, juggling busy life schedules, or worrying about your rabbits hurting each other.

In this brand new season of The Bunny Coach Podcast, Fiona (The Bunny Coach) is here to help you feel calmer, more confident, and more prepared to start the bonding journey.

If you’re thinking about getting your rabbit a friend, or you’re already knee-deep in bonding worries, this season is for you.

🎧 What This Season Is All About

Throughout this season, Fiona will guide you through:

• 🏠 How to create a neutral bonding space
  Even if your rabbits are free-roam or have already been all over the house.
• ⏰ How to make time for bonding
  Without the pressure of myths like “you must bond for four hours a day.”
• 💭 Common bonding anxieties and worries
  Including fear of fights, stress, and feeling like you’re “doing it wrong.”
• 🧠 Reassurance and preparation
  So you don’t go into bonding feeling panicked or alone.

In this first episode, find out why you should listen to me, and how I am going to help you feel better and more prepared for bonding!

Fiona x

PS IF YOU LOVED THAT, YOU WILL LOVE THIS .....

Hop on over to my FREE FACEBOOK GROUP

'GET READY FOR RABBIT BONDING' for more hints and tips for preparing for bonding!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/getreadyforrabbitbonding

PS Sign up to receive weekly Care Tips, Special Offers, and Fun Stuff here

https://therabbitrooms.ie/newsletter

PS IF YOU LOVED THAT, YOU WILL LOVE THIS .....

To give your rabbit the A+ Bun Life they really deserve, hop on over to Fiona's Happy Bunny Club, your safe, one-of-a-kind space to get personalised, one-to-one guidance and feedback on your exact situation, from a Rabbit Expert, who has been exactly where you are and now supports hundreds of rabbits and their guardians every year!

Fiona's Happy Bunny Club is an amazing fun and supportive community of other bunny nutters with no drama (because we all know that people who aren't crazy about bunnies just don't get us!!), a whole library of bunny care classes for you to learn more about and develop an amazing bond with your precious fur baby, PLUS REGULAR LIVE BUNNY CARE MASTERCLASSES, QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS, AND DISCUSSIONS WITH GUEST RABBIT EXPERTS

Find out all the amazing benefits here -

FIONA'S HAPPY BUNNY CLUB - MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP

THE ONLY BUNNY CLUB LIKE IT IN THE WORLD WHERE YOU GET PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS AND ON-DEMAND CLASSES,

COME ON OVER - YOU'LL LOVE IT!!

PS Sign up to receive weekly Care Tips, Special Offers, and Fun Stuff here

https://therabbitrooms.ie/newsletter

...

Send a text

🎧 The Bunny Coach Podcast: Pet Loss, Grief & Love That Never Leaves

With Reverend Kaleel Sakakeeny

Losing a beloved pet can feel just as devastating as losing a family member — and yet, so many pet parents grieve in silence.

In this deeply moving episode of the Bunny Coach Podcast, Fiona is joined by Reverend Kaleel Sakakeeny, an ordained animal chaplain and credentialed pet loss grief counsellor based in the United States. After losing his own “big, big love,” Kaleel transformed his heartbreak into purpose and went on to found Animal Talks, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people through the grief of losing an animal companion.

Together, Fiona and Kaleel explore why pet loss hurts so profoundly, why grief is not something to “get over,” and how love continues long after our pets are physically gone.

This episode is for anyone who has ever loved — and lost — a bunny, cat, dog, or any cherished animal.

🐾 In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Why losing a pet can feel as devastating as losing a human loved one
• The difference between grief and depression — and why pet loss is often misunderstood
• Why grief is not something to “fix,” medicate, or rush
• How animals bring out our best selves — and why losing them feels so destabilising
• Why we don’t “move on” from grief — we integrate it into our lives
• The Rainbow Bridge: why it comforts many people, and where it can fall short
• Whether we’ll meet our pets again in the afterlife
• Helping children navigate the loss of a beloved pet in a healthy way
• When grief becomes complicated or stuck — and how to know when extra support is needed
• How to honour your pet through rituals, remembrance, and making meaning from loss

🕯️ A Conversation About Love, Not Letting Go

As Fiona shares the loss of her heart bunny Tango, and Kaleel reflects on the cat who changed the course of his life, this episode gently reminds us:

You are not weak for hurting.
You are not “too attached.”
And you are not alone.

🧠 Support &

PS IF YOU LOVED THAT, YOU WILL LOVE THIS .....

To give your rabbit the A+ Bun Life they really deserve, hop on over to Fiona's Happy Bunny Club, your safe, one-of-a-kind space to get personalised, one-to-one guidance and feedback on your exact situation, from a Rabbit Expert, who has been exactly where you are and now supports hundreds of rabbits and their guardians every year!

Fiona's Happy Bunny Club is an amazing fun and supportive community of other bunny nutters with no drama (because we all know that people who aren't crazy about bunnies just don't get us!!), a whole library of bunny care classes for you to learn more about and develop an amazing bond with your precious fur baby, PLUS REGULAR LIVE BUNNY CARE MASTERCLASSES, QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS, AND DISCUSSIONS WITH GUEST RABBIT EXPERTS

Find out all the amazing benefits here -

FIONA'S HAPPY BUNNY CLUB - MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP

THE ONLY BUNNY CLUB LIKE IT IN THE WORLD WHERE YOU GET PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS AND ON-DEMAND CLASSES,

COME ON OVER - YOU'LL LOVE IT!!

PS Sign up to receive weekly Care Tips, Special Offers, and Fun Stuff here

https://therabbitrooms.ie/newsletter

...

Send a text

It's Halloween here in Ireland, and Fireworks will be everywhere! While they look pretty, I wish they didn't exist, or at least that we could have more silent ones readily available - as the poor animals really get freaked out. I know of people who's bunnies have died because of fright and we had one of ours have gut stasis a couple of years ago too, luckily with my first aid kit I was able to bring her round, but it is a big worry for us pet parents. Here are my top tips to help them (and you!) relax!

PS IF YOU LOVED THAT, YOU WILL LOVE THIS .....

To give your rabbit the A+ Bun Life they really deserve, hop on over to Fiona's Happy Bunny Club, your safe, one-of-a-kind space to get personalised, one-to-one guidance and feedback on your exact situation, from a Rabbit Expert, who has been exactly where you are and now supports hundreds of rabbits and their guardians every year!

Fiona's Happy Bunny Club is an amazing fun and supportive community of other bunny nutters with no drama (because we all know that people who aren't crazy about bunnies just don't get us!!), a whole library of bunny care classes for you to learn more about and develop an amazing bond with your precious fur baby, PLUS REGULAR LIVE BUNNY CARE MASTERCLASSES, QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS, AND DISCUSSIONS WITH GUEST RABBIT EXPERTS

Find out all the amazing benefits here -

FIONA'S HAPPY BUNNY CLUB - MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP

THE ONLY BUNNY CLUB LIKE IT IN THE WORLD WHERE YOU GET PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS AND ON-DEMAND CLASSES,

COME ON OVER - YOU'LL LOVE IT!!

PS Sign up to receive weekly Care Tips, Special Offers, and Fun Stuff here

https://therabbitrooms.ie/newsletter

...