New….Any opinions

[Gorgeous_Bunny327]

 So im trying to have my mom buy me a rabbit from a shelter, and i just want everyone’s opinions on how to prepare for a rabbit and what to do the fire week when you bring a rabbit home….i just want to know how everyone eles prepared for a rabbit and what they did to make the rabbit feel comfortable.

[tobyluv]

Before you adopt a rabbit, you need to make sure that you are knowledgeable about all aspects of their care, and realize what a commitment a rabbit is. Rabbits can live 10 years or longer. Most rabbits do not like to be held, and should never be forced to be held, but a lot of them will like to be petted. You need to be prepared to keep your rabbit’s area clean

You will need housing for the rabbit, whether it is a cage or an x-pen. A cage needs to be large enough, it should be 4 times larger than the rabbit. A rabbit needs out of cage time for exercise and play time on a regular basis, so you will have to bunny proof your house, or the rooms that it will run around in. You need to make sure that there is a rabbit savvy vet in your area. You can’t take a rabbit to just any vet. You will need other supplies – a bowl for food and one for water, a litter box, and rabbit safe litter, a carrier, grooming tools like combs or brushes. You will need to buy good quality pellets and hay for the rabbit, and to buy fresh greens and veggies as needed. If the shelter you adopt from doesn’t spay or neuter rabbits, you will need to have that done by a rabbit savvy vet, and it is pretty costly.

When you first bring a rabbit home, give it a quiet place to live in, speak to it softly and pet it if he seems to enjoy it.  The rabbit should let you know what it likes and what it doesn’t like, and you should respect that.  Some rabbits do not like hands reaching into their cage and will react to that.  Be attuned to the rabbit, notice his eating habits, pooping habits and his activity level.  If anything changes suddenly, it could be an indication of a problem, so you would have to closely monitor him in that case. 

If you click on the BUNNY INFO link at the top of the page here, you will find a lot of info on housing, feeding, health care, etc.  The House Rabbit Society website is also very  helpful.  They can be found at http://www.rabbit.org.

[Isabel]

I would suggest going to the shelter first and speaking to the caretakers about the responsibilities of owning a rabbit. Before I got my rabbit I spoke to a rescue volunteer, and she was INCREDIBLY helpful debunking and demystifying information about rabbits. I learned a lot about the furry little creatures that was otherwise not obvious, and I’m glad I spoke to her before hand.

A lot of people think of rabbits as cute, cuddly toys that are affectionate (similar to dogs) and are of very little upkeep. Although they are cute and some of them are super cuddly, they are not toys, not all are traditionally affectionate, and are high maintenance pets.

I got a rabbit because I live in an urban setting and couldn’t bring myself to get a dog with such little space available. I really missed taking care of something and knowing that you were having a positive impact on another being’s life. So I got myself a rabbit, as they are more social than smaller animals like guinea pigs, but less space demanding than dogs. I absolutely love having a rabbit! My little prince has so much spunk and attitude, and runs up for pets whenever I go to his cage. I’m really glad I made the decision to get a rabbit, but I didn’t fully realize the cost and maintenance involved, I think. Thankfully I’m responsible enough to continue to care for him, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind.

Keep us updated!

[bunnygirl]

I’m seconding the above posts. It’s really important to know everything you can about an animal before you get it. I spent 6 months researching and gathering enough money for everything, and then I gave up all my Christmas presents to get Apollo neutered. He’s my baby and he deserves the best life I can give! Are you prepared to give stuff up if it means you can get your bun? Do you know everything about feeding, caring, generally respecting rabbits? Read binky bunnys info section, search online, get in touch with local vets…do your research.

[Emandme]

I’d like to agree with all the above information.

I would add that I was one of those people who did this the wrong way around – and by that I mean I bought first, and learned second. I was lucky (and responsible, and determined) and firmly believe that I am the exception to the rule. So many poor bunnies discarded!

I read and read and read! I learned so much from this site among many others and from the vet and techs. I beg you to learn all you can before, but you’ll likely come to a point where you’ve kind of learned all you can from talking and reading. Then you learn from the doing!

The doing part is a lot of common sense: get down on their level and let them take the lead in getting to know you, maybe a little treat in hand might get their curiosity up. They are prey animals so letting them have a hidey spot right away makes them feel safer. They’ll learn to trust you soon enough.

I literally spent hours on the floor with Bunneh (and then Zinga) – just being with them. Instead of giving pellets in a bowl I put two tbsp in my pocket and hand fed them.

You’ll figure it all out if you’re determined and responsible. And save your money – neutering is expensive. Plus toys, greens, hay, bunny proofing, etc, etc!

Not to scare you off, but only to be realistic. Its totally worth it though.

[Gorgeous_Bunny327]

thanks to everybody for replying and giving me tips…i have read a lot of information about rabbits, and i am did try to get the everyones opinion on how difficult it can be to own a rabbit, but i am commited and i already started getting supplies so by time i adopt a rabbit, it will have a nice clean home to come to

[buttercup86]

I adopted a rabbit from a shelter that had already had him neutered. He was also already litter trained. I did it to safe money and because I have always wanted to give an abandoned animal a home. I do not regret it at all. There is a part of me that wonders what it would have been like to raise a bunny from a baby to adulthood and spend more time looking into breeds I may like. It is a lot more work then I thought though. No matter how much research you do once your invested you REALLY realize the costs and work involved. I am especially getting a taste of it now as he is sick and it cost me quite a bit for the meds. Be prepared for high vet bills if your bunny gets sick.

Also be prepared to try and be creative to entertain your bunny. I have had to think of new ways to get him interested as they are very different from cats and dogs. I did not realize that he would get bored of a new toy within an hour and never touch it again lol. This all depends on personality as well I suppose.

Hopefully I didn’t make it sound all negative…I love how excited he gets to see me when I get home from work and I love training him to come when he is called…he is so adorable to watch run around and get into trouble and he is always on some kind of mission! Enjoy your bunny experience!

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