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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.

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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Going on Outings

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    • LopLover
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      29 posts Send Private Message

        So, you may not know this, but I have Bi-Polar disorder and Igloo is actually a registered Emotional Support Animal. Part of the reason he was obtained from a breeder was because we were looking for a specific line, where the bunnies are bred just as much for temperament as for looks. I know this breeder well, because I used to breed and show Guinea Pigs and dogs for 4-H when I was younger. 

        Anyway, her line has proven to produce very calm rabbits. Igloo is startled by basically nothing. Part of it may be because I’m so clumsy and he lives in my room, so he quickly got used to the occassional loud thump from me running into something or knocking something over, and the tv being up moderately loud because I’m also hard of hearing. The biggest reaction I’ve ever gotten out of him, because of a loud noise or sudden move, is a lift of the head, a chatter of the teeth, and then he goes back to whatever he was doing before, which is usually sleeping during the day. I also hold/cuddle/carry and pet him CONSTANTLY. As a result, I can really do what ever I want with him, including put him on his back, and he’ll lay there without being held, wiggling his nose and purring while I scratch his tummy. He’ll come up when he sees his teeny spiked collar (only for pictures!), and lay there patiently while I fiddle to put it on him. He’ll even come up to strangers for pets, once they’ve been in his room for an hour or so and he sees that we’re all relaxed. He won’t let them pick him up without a fight, so I just tell people to leave him on the ground, or I’ll pick him up and put him in their lap, to which he’ll kick his hind legs out, lay down and stay there as long as I’m in the room. So, my rabbit is really more like a dog. 

        Anyway! Today I’m planning Igloo’s first real outing. He’s been in the car for a ride to the vet, and my mothers house, but never to a public place. He loves car rides, and gets really excited when I open up his carrier, hopping into it and nestling down. I probably wouldn’t even have to close it, if it weren’t for safety issues. My coworkers have been dying to meet him – he’s all I talk about lately. I work in a very small head shop (shop that sells vape stuff and MMJ paraphernalia), there are only five of us, plus management, who’s literally never there. I’m planning on only stopping by with him for MAX a half hour, and holding him/allowing him to retreat to his carrier, the whole time. Since it’s indoors, air conditioned, and generally quiet, I’m not worried about him getting too overwhelmed. The biggest thing I’m worried about is keeping him away from his pellets for that long, and germs since he’s a baby. The shop is always super clean, and I plan on telling anyone to sanitize their hands before touching him. 

        I’m wondering if anyone has tips for making him more comfortable. I want him to get used to occasional car rides, and I definitely want him to be used to different people coming to pet him, so he never becomes a biter. He’ll have his carrier, his hay stuffed cardboard toy, and of course a dish of water for when we get there. He’ll be in a controlled space as well. I’m thinking about bringing some pellets a long to give to people to give to him, so he learns that people are good, do you guys think this would be a good idea? 

        Afterwords, I’ll be dropping him off at home so he can have some alone time and decompress while I go to a doctors appointment. Does anyone else have an ESA bunny? Or take their bunny most places with them? I think, as bunnies go, Igloo is a great candidate for this type of “work” because, like I said, I can fall out of my car and he barely bats an eye haha!


      • Megabunny
        Participant
        2041 posts Send Private Message

          Wow! Sounds like you’re a very together person and I cannot think of a THING to add to this. So why am I responding? I don’t know. I just noticed noone had yet. I think sometimes the really long posts don’t always get read, but it hasn’t been that long, so we’ll see if someone with constructive ideas jumps on. So glad you have this little guy


        • Kokaneeandkahlua
          Participant
          12067 posts Send Private Message

            You sound very prepared as Megabunny says!

            The only thing I might add, is watch his behaviour when people want to pet him. If he is alert and happy let them pet him, if he’s cowering or looking to hide, allow him too and let them pet him next time (or the time after that) when he’s more comfortable. Reaching hands when you are afraid will make it worse -but if you let him adjust first and then allow nice petting, that will be better received I think


          • HereComesTheBun
            Participant
            107 posts Send Private Message

              It seems like you have everything under control! Igloo sounds like a little love. Though you obviously know your rabbit and his limitations much better than we do, I agree that watching his behavior when people pet him is a good idea. I also really like the pellet idea, too.

              Also responding to say that my Hugo is an ESA, too! In my case, he’s mostly company for when I’m at home/comfort for my anxiety, so I don’t bring him places (with the exception of the vet, of course!). But it’s great to hear of someone else who has an ESA bunny. I’m obsessed with the little ESA ID cards.


            • Bam
              Moderator
              16838 posts Send Private Message

                It sounds great. Love the pellet-idea. The quickest way to a bunny’s heart is via food =)

                Best of luck to you on your outing!


              • LittlePuffyTail
                Moderator
                18092 posts Send Private Message

                  That is so great that your bun is an emotional support animal. I know nothing calms me down like spending some quiet time with my buns. I have OCD and anxiety.

                  Wishing you well on your outing!

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              Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Going on Outings