Do all buns go nutty during adolescence?

[Urfcerin]

I am looking to add a holland lop bun to our family soon and am debating between a mature rabbit or a young one. I’ve checked local rescues and our SPCA and there are none available at this time. My question is, do all buns get a little crazy when they sexually mature? We definitely plan to spay and neuter, does this help tremendously in terms of personality? We’re also debating male vs female. We just want a friendly rabbit for a family pet. Anyone out there have a bunny who sailed through puberty without becoming aggressive, territorial, etc?

[peppypoo]

Yes, there are occasionally bunnies who don’t exhibit the full range of hormonal behaviors – my first bunny, Tammo, was one of them. There’s the occasional member around here who lucks out with a bunny that doesn’t go nutty, but I wouldn’t by any means count on this happening. Spaying/neutering doesn’t change their fundamental personality, but rather it removes the sexually driven behaviors that we generally don’t accept in house pets such as territorial aggression and marking. However, do be aware that even after a spay/neuter, many bunnies can be quite naughty until they calm down around 1 year of age. It can be a very frustrating few months, and for this very reason I don’t think I would raise a baby rabbit again given the choice. They’re adorable, yes, but so much trouble!

Also, if you’re looking for temperament, looking for an older rabbit will allow you to get a better idea of his/her personality. Taking a young rabbit into your home is kind of a shot in the dark as far as personality goes, since it has not fully developed at a young age and is subject to change. I would recommend looking for mature rabbits and meeting them in person to get an idea of their personality.

[BinkyBunny]

I just wanted to ditto Peppypoo – great advice. Also, i know you had mentioned a particular breed you have in mind, but do you have any rabbit rescues near you? The reason I ask is they would be great at matching personality with what you want. You may find that it’s another breed entirely (or a mixed breed). So if you go into looking for characteristics and personality, instead of breed, you might find the perfect match. Also, some rescues already spay and neuter by the time you adopt, and that could solve that issue of having to worry about the possibly nutty stage. (plus it would be less cheaper).

Just thoughts to ponder.

[Urfcerin]

I applied to the one rescue that is closest to me and they said I am still too far away and it wouldn’t be possible for them to do a home visit. They referred me to our local SPCA who only has large breeds available now. We are really looking for a smaller breed due to the space we have available for a pen, etc. I’m going to keep trying as I really would prefer an older rabbit!

[NuggetBuns]

Totally agree with peppypoo and BB on this one! Adopting an older rabbit would be better because they are more mature and their personality shouldn’t change once they are in your hands. Most of them should also be litter trained which is a plus. Keep in mind that if you want a smaller breed, they usually are more active and contrary to belief, will need more room to hop around. Good luck and keep us updated once you’ve found your bun!

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