Can Penny wear a ferret collar?

[SuperCheesetastic]

We’d like to be able to hear wherever Penelope (Penny) is located.

We have a collar with a bell for our kitty for the same reason.

Ferret collars seem small enough and have bells. Can we use these?

Oh, and I was also thinking of a break-away kitten collar incase… Well, just incase.

 

I could also sew a collar out of elastic.

I’ve made one for my cat once.

http://cookie-sweetie.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d2wvfn1

[Elrohwen]

Collars are absolutely not a good idea for rabbits – they can get caught on something and the rabbit can strangle themselves or break their backs while panicking. Even breakaway collars are a no-no.

[Sarita]

I would not recommend a collar for a rabbit.

[SuperCheesetastic]

Okay, I guess I can try an elastic one.

[SuperCheesetastic]

http://www.barneyandjemima.co.uk/rabbit-care/can-rabbits-wear-collars.html
—

Here says a harness is a good idea.
I already have one for Penny.
She’s wearing it now.
I suppose I can attach a bell.

[Monkeybun]

Do not attach a bell. Noises can and wills care a rabbit, and a constant bell noise every time they move would keep them on edge.

Collars are a bad idea in general for rabbits, as well. Harnesses as well, as they can still get stuck and panic, risking injury and high vet bills.

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By SuperCheesetastic on 01/27/2012 12:18 PM
http://www.barneyandjemima.co.uk/rabbit-care/can-rabbits-wear-collars.html
—

Here says a harness is a good idea.
I already have one for Penny.
She’s wearing it now.
I suppose I can attach a bell.

 

I guess I am a bit confused because while they stated that collars are dangerous, the harness is better for outdoor supervised exporation, but what will you be using the harness for? I thought you were wanting your bunny to just wear it to keep track of him — so does that mean at all times?  Or just during some supervised playtime or ??  My only concern is if you use the harness as a permanent collar replacement.    Let me know if I am misunderstanding here. 

Edited to add: I also agree about not being fond of the bell idea.   Rabbits are prey animals and it just sort of goes against the “prey” nature/comfort level to have something on them that will always make them noticable.   While some rabbits can be easy going and get used to many things, I just wouldn’t want to do that to a rabbit – just due to its very nature. 

[Elrohwen]

I wouldn’t use an elastic collar and I definitely would not leave a harness on indoors. I think harnesses are dangerous in general, but leaving it on indoors would be very dangerous if it got caught on something – rabbits can and do break their backs by panicking when caught by a harness.

I agree with the others on a bell also being a bad idea. Some rabbits may get used to it, but I think it would set just about any bunny on edge.

[RabbitPam]

After agreeing with the others about ixnay on the collar, harness and/or bell, I want to add that bunnies are very smart and can be trained. They learn their names, can come when called, and mine always knows the sound of the treat jar which is our signal for time to get back into her house for the day or for bedtime. (She gets a small healthy treat for running back on her own.) So you might consider working with her on positive reinforcement for behavior she can do without being harnessed at all.

Also, see the Rabbit Info. section above for suggestions on bunny-proofing your home, which leaves them free to roam around in safe places.
They are not like cats or dogs when it comes to pet care and behavior, but once you get used to their ways, they are great to have around.

[angie-la]

I would not recommend putting a collar at all on the bunny. My old room mate put a collar on her bunny, and ended up making an emergency vet visit because the bunny tried to chew it off, but ended up getting her teeth/jaw stuck on it. I also don’t feel comfortable about putting a harness on the bun..

[Beka27]

Another thing that was not mentioned, rabbits are fastidious groomers. Having a collar or harness on 24/7 could affect their movement and being able to scratch, lick, and nibble themselves clean, and may result in mats or broken/irritated skin if it rubs on them. Rabbits are very, very thin-skinned and can develop abscesses easily.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

My two cents? No collar, no harness, no bell, no leash-bunnies shouldn’t be dressed. If you want to keep track of your bunny, get on the floor and keep an eye on him-or bunny proof so unsupervised time out is safe.

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By Beka27 on 01/31/2012 04:34 AM
Another thing that was not mentioned, rabbits are fastidious groomers. Having a collar or harness on 24/7 could affect their movement and being able to scratch, lick, and nibble themselves clean, and may result in mats or broken/irritated skin if it rubs on them. Rabbits are very, very thin-skinned and can develop abscesses easily.

Very good point!

[tylertread1994]

I have a ferret collar on my calico, Gumbo and she loves it. The noise doesnt bother her and there is no possible way it can get caught on anything, ive already checked her surroundings for hazards. I unlike most owners have my room set up to where she is never caged in, she is free to roam and enter her cage whenever she pleases. And its working pretty well and has been for 3 months. Sje hops onto the bed and sleeps at my feet or cuddles next to my head, goes to her cage to eat or use the bathroom. And now with the bell i can hear exactly what she is doing at night. So if you find a small enough ferret collar than i say go for it because every rabbit is different. Yours may love it.

[Sarita]

Please do not pull up and reply to old threads – I am locking this thread.

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