Hi there, new to the forum, new to bunnies!

[Fluffybunny84]

Hi there, my name is Emma and I have just brought home our first ever bunny today. He is about 4 months old and absolutely gorgeous! I’ve been reading this forum for a few weeks whilst finding out everything I can! He has a cage set up in our living room, the kids are desperate to stroke him and are been as quiet as a 2 and 5 year old can be! They are just sat by the cage waiting for a glimpse of him! I am just leaving him to it at the moment, since he worked out he could go in his little hidey hole he hasn’t really been out (don’t blame him!) My question is do I just leave him to get used to the place or do I try and handle him over the next few days? I held him for about 10 minutes when transferring him from his carrier, he seemed pretty chilled to be honest, or maybe he was terrified? I know there will be so much for him to cope with as I gather he was in a shed at the breeders house (he was unwanted when they realised ‘she’ was actually a he!) Do I move him to a quieter part of the house to start with? Soooo many questions, thanks in advance! Xx

[Love4Bunny]

Hi Emma Welcome to Binky Bunny, and congratulations on your little one. Have you and the kiddos decided on a name yet? Your kids sound so patient, waiting for their new bunny friend to come out and play, which is awesome.
I think it’s best to allow your new bunny to adjust to his new environment and like you’re doing, continuing to allow him to explore. A lot of us on the forum suggest sitting on the floor (reading, phone time), and allowing your bunny to approach you when he’s ready. Bunnies are curious, so they eventually get around to checking us out! You can also hand feed his breakfast or dinner pellets (or greens when his stomach can handle them), and that will get him used to being around you and the kids so he will feel safe and confident that he’s not going to be hoisted off the ground (bunnies typically don’t enjoy being picked up and like to keep their feet on the ground). Picking him up when you need to move him to another room or to the Vets is fine (just support his bum when you do). Yes, I would suggest moving him to a part of the house where he can see and interact with people regularly, but not where it’s constantly noisy. “Floor time” is the best kind of interaction you can have with a bunny. They like their ears stroked, and some like gentle cheek rubs. When they are content, you will hear a gentle chatter of teeth (loud crunch indicates pain and needs the vet). It’s really all about building trust with the bunny. It takes time but is so worth it. All the best!

[Fluffybunny84]

Hi, thanks so much for your reply. We think we are going for the name Ralph! It was funny because as soon as the kids went to bed and he heard my voice he came straight out to say hello! So I just had a cuppa and sat chatting to him by his cage. He is so cute. Our downstairs is quite open plan so everywhere is pretty busy the only other option is the porch but it’s cold and only used when we put shoes on to go out so not really a good option I wouldn’t have thought. At the moment, although the cage is in the living room it is down the side of the sofa so no one can run past or knock the cage as its in the corner. I guess he needs to be quite confined for a little while until he gets the hang of the litter tray and gets to know us but I cannot wait until he can run around the house a bit, but I guess he needs to set the pace!

[Love4Bunny]

Ralph is such a cute name for a little bunny. Would love to see pics! Busy area is not a bad thing. I think the area you currently have him in sounds good. I like exercise pens because they allow you to create as little or as much portable living or exercise space as you like. I house my bunnies in two connected Xpens with a tarp for flooring so they don’t chew the carpet and any wires, or my baseboards!
It’s a lot of fun to watch bunnies binky (the bunny dance of joy) or race track around the house. You’ll find bunnies like doing that more on carpet than tile. Also, bunnies are so distracting! It’s hard to get any work done because you’re always tempted to say hello or observe them when walking by. I’m sure lil Ralphie will set the pace. Don’t be surprised if he starts bossing you around

[Fluffybunny84]

Thanks, oh another question…at what age can I take him to be neutered? I’ve read different things on the matter. He is about 4 months. Quite understandably he is going to the toilet all over the cage and I heard it is trickier to litter train when they are not neutered. I really don’t want him confined too long but don’t want him to get used to peeing/pooing all over the house. So really sooner rather than later for the op! I just don’t want him to be at risk if he is too young OR traumatise him when he has only just come to us.

He is so inquisitive though and ate out of my hands this morning! He is also the cutest thing I have ever seen, pictures soon! My 5 year old son is being a star with him, just chatting next to the cage and taking his role of breakfast feeder very seriously! Thank again for your replies xx

[Love4Bunny]

You’re welcome Hehe, “Breakfast Feeder” (too cute).

Have you established care with a good exotics vet in your area? I would do that first, so your vet can tell you if the testicles are descended and all that, which happen around Ralphies age. I remember reading that concerns about desexing young applies more to Does than to Bucks. I think vets wait around the 6 month mark for girls but boys can be desexed earlier.

[Luna]

Hi! Can’t wait to see the little guy .

[Author]

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