Tips?

[BananaBunny^_^]

Hi there! I’m new on this website. I’ve been wanting to get another bunny after having to give her away. Here’s the story…

So in late spring of 2015, I decided I wanted a pet. I didn’t want a hamster, I didn’t want a goldfish, and I also didn’t want a reptile. So I did some reader has on what pet I would be able to care for and what I liked. No chinchillas, no Guinea pigs, so Degu’s, so I finally decided on a rabbit. After 2 months of non stop research and blurting out facts to my mother to give her the hint I wanted one, she agreed. She had a bunny when she was my age, so why the heck not. Anywho, I kept searching and searching until I found an add on Craigslist for a female bunny. I went to go see her, and decided to take her home. Being the nosy, irresponsible girl that I was, the ‘Willow’ who I named after bringing her home, was in a small SuperPet cage, had limited hay, and I was petting her as soon as she got home. Even through all the research I did, I followed only a little. Willow scratched me, bit me on numerous occasions, and just did not like me. Skip forward 2 months, and we got evicted from our house. We found a house, but it was in a different state, 4 hours away. So, we packed everything up. Then came Willow. I loved that little turd nugget so much, but for her, I decided it was best to not bring her, even though this new house allowed pets, I just didn’t want to put her through the stress of driving 4 1/2 hours with screaming kids in the back. So, she went to a wonderful home with 2 twin girls, who had previous rabbit experience. I get frequent pictures and updates in Willow, so I know how she is doing.

Now comes the actual problem. I really want to get another furry friend, and my mom agrees. It wouldn’t be for at least 4-6 months though, because we don’t know if we are going to stay in the current house we are at. I’ve done a ton of research, and I’ve made a pact with myself that I won’t get this rabbit until I have everything, as I had nothing but a cage for Willow. I’m planing to get a Holland Lop Male from a breeder, as there are no rescues where I am currently that have rabbit, otherwise I would adopt. I want to get a baby, so I can raise him the way I want, probably around 2-3 months old. I already have a cage planned out that’s 3 feet wide, 4 feet long, and 2 feet tall. He will have all day floor time, even while I’m at school. Everything will be bunny proofed and I already have vet and neuter money set aside. Getting to the point, I just need some tips on handleing a baby rabbit, and also just tips in general. Thanks for reading my long, boring backstory!

[LBJ10]

Hi Jyllian! Welcome to BB!

FYI – I removed your age from your post since this is against forum rules. Nothing against you, we just want you to be safe.

I think it’s very responsible of you to wait until you know if you will be staying where you’re at before getting a new bunny. You wouldn’t want to end up in the same situation as before. It sounds like you’re doing tons of research and you want to do things “right” this time. I guess my advice to you is to always remember to think long term. Bunnies can live 10+ years with proper care, after all.

Baby bunnies are great. Everyone loves getting a baby bunny. But babies are like a box of chocolates (hopefully you get that reference). The personality of a baby bunny does not predict the personality of that bunny as an adult. It really is a surprise. LOL I only say this because you made the comment about wanting to raise him the way you want. Maybe I misunderstood what you were trying to say?

[BananaBunny^_^]

The only reason I really want a baby bun is because there’s no shelters near me, only breeders. Also, I would love to teach bun some tricks, like jumping! So I think that I should start out early with that

[pinknfwuffy]

Hi Jyllian! Welcome. I think it is great that you are putting this much thought and time into your pet plans. I’m sorry you had to give up your previous rabbit but am glad she found a good home. That said, I agree with LBJ10: be prepared for a long-term commitment, especially with a baby bun. Like with any animal, young ones tend to be sweet and loving but do not always stay that way once they get older. All rabbit personalities are different. If you do go with a breeder (since there are no shelters in your area), make sure to look into their business and experience to make sure they are reputable. When you do decide to get your bun, they may allow you to meet the babies early on and visit periodically until they are ready to go home. I would also find out of there are any 4-H programs in your area as they sometimes have connections with reputable rabbit breeders or re-homing situations.

You seem to really love rabbits and have done your research. Kudos! Again, be prepared to have a friend for a long time. With any new pet, you’ll want to let them settle in first before trying to play or pet them too much. Leave them be for the first day or two and let the rabbit tell you when they are ready for more interaction. The more handling a young rabbit has the better they will tolerate it in the future, but you never want to push them too far before they’re ready. I would suggest sitting on the floor near them with treats at first and letting the bun come to you.

Good luck!

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