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BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

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 Bunnies becoming too much….

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    • Nature Nerd
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        Hi guys! I’m not really sure where to put this post so I just went here…..

        So when I got my bun I knew it was a lot of work and money, but I ended up getting my brother’s bun as well so now it’s double! The price is too much for me and my family isn’t enjoying all the work that goes into it (driving to the pet store for hay and food and having to share veggies…). I love them SOOOO much but I just don’t think it’ll work out. I’m thinking about rehoming them…..I’d like to keep Jack, the friendlier one, but I think it would really kill him to separate him form his bro. Does anyone have ANY suggestions to make owning them easier? (I’m too young for an actual job but this summer I will be doing stuff like cutting grass, weeding, and pet sitting) Thanks so much, all help is dearly appreciated 


      • pinknfwuffy
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          I’m sorry to hear that keeping your rabbits has been stressful for you and your family. They really are a lot of work, especially if you were only were planning on having one and ended up with two. I think it is a good thing that you are able to recognize the strain that it is putting on your family–a lot of people are not willing to admit that, so kudos for being self-aware.

          If the two rabbits have bonded it is usually best to re-home them together. This may be difficult for you but bonded rabbits are happier and healthier when they are kept together. If they are not bonded then you might be able to find a home for one of them by reaching out to your local animal shelter.

          If you decide to keep both of your rabbits I would suggest trying to find bulk retailers for pellets, hay, and litter so you can save money and not have to make as many trips to the store. Lots of big-box pet and farm stores sell large quantities of these items that will save money in the long run. If there are any farms near you they might sell bulk timothy hay for cheap. As long as it is stored properly it will last a while.

          Veggies are more difficult because they have to be fresh and produce is pricey. Do you have any space to garden? A lot of rabbit owners grow herbs and leafy greens in pots or seed trays. That way, you can grow some of your own produce. This is also true for wheat grass which grows quickly in trays and doesn’t need soil to sprout.


        • Nature Nerd
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            Thanks for the tips I do love gardening so that will be fun (thank goodness it’s spring so I can plant), and I live in the middle of nowhere with lots of farms so I’m sure finding hay won’t be hard….Thanks so much for the advice on rehoming them together. If I do, I will probably cry for a week though


          • LBJ10
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              Aww, I’m sorry to hear this has become a stressful situation. I agree, farm hay may be cost effective and easier to get. For pellets, have you considered ordering them online? Some places offer free shipping for orders over a certain amount.

              As for veggies. I think in situations like this, it’s important to remember that the feeding guidelines are a perfect world scenario. If you are struggling to purchase large quantities of veggies, then don’t. I’m not sure how much you’re feeding them each day now, but you could consider feeding them less greens. Again, not the ideal, but I think the buns will be fine as long as they are getting what they need. And some veggies are better than none.


            • Stickerbunny
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                If your family doesn’t like driving to the pet store… then don’t. You can order pellets in bulk online for cheaper than you get at a pet store anyway. A 25lb bag of Oxbow online = the same price as two 5lb bags at petsmart. Hay, again, you can order bulk online or get it from a farm. I purchase food in 3 month supplies, sometimes more, because it’s cheaper and easier than having to constantly run to the store and over pay for it. I get a 50lb bale of hay for $7.99, which is as much as a small bag of Oxbow hay here…

                For veggies – while a huge variety is good, you don’t have to do that. You can buy cilantro and parsley and things like that very cheap and store them in a veggie keeper and they’re good for up to two weeks (if you buy them fresh). Carrot tops, you can keep in water and it will regrow. You can also grow your own broccoli and such if you have a garden.


              • Nature Nerd
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                  I do order pellets and hay online, but it’s not really enough (especially with a weekly $3 allowance…). I’ve heard of a no-pellet diet and almost considered it, but I want my bunnies to have the best life, and no pellets sounds like a kink in that plan…lol. I will try veggies in the garden and the jobs this summer will probably help a lot, but for now, thanks


                • LBJ10
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                    $3?! What does a young person buy with $3 a week? I’m not just talking about things for pets, I mean in general. o_O Sorry, I’m not intending to be rude. But $3 per week seems a bit perplexing to me.

                    Generally, a no pellet diet is more expensive than one that includes pellets. If your bun is on a no-pellet diet, they need a wide variety (and larger quantity) of veggies to make sure they are getting all the nutrients they need. What kind of pellets are you buying?


                  • Nature Nerd
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                      LBJ10, I misled you! I get $6 a week, but I put half in my college fund. Sorry ’bout that and thanks for the advice on all pellets


                    • Nature Nerd
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                        Oh and also…..I ended up giving Twix (the mean one) back to his original owner. Jack was going to go too because I didn’t want to separate them but I cried so many tears I probably could’ve filled a pool (he licked my hand for the first time ever!!) so I just decided to spend as much time as possible with him to keep him from being lonely


                      • Boing
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                          Jumping into this a bit late, but here’s my advice in case it’s still relevant.

                          In addition to farm hay, try feed stores. They sell individual bales of hay. You’ll pay ~$8 per bale, rather than ~$5, but it’s still a huge savings over pet stores with no obligation to buy in bulk.

                          As for veggies, depending on the cut of hay you get, you may not need as many. The feed store I discovered earlier this year has second cut, mixed grass (~50% timothy) horse hay. It’s very rich. I give them fewer veggies and fruit, because it’s second cut and not all timothy.


                        • Nature Nerd
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                            Thank you, Boing. Good advice is never too late


                          • sarabelle
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                              I know the stress of trying to take care of a bunny on a tight budget, when it comes to veggies, look for deals at local supermarket, romaine hearts, kale, cilantro and parsley usually run pretty cheap. Carrots can also be low cost, maybe buy the bags of lettuce too instead of singular heads! Hope this helps! Take it from a girl that has 3 guinea pigs and a rabbit!

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                          Forum THE LOUNGE Bunnies becoming too much….