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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 THE LOUNGE Getting a Bunny in College?

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    • mollys1
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        I have been lurking around the forum for awhile and decided to join so I could actually ask some questions!  I’m a sophomore in college and have been considering adopting a bun or possibly a pair of buns over the summer when I move to an apartment. I feel that I am fairly well educated after reading all the information I can possibly absorb here and elsewhere but have a few questions for my fellow college students or other people who are busy!

        1) Is it possible to have a busy schedule with classes and things and still have time for your bunny? I don’t usually have things going on in the evenings and I would very much consider adopting a pair so that would provide some interaction when I or my roommates are not around…

        2) Cost. This is the thing I am most worried about. I don’t think the day to day costs are going to be as much of a worry or even the cage and one-time type costs (I have a job on campus and get lots of financial aid for school). What I’m worried about is large vet bills when my buns get sick. I have great access to vets here in my town since my college includes a vet college, but don’t want to end up paying thousands of dollars in emergencies/sickness. Not to sound really harsh but is it reasonable to have a limit on how much you will pay in vet bills (which would also limit the stress put on the bun)? Or would pet insurance be a good option?

        3) Space. Has anyone ever built their cage with lots of levels to conserve space? My bedroom won’t be super large so I’d like suggestions on how to conserve horizontal real-estate and use the vertical (possibly NIC cubes?) I’ve considered an x-pen but thats more horizontal rather than vertical…

        Thanks for any advice!


      • longhairmike
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          buns are a committment,, school is a committment,, realistically theres just not enough time in the day.
          plus even in a best case scenario, a college student never has enough free time to devote to giving the buns enough run time and attention.
          plus you’re already concerned over costs and you dont even have the bun yet. it’s way too easy for bunnies go over budget even without unexpected emergencies.

          try fostering over the summer, but please wait until you’re done with school before adopting.


        • mollys1
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            Thanks for the reply! Yeah I have very much considered fostering but I don’t know that there is a rescue close enough to me. I will definitely look into it.
            I will say though I do think that I am home more to allow for bunny runtime now, than someone with a full time job would be (I’m only on campus from 8am to about noon). Just want to weigh the pros and cons before making a lifelong commitment to an animal!


          • Svandis
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              I’m at uni and live in an aptm. I have loads of time to spend with my bun, and you can do schoolwork lying on the floor with your bun. My bun is free range (and has a NIC cage) so he gets all the play time and attention he needs. I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to get a bunny, except for the financial bit. It’s all about priorities, personally I haven’t spent any money for myself in a couple of weeks/months, but it’s all worth it I think. I hope this helped.


            • Beka27
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                If you’re in an apartment that allows pets, it sounds like you could make it work. I would NOT get two bunnies tho. That’s double the food, double the veggies, double the hay, double the litter, and most of all… Double the vet bills.Rabbits sleep all day and are active in the evening. He won’t miss you during the day.


              • Caroline22
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                  I think you’ll definitely have enough time to spend with your bun. My bunny sleeps all day, and then I let her run around at night while I’m working on stuff or watching TV. Even if I’m home during the day and open her cage door, she’ll just continue to sleep in her favorite spot in her cage.

                  As for the financial stuff, I definitely did everything on a budget (I’m not in college currently, but I’m college age). If you build a cage yourself, it’s definitely a way cheaper and large option. Also sign up for reward cards at pet stores! I have ones at both Petco and Petsmart, and they really can save you money on the stuff you need. I also did a little bit of online shopping and dollar store shopping for Lucy. Usually for online stores, if you sign up for emails they’ll send you promo codes. The dollar stores actually have a decent pet section. I got my nail trimmers, food dish, litterbox, and some toys from there (the nail clippers and food dish were for cats and the litterbox was actually a dish cleaning plastic container). Also, always check out the cat and bird sections of stores, because they usually have toys that work well for buns as well as grooming supplies (obviously just the cat section). I bought a GIANT bag of Yesterday’s News cat litter from Petsmart for $15 and that’s basically the same price as a smaller bag of Carefresh. For me, finding cheaper alternatives, was really important.

                  As for vet bills, I have some emergency money saved up just in case. I adopted a younger bun (she was 4 months), instead of the older bunnies they had who were 6 years+, because I hoped that she wouldn’t have any major help problems anytime soon. But obviously anything could happen. Let’s just say though that she stays healthy for relatively all of her young adult life, and then several years from now when she’s a senior, she’ll might develop some sort of health problem or something (because it happens to mostly everyone in old age!), by then I’ll be older and have a more financial secure job. But I’m in no means saying that there’s no possible way that she won’t get sick anytime soon or that no younger bunny ever has had a serious health scare!!

                  I hope all of what I just said makes sense and that no one judges me or thinks I’m a bad bun parent! haha I’m just putting forth my two cents on bunnies on a budget.

                  Oh! I also wanted to say that you should probably adopt verses a pet store or a breeder. That way your bunny has already been cleared of any health problems and has been spayed or neutered. (Spaying/neutering costs can be SO expensive, especially for bunnies). My bunny isn’t spayed yet, because she wasn’t old enough when I adopted her, but the shelter I adopted her from made me sign a waiver that says I’ll bring her back when she’s 6 months and then they’ll spay her for free. My shelter has a bun savvy vet, so I’m not worried that they don’t know what they’re doing. Also my city’s local bunny organization helps out there, so I know all of their bunnies are in good hands who know what they’re doing!


                • mollys1
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                    Beka- I was just worried that the bun could get lonely during the day being by itself, but if they really do just sleep all day that probably won’t be an issue. I could always get another bun at sometime in the future when I am more financially secure with a good paying job! And my apartment for sure allows rabbits, I asked when we signed our lease.

                    Caroline- Thanks for the tips! I live in the midwest so we definitely have lots of pet supply and farm supply stores so I’d be able to do a lot of price comparisons and buy things where they are cheaper!

                    Thanks for all the replies! It really helps to get the view point of other people who actually have rabbits. So I know what I’m getting into


                  • Caroline22
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                      Yeah what you said to Beka about getting one now and then one later when you’re more financially secure is what I’m doing! Having a single bun is a lot of fun though! And buying at farm supply stores is smart. Buying in bulk is always waaaay cheaper.


                    • bunnylova123
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                        Getting a pair would probably help, they could keep each other company throughout the day, a pre bonded pair would be easier though, and save you a lot of time and stress.


                      • mollys1
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                          Very true. I guess I just need to weigh my options! I wouldn’t get another bunny for quite some time if I started out with one!

                          I’m just used to pets like hamsters and cats where it isn’t a lot more cost to have a pair. But with bunnies I can see how it could be more expensive since their food and vet care is more costly!


                        • Ella K.
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                            1. I would strongly suggest getting 2 bunnies if you won’t be able to spend TONS of time with them. Even though they sleep during they day, I find that they will lay next to each other and generally be more contented, even during the day. I ALWAYS have the buns out when I’m home. I go to a University prep school ( not as pretentious as it sounds ), so when I do my work I just lie on the ground with the bunnies
                            2. I would suggest getting adult/teen bunnies, since younger ones tend to more easily catch the bad diseases. When you adopt, you can get a full profile of the bunnies health history.
                            3. I suggest building an NIC cage that is maybe 5 high, 3 wide and 2 long. That will give them plenty of space for when you aren’t home, but not occupy too much floorspace. If you are short ( like me ) you could get a step-stool, for cleaning the higher levels. I would advise against keeping lots of hay/mess making things on the upper levels, so cleaning will be easier.

                            Fostering certainly is a good idea, as it will give you a taste of bunny “ownership” without the commitment. Even if there is a shelter that is far away, I think it is worth it driving a couple hours.

                            Good luck!


                          • tanlover14
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                              Personally, I think having a bun is very doable as a college student.

                              I would stick to one bunny though. Most bunnies DO sleep throughout the day (plus all of us people who work aren’t home during the day with our buns either). There’s another girl on here ChaCha who has a single bun and is a college student and I would go out on a limb and say she has a VERY happy and content bunny. Having two bunnies is definitely twice the cost – and will make it harder to save up money in case your bun does have an illness. I also think a lot of people who jump into bunnies get two to “keep each other company” and then think since theres two you don’t need to spend as much time with them. Which is not the case. I would stick to one and see how that goes – if you end up wanting a 2nd one in the future you can take your bunny dating. Bunny bonding is a long and stressful process but getting a bonded pair does not necessarily mean they won’t fight or stay bonded. A good number of people have been on the forums lately about how their bonded pairs are fighting. So you have to be willing to take that risk also. If the pair splits up, will you have room for two bunnies? It’s ultimately your decision but just some things to think about!

                              Also, I have a bonded quartet and a single bun – although it’s amazing to watch my quartet snuggle and play together – my single girl is just as happy as my bonded bunnies. She lives a full life with lots of attention and space to have fun. She has plenty of toys to keep her company so she isn’t bored.


                            • mollys1
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                                Thanks everyone! This is very very helpful! I think I’ll probably get a single bun but if I fall in love with a pair I’d be open to that as well I think I was just leaning towards two because I didn’t want the bun to be lonely when I was gone during the day! But they sleep so it shouldn’t be a huge issue.


                              • Sarita
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                                  I think if you are financially able to do it, it’s fine.

                                  I admit, it’s been ages since I’ve been in college and I know when I was in college I had a cat but my parent’s helped me with him. I had him for about 18 years. I didn’t know about rabbits then. Most of the time my cat lived with one of my parents because I was in and out of places to live with different roommates – once I got out on my own, then I took him full time – seriously I could not have had a pet on my own at that time. But you know your situation best and if you feel you can do it and give your rabbit a good and stable environment and can financially do it, then it COULD be a good idea.

                                  It wouldn’t hurt to see about fostering though to see if it does truly meet your lifestyle :~)


                                • LoveChaCha
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                                    Haha yup! As tanlover said, I have a single gal. I go to school during the morning and work on days that I am not in school and during those times, Chacha bunny is asleep. She is most active in the early morning (waking me up!) and at night. Bunnies snooze during the day so you will not be missing anything and the bunn(ies) will not be alone.

                                    I live with my dad so the situation is a little different. As long as you can put some money away each paycheck for a vet fund (I put $5-10 away every week for Chacha) you’ll feel more secure to know you have money if an emergency should present its self.


                                  • Elrohwen
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                                      IME, rabbits fit in very well with people who have a busy and variable schedule like students. They require more time and care than cats I think, but they are ok with being left while you’re in classes, or spending a couple evenings alone if you are hanging out with friends. They sleep all day anyway – even if I stay home during the day, mine act like I don’t exist 😛

                                      The cost and living situation is something you’ll have to decide if you can accommodate. Some people have built really awesome condos out of NIC grids that work in small spaces.

                                      Keep in mind that you’ll be moving around a lot and it’s not always easy to find pet friendly apartments. Many landlords will allow rabbits though if you claim they are “caged pets” (even though we all know they need a lot of time out of their cages).

                                      Also think about what you’ll do during holidays. My rabbits travel well, but they do require a lot of “stuff” which makes it kind of a pain. They really can’t be left alone for more than 12-24 hours.


                                    • mollys1
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                                        Chacha thanks for the good idea! I could definitely save money from each check for emergencies. I also don’t plan on moving until I graduate and only go to school ten minutes from my house so holidays won’t be an issue. I might not even move bun for breaks if I stay in my apartment rather than my mom’s house. Haha the ‘caged animal’ thing is what will me to get a rabbit in my apartment


                                      • Raindrops
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                                          I got Kaiser as a student, and I’m glad I did so! It isn’t hard at all, I usually feed him in the mornings when I wake up, and play with him when I come home. I think my life would’ve been a lot more lonely without him since I live alone, and I moved to a foreign country for uni. It really does brighten up my day to come home to him, instead of an empty apartment.

                                          As for vet bills, I think prevention is key! Though keep some cash to the side just in case. Also neutering/spaying if you are getting a baby bun.

                                          Don’t get a pair if you are just concerned about depression, or loneliness because a single bun will do fine on it’s own! If you don’t feel ready for doubling up, don’t I think Kaiser loves his alone time anyways, and when I’m home he just bounces on my computer


                                        • zoologist
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                                            You could veto the idea of a cage and dedicate half of your room to your rabbit. Put down a rug so he doesn’t destroy the carpet (if he turns out to be a chewer) and make sure not to have any cable over there and you’ll be golden. It’s like free ranging but with a smaller area
                                            When I move into my new apartment that’s what I’m going to end up doing (since my new roommate has a rabbit) I’m going to xpen off one side of my bed (my mattress and box spring are on the floor) and give him his litter box, a small cage for a hidey spot and his food/water, as well as my bedside table and a bookshelf. Makes use of all of the room without dedicating a large portion to your pet.

                                            When it comes to vet bills I spare no expense. Your pets don’t choose to live with you so they don’t deserve sub par care because you can’t afford it. I have literally lived off of chicken broth and rice to be able to afford vet bills. I also made and sold crafty items to raise money for my hedgehog’s surgery when I couldn’t afford it.


                                          • LoveChaCha
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                                              I agree that having an animal companion in times of stress (SCHOOL ESPECIALLY!!!!) is so therapeutic! Sometimes I have to stop what I am doing and walk away from my assignment before it kills me. Even sitting wit Chacha bun and staring at her relaxes me.


                                            • tanlover14
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                                                It is VERY therapeutic. I have to agree with ChaCha – just staring and sitting with my bunnies helps me when I’m at my worst.

                                                As Zoologist said – I would love my buns to be free-roam but three of them are just too destructive and have attempted to destroy the carpet. We found a really low rug though (with no loops – nails can get stuck in the loops) and laid it down through half our dining room. Then x-penned the area. So they now have a 2 x-pen enclosure with LOTS of space. I like to just lay in the area with a book and let them run, play, and sleep around me while I read. It’s very very relaxing.

                                                Would love to hear if you’ve made a decision yet!


                                              • mollys1
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                                                  I’m leaning towards a single bun now but I don’t think I will make an official decision until later in the summer when I’ve actually moved into my apartment My mom thinks I’m crazy and should wait until after college but I think I could make it work well. I really miss having pets as we always had a few when I was growing up and I think she understands that side of it. I think my mom thinks I’m poorer than I am I get a lot of financial aid and scholarships (all the hard work has paid off I guess) as well as my summer and school time job(s). I have more of a savings account than she does….

                                                  I have a steady job and will be picking up a few more hours next semester so I could support my bunny and still have some left over for savings. I’ve been researching possibly getting pet insurance so that any future health problems would have at least part of the cost taken care of. I have a pretty good savings account now so it would be like having an extra savings but only for my bunny Zoologist that is a very good idea! I was planning on getting an x-pen so it would be easy to rearrange if needed or if/when I move.


                                                • mollys1
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                                                    On a side note I’m absolutely in love with this girl! So cute I doubt she’ll be at the shelter in 3 months though!

                                                    http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25741794


                                                  • tanlover14
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                                                      She is so freaking adorable! I’m glad you’re researching a lot before the possibility of getting a bunny comes up – so you know you are making a very well informed and decided addition. I can’t lie, we decided we wanted a bunny – and went out and got one with research but not as extensively as we probably should have. We bought a book, I read it, and that was that!

                                                      Just a side note about getting pet insurance – we have VPI (I think it’s the only rabbit one in the US) BUT I do know you foot the bill and then they reimburse you – so make sure you are aware of that. We have both VPI pet insurance (it’s $11 per rabbit – so it’s not crazy expensive) and we have a CareCredit card with $500 credit on it. We have it ONLY for emergencies with the buns so that we can use it to pay the bill until the insurance company reimburses us. It helps us ensure that if an emergency DOES arise then we will have some padding to make sure our bunnies get the proper care they need. You never know when the worst could happen, so you definitely want to be prepared! Especially something like GI Stasis that can come on rapidly with little notice until it’s an emergency.


                                                    • mollys1
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                                                        I know!! Shes so cute. Love the one up, one down ears

                                                        And yeah I realize that it is pay and get reimbursed. I would be able to make the original payment out of savings and then it will be nice to get at least a partial reimbursement!


                                                      • colleenbunny
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                                                          I love her!!! (Bun-napping plan in progress.) I don’t see why you shouldn’t. Maybe you could try to foster first? I’m glad that you are doing your research.


                                                        • Elise637
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                                                            I have been doing research for a while now, but I just stumbled upon this conversation and the situation sounds just like mine! I am a sophomore this year and considering adopting a pair of bunnies (although now that I’ve heard others’ advice, maybe just one) this coming summer, since I will be living off-campus next year. I was wondering if you ended up adopting a bunny this past summer and how things have been going if you have??


                                                          • Jordain
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                                                              I would rethink keeping your rabbit in your bedroom, especially if you’re a college student. You have to think of yourself first, you’re a student who needs to be healthy & well rested so you can do your best in school. Bunnies are really active at night which means they will wake you up even if you think you’re a deep sleeper. They have hay which creates a lot of dust, and they have fine fur which they are constantly shedding. You’ll also have pee and poop in your room (although bunny poops are not a huge deal) I thought I could have my bunny in my room too, but after 1 week I remembered that my bedroom is my sanctuary. Granted, I’m little more crazy about cleanliness than most and I have some allergies, but its important to have a clean, quiet space to retreat to.

                                                              Another thing to think about is housemates and roommates. Even though we love buns, most people don’t understand and some people are allergic. Having a rabbit can limit your options in housing as a college student it isn’t uncommon to be looking for a new place each year. Its better to have your bun in the living room a more open space where he can have more room to exercise and be free but some people will not want your pet in the common space.
                                                              I know my bun hated being only in my room, he was always itching to get out, now that he’s in the living room he’s super happy. Bunnies need space! Even if you built a vertical cage your bun will need space to run around. A small bedroom might not be enough room.

                                                              Also, yoou will become a slave to your bun. I spend hours obsessing over him, watching him, cleaning up after Murray and thinking about him even when he’s not right in front of me. Doing all of those things on top of school would be really difficult. I don’t mean to rain on anyone’s parade but having a pet is almost like having a child for someone in their young twenties! Its a huge commitment! I have to make sure that I’m around to feed Murray his veggies at 6pm and his pellets at 7am, not to mention having to feed him hay all day long and changing his water multiple times a day. Traveling with a bun is also not easy or cost effective. Being established in your life and your routine is super important for buns, but being a college student doesn’t guarantee routine or stability.

                                                              That being said, if you are willing to sacrifice all of these things and you find housemates who also share your love of bunnies i’m sure you would have a great time having a bun in college! These are just some points that people like to ignore when they are thinking about getting a pet. Its important to research all the cons of getting a bunny so you are certain that you can handle them.


                                                            • Sarita
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                                                                This conversation is from 2013 – we ask that members do not respond to old posts as it confuses members – you need to start a new post instead of piggybacking onto old posts. Going to lock this.

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                                                            Forum THE LOUNGE Getting a Bunny in College?