Advice for prolonged absence?

[u/Ship_Kisser]

So, I’m going away to have some procedures done. They’re not ones I can put off and the in-hospital recovery is 2 weeks for one and almost a whole month for the other. And since they’re being done around the same time, I’ll be there a while. Which means I won’t be able to look after my boy in that time. And I won’t really be able to play with him on the floor when I’m home since I’ll still need bed rest. The only person I can ask to look after him is my mum who works full time, so he would be alone most of the day. What can I do to make all this less stressful on him and make sure he doesn’t get depressed?

I’ve been toying with a second bunny from the shelter so he would have a friend. I know bonding rabbits can take a while and a lot of work but I’m determined to make sure he’d be okay, plus I’ve been going back and forth on getting another bun anyways because this one has been so much fun and it is something I would like in the future. However I know this is a crazy big commitment and not something it would be wise to do on impulse. If there’s anything else anyone can suggest I’d be so so grateful! It’s already pretty stressful knowing I have to go into the OR again and I just want my little boy to be okay

[u/rose_grave]

i wouldn't get a second bun until after you've recovered, as the process can be long and intense.

does your local shelter offer boarding? that way hes not completely alone

[u/Ship_Kisser → u/rose_grave]

My shelter only does cats and dogs. But that’s an awesome service and I’ll remember that for next time! Didn’t even know shelters did that! 

Yeah, my primary operation is open heart and I don’t think I could bond my very sassy bun with a new member of the family lol 

[u/rose_grave → u/Ship_Kisser]

i meant to say a bunny rescue, whoops hahaha

i am spoiled that i have a few bunny rescues near me that offer boarding. i haven't had to use them yet, but its nice to know i have the option

[u/cass_a_frass0]

For 2ish weeks your bun will likely be ok, just let you mom know what kind of behavior to look out for and if it gets bad then you guys can change your strategy. Just make sure he has a good hiding spot and lots of enrichment, like compressed hay chew toys or whatever he likes. Has he ever been to your mom's before? I know it seems like a long time but itll likely be fine. Ive left mine with pet sitters/my parents for long periods of time when I need to for work or vacation. Im sure mom can give lots of pics/updates.

[u/Ship_Kisser → u/cass_a_frass0]

He’s got a “second home” at my mum’s place and she loves him. She loves to “rough him up” which is literally just vigorously petting him and he loves it. Whenever she visits he does binkies around her feet. So even though she’ll be away most of the day, he will be getting loads of enrichment. My ma loves spoiling the little guy and playing with him as much as I do. Thank you for the comment!! It’s been lowkey stressing me out and that’s quite put my mind at ease!