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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A I need bunny ADVICE!!!!

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    • CocoVermont802
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        So I’ve had my rabbit for a year and a half now but with my new full time job, and going to college full time, I now have no full time to enjoy her. I really need to find someone near Southern VT that would be interested in having her as a pet, but I dont know what todo

         I dont want to just drop her off at the humane society like some people, I want someone that will enjoy her and play with her, and give her free run time.

         I dont know what to do

         


      • cin
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          Have you thought about getting her a friend so she won’t be lonely? I did this for my bun and he seems much happier with someone to keep him company. 


        • Sarita
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            I don’t see the problem – many rabbits live alone all day while their owners work and go to school.

            Also, I do want to let you know that we do not use the forum as a place to rehome rabbits, but we will certainly help you find solutions.


          • Snowytoshi
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              Remember that Humane Societies are a very good resource. I know that as a shelter volunteer I appreciate it when someone brings a rabbit to us instead of making a classified. Classifieds (especially free ones) do not attract the most experienced rabbit owners. A Humane Society will do full checks on everyone who adopts, provide information pamphlets, and be open to take back a rabbit if the home doesn’t fit. Unfortunately you won’t be able to take your rabbit back because of how busy your life will be.

              Perhaps look into a shelter near you that has foster homes? That way she will be in a home


            • mia
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                I second getting your bun a friend. Some shelters will even let you drop off your bun while they try to find your bun a friend. Once you bun has a friend, they can play with each other while you’re away. The only time you need to spend with them is to feed and clean their litter, both of which take very little time. Depending on the area your bun has now, maybe increase the area permanently so its sufficient without having to let her run around freely.

                Typically in my weekdays, other than sleep, I’m only have 1hr before and 1hr after sleep at home. My buns could care less about me (except during treat time) and they have a great life. Quality time > quantity.


              • Sam and Lady's Human
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                  Getting a second bunny when you don’t have time for your first is a terrible idea, I’m sorry. Bonding is also time consuming and stressful, not a good combo with FT work and school.

                  Bunnies live awhile, so first I would think about how long I’ll be in college FT. And really, if you aren’t home, maybe you could just make sure her living space is large enough to be comfortable when you are out, and when you are home and doing homework or watching TV just spend that hour or so interacting with her. They really don’t need a ton of time, I give mine loves about 15 minutes a day and I’m home all day, but that’s all they want.


                • RabbitPam
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                    I also think that you can have a perfectly content bunny in your present circumstances, especially if it’s only 4 years in total (or even 6) which may mean another 5 or more with her after that.
                    A bunny is crepuscular, which means active at dawn and dusk, so they want to sleep peacefully during midday and late at night. If you only take her out in the morning for an hour while you get ready to leave, then again while you get yours and her supper and maybe another few hours after that to romp, explore or just hang out with you, she will be a secure and content little bunny. I had a full time work schedule and my bunnies clearly had the behavior of very happy and healthy bunnies for many years. It’s really not against their nature – far from it. I may consider bunnies one of the best pets for working adults and students for just that reason.
                    With a bunny proofed room where you spend your time on your computer or hanging out in front of the TV, or reading your books for school, you can have your bunny in the same room with a few toys, a maze or just an open door cage policy and your bunny will make her own fun and routines while keeping you company. She will like having you there, and will not attempt to sit on your lap or snuggle like a cat or dog. She may lounge beside you, and that will be lovely for you both. Keep her and don’t worry. My two cents of advice.


                  • tanlover14
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                      I think you can manage to have a perfectly happy bunny even if you don’t have as much time as before.

                      Like SamandLadysHuman, I strongly advise you NOT to get another bunny. Bonding is a difficult process that can take weeks and even many many months to cement. I have bonded a trio and I’m in the process of bonding another bun into my trio and it is taking up any free time I have. Not to mention, they need to have free play time out separately during the bonding process.

                      As RabbitPam suggested, have your bun running around while you get ready for work (bunny-proof if need be) and then maybe when doing homework or sitting around watching TV let her out again. Lots of home-made toys for her and a treat every now and again to keep her content and I’d say your bunny will be just fine! She probably sleeps most of the time you’re gone anyways as my buns have pretty much worked their schedules and awake time around when we are normally home. If you want your bun to be happy, I think you can make her perfectly happy. Even if you can’t spend hours a day with her.


                    • Roberta
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                        Somehow managed to post a reply about another thread here. Came back to delete it… Looks like someone beat me to it… Thank You… If I am wrong and its still out there can one of the FL’s delete it if they come across it….. Thank you again.


                      • jerseygirl
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                        22338 posts Send Private Message

                          Your schedule sounds very full and this is a difficult decision. Is it partly because you are finding it hard to find a balance with your job being so new?
                          Do you see things settling down at all?

                          Would it be an option to have a trustworthy teen or young adult come by on occasion to give your rabbit some time out? I think a young person who isn’t allowed to have a pet of their own would love that!

                          Ideally we’d like to see you be able to keep bunny but if there is no solution, I’d suggest by starting to advertise through your rabbits vet clinic. Staff there could forward details of anyone interested who they feel would be good candidates. I would avoid advertising in the wider realm like Craigslist.

                          Though rescues are often swamped, they may allow advertising on their websites or Facebook pages. I’d also search for community pages (Facebook) that are dedicated to rabbits. Your local HRS chapter or one in neighbouring State may also have community pages.

                          Just be very very careful about rehoming. Ideally, if she has to go to a new home, it be best she went to someone you know thoroughly. Even better, allows you to check on her now and then.


                        • CocoVermont802
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                            Thanks for your advice everyone.

                            I asked my friend who also has a rabbit, and much more time than I, if she would be willing to take on another pet.

                            I know she would take great care of her, but im just not sure if i can give her up!


                          • Roberta
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                              Hi CV,
                              I work full time and have an invalid Father in a nursing home and an extremely demanding elderly Mother I have to take out every weekend. It’s hard also taking care of 5 buns and 5 cats. I could not part with them though. If you really want to keep her find ways to arrange your schedule so that some of your home tasks include time with your bun. Try a few different routines. Mine get an extra hour of play time in the mornings during the week now and I try to do some of the chores then so I have less to do at night and a bit more time to spend with them after work.


                            • jerseygirl
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                                Posted By CocoVermont802 on 01/30/2013 03:02 PM
                                Thanks for your advice everyone.

                                I asked my friend who also has a rabbit, and much more time than I, if she would be willing to take on another pet.

                                I know she would take great care of her, but im just not sure if i can give her up!

                                You could always trial this. Have your friend take her while you find your feet with your new schedule. It will give you an idea of how you’ll do without her, and her without you.
                                I think it’s terribly easy to feel guilty in regards to animals. At least, I know I feel a lot of misplaced guilt when it comes to mine. But is Coco really unhappy do you think? Is she doing anything that has you thinking she’s depressed?


                              • Elrohwen
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                                  I don’t really see the problem – lots of us work and have busy schedules. I think getting a second could be good for her, but it takes a lot of time and commitment to bond a pair and it doesn’t sound like you have that time, so I wouldn’t go that route.

                                  If I were in your shoes, I would keep her for a while and see if things settle down. A new routine is always stressful and seems overwhelming, but once you’ve done it for a while it gets easier.

                                  Can you give her more space while you’re gone? This might help you feel less guilty about leaving her alone if she has more room to run around when she wants to.


                                • Roberta
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                                    Hi CV,
                                    Bear in mind buns mostly sleep during the day. I know when I have been fortunate to have an entire day at home mine are only interested in lounging about the cage, (even though the door is wide open to the play area) and sleeping. They are enjoying a small run in the morning but once breakfast is served that’s them for the day and they don’t want to do anything until evening and dinner is served. So really I would not be concerned about your bun not getting attention during the day.


                                  • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                      I definitely agree with the suggestions to keep her and try to work it out. Rabbits aren’t dogs who would require lots more timewise-letting them out to the bathroom, walking them, training them etc. Rabbits need only a few minutes for feedings a day, checking to make sure they’re ok (peeing, pooping etc) and time out of course and a little time to clean weekly. The time out, when properly proofed doesn’t even have to be supervised, it can happen while your eating dinner, studying (Studying with a rabbit works great, they run around you read!) or even when your sleeping! The care aspect is really minimal timewise and easily managed with work and other activities-most of us have a very full schedule as well but they do just fine. I wouldn’t worry about her being lonely, she’ll get used to the new routine quickly and you may even end up with a wonderful side effect-as interaction would be a bit limited she may become very friendly and seek attention, cuddles pets etc


                                    • LoveChaCha
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                                        I am a full time student and work as well.

                                        Rabbits are very independent like cats are and do not require attention like dogs — walking them, etc like K&K said above. My rabbit sleeps while I am at school and work during the day time, and plays and has fun at night. She is more active at night, so am I, so the school-work-bunny routine works out really well for the both of us.

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                                    Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A I need bunny ADVICE!!!!