Introducing Alphonse Muncha

[Tuppence]

Sunny salutations bunny enthusiasts! Long time lurker and first time poster here. I just wanted to introduce myself and my handsome big boy Alphonse (also known as Alfie/The Alf.) To preface, Alfie is the second bun I’ve owned. My previous little friend, a mini lop named Ragnar on account of how bold and adventurous he was, was literally scared to death by fireworks last New Years Eve (which the vet later informed me was not an isolated incident; the fireworks in the park near my house have caused several neighbourhood rabbits to have heart attacks.) I had only had him for a couple of months, but we were already the best of friends. I arrived home just after midnight on New Years Eve to find him terrified out of his wits in a corner of the lounge room. I picked him up and took him into my room where I put him on my bed to comfort him. I lay down next to him and stroked his head and reassured him in a quiet, gentle voice until he calmed down. Once his heart had stopped racing, I took him back into the lounge and offered him a piece of apple, which he refused (and which was most unlike him.) This concerned me, but he no longer seemed at all frightened and he just hopped over to where his toys and litter box were and assumed the loaf position. I told myself I would check on him in a couple of hours, set my alarm, and went to bed. When I woke up, I was immediately overcome with a sense of dread. I went out into the lounge room and found the poor little fellow next to his snack bowl. He hadn’t touched his apple. He was only three months old. 

I was so devastated by the loss that within a couple of days I started looking for a new friend to fill the bunny shaped hole left by Ragnar’s departure. My boyfriend (with whom I live) wasn’t sure if getting a new rabbit was the right thing to do, but I assured him that it was. A few days before my birthday in the middle of January, I went out to meet a lovely elderly Eastern European gentleman who has been breeding Flemish Giants and British Giants for pets/show his whole life. I was immediately overwhelmed by how much pride he has in his rabbits. So much so that he has a huge vegetable patch exclusively for them to frolic in. I had my heart set on a rabbit with agouti colouring like little Ragnar. He opened the nest to let me take my pick. This was the first time I had ever met any Flemmies and I was overwhelmed by how friendly these little guys were. The breeder obviously adores all his bunnies, speaking to them as though they’re his own children, it was truly heartwarming. The little ones came bounding up to us with their comically big ears and paws, all curiosity and inquisitiveness. There was one that stood out from the rest, being the only one who wasn’t sandy in colour. 

“Isn’t he beautiful?” said the breeder, handing me the baby bunny.  As he snuggled into the crook of my elbow, I knew this was the bun for me. Four months later, and bringing home Alfie has proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. He is the most affectionate, laid back, well behaved rabbit I could have wished for. Though he is due to be neutered next week, so I am preparing myself for potential post-snip hormonal insanity. Personally I am opposed to keeping animals in cages so he has free reign of my bunny-proofed house, even though he seems to have no interest in any room bar the lounge where he likes to lay sprawled out or on his side in the middle of the floor in full view of everything and everyone. He has a big dog kennel without a roof that he uses as a litter box (he’s already too big for a regular litter box, and in spite of being an intact boy he doesn’t spray, but once or twice he has accidentally piddled over the side of the box because he couldn’t fit his big furry rump in it.) I have also used four extra-large dog pens to section off part of the yard which I have set up with piles of bamboo and willow for him to rearrange and gnaw on for when I am home to supervise (we don’t really have any predators in inner city Melbourne but that is not a chance I am going to take, and our neighbour has a horrid cat, and even though Alfie is both fearless and already bigger than it, I don’t want to take any chances with that either) and it isn’t cold or wet outside. He isn’t a digger or a chewer, but he does love to groom me and “comb”/tug on my hair when I lie on the floor. And the bunny kisses! He will spend a good ten minutes licking my face, arms, legs… He also loves to follow me around, and races up to me first thing in the morning or when I get home, butting me with his head and demanding pats. I’m actually convinced that he is a dog in a bunny suit. He is the most wonderful bun, and I am looking forward to sharing more stories and photos with my fellow bunny huggers!

[pinknfwuffy]

Congratulations on your new friend Alfie! While I’m sorry to hear about your previous rabbit, it is obvious you have given them both safe and happy homes. Alfie will surely live a delightful life in your care. I’m so glad to hear that your bond has grown so strong and I wish you both many years of bunny friendship. Welcome to BB!

[Bam]

I’m very sorry about Ragnar.
Alfie does sound like a wonderful bun! Love his name

[Tuppence]

Thank you! I do try my best. Loitering around this forum and interrogating friends who are vets and/or rabbit owners has provided me with invaluable advice and instruction on bunny parenting. I’m by no means an expert and I’m sure my rabbit education will be a lifelong process but I’m hoping I’ve gotten off to a good start.

Bam, I’m glad someone got the inspiration for his name!

[ThorBunny]

Welcome! Alfie is gorgeous

[Tuppence]

Aw, thank you! Fun fact: Thor is my dad’s nickname 

[jerseygirl]

Belated welcome from a fellow Aussie! Ive already spotted handsome Alfie around the forum. He sounds like a delight.

It was nice to read about the doting breeder you got him from. They are too few and far between.

You are spoilt for vets in Melbourne with 2 clinics that specialise in rabbits!

I am very sorry about Ragnar. They must have been terribly loud fireworks to have affected several rabbits like that. Im glad Alfie has helped you deal with the loss of Ragnar and that you have him in your life.

[Tuppence]

Thanks jerseygirl! I do tend to regard breeders with some degree of trepidation so I was pleasantly surprised. We are definitely spoilt for vets here. There is even a vet who specialises in rabbits at the clinic on my street! Though I am also very close to the Lort Smith, which is quite a bit cheaper. The fireworks were horrendous, and so very unnecessary. The New Years Eve party at that particular park is notorious for being a loud, obnoxious mess. My house is a double brick Victorian terrace which is largely soundproof too, so I hate to think how much more terrifying the noise would have been for bun if he was outside. Fireworks should be banned.

[Author]

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