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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Im not evil. Am I?

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    • Kyoshi
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        I’ve heard alot about people shunning the idea of a pet store rabbit. Well (PLEASE DONT HATE ME!) I’m getting my bunny from a pet store. I’m afraid to post this, but i need the truth. I’m not evil am I? i’ve already fell in love with a bunny there, and I am just not willing to give up on it. I’ve been counting down the days till I can pick her up. I mean, trust me, I would DEFINETELY pick a shelter bun first, but the shelter around me have only 3 buns, ALL seniors. I really want a baby that will survive with me until I’m like, 16. I mean, I can’t find any more shelters near me. I am already going to raise money for Save a Bunny though! i started a group, the Bunny Buddies, with three goals in mind. 1. to raise money for me to get my bun. 2. To help bunnies get adopted. 3. to raise money for Save a Bunny! I am sorry if anyone is upsetted by my choice. I tried guys, K? I’m in love though. Please respond like NOW!


      • bunnnnnnie!
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          I do think it’s worth noting that not all pet stores treat their bunnies badly.  There’s a small local pet store that has a handful of bunnies for sale, and they treat them well.  Their cages are always clean, they always have hay in front of them, and they feed them Oxbow pellets.  They look happy and content.

          If there’s no suitable bunnies in your area for adoption (although I’m sure those “senior bunnies” would love to find a home..), then I don’t think a pet store bun at a REPUTABLE store is the worst thing ever.  I was considering buying a bun myself because the local humane society rarely has bunnies, and they get adopted VERY VERY quickly (ie, usually within 2 weeks of arriving at the shelter).  Then Zeus fell into my lap, and that was just plain ol’ luck!  


        • lashkay
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            I got my first bunny, Lash, a female Netherland dwarf who was extra special to me and a real honey-bun of a bunny! at a pet store in Berkeley that was very caring with their rabbits and I got to meet the breeder who had brought them in and she was very nice and gentle with her bunnies and gave me lots of good info for caring for my first rabbit. I too counted the days til I could pick her up. I had Lash 7 1/4 years until she passed away on the operating table from a tumor and once I found her, through the window of this great pet store, I never looked back. If it’s a good match and you know they treat their bunnies well, don’t worry if she’s from a pet store. The rule may be that it’s great to adopt from a shelter but there are exceptions to every rule. The important thing is that you love her and she’s happy and healthy. Best wishes in your union with your new bunny! Be sure to post some pictures.


          • mrmac
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              Don’t feel bad! Two of my four bunnies are from a pet store, they take very good care of the bunnies at this store. While it is great to adopt, sometimes they just catch you unexpectedly. I think it is great though that you are willing to help other bunnies with their adoptions and helping out rescues like Save a Bunny. Don’t worry, no one thinks any less of you! Can’t wait to see pictures of the new bunny!


            • Monkeybun
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                My Monkey was from a breeder, so don’t feel bad about falling for a bun in a pet store. Sometimes those little faces are just too hard to resist


              • LoveChaCha
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                  Please, do not feel bad at all!!

                  My bunny is also from a breeder! My boyfriend drove me 3 hours to and from the city I got my bunny from.

                  I had many fall throughts with other breeders before I found my bunny now. I am so glad that she is mine. I do not think I would have had a connection with the others. I admit, I fell for the cute baby bunny photo. She is what I wanted though – I wanted to grow with her and now is a big, bratty diva

                  The next bunny that I get will be from a shelter


                • bunnymum16
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                    my bunny is from a breeder too.dont feel bad.like you said,you can still help those bunnies from the shelter by raising money or donating bunny stuff.by next month,since i will be debt free,i am gonna allot some money to donate to save a bunny.
                    you can also volunteer at shelters if you want


                  • RabbitPam
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                      Welcome!

                      I think you don’t need to continue to worry about where you have found the bunny you want.

                      More importantly, you need to make arrangements and plans for the bunny living with you. I am a little concerned that you need to raise money to get one. You can’t tell us your age here on line, (you must be 13 or older to post) but it sounds like you are fairly young and still living with your parents? If that’s so, then legally your parents are completely responsible for your bunny’s health and well-being, so they need to be fully on board to own a bunny for at least the next ten years.

                      It is a routine expense – food, litter, hay, habitat, carrier, dishes, toys – plus being ready to pay any needed trips to the vet. If they are as happy as you are to be taking a bunny into your home, and just want you to take responsibility for it by raising money and caring for it, then that’s wonderful! But if they are against it, I must caution you to consider waiting until you can handle all of those factors yourself. It might help to have the family read the Bunny Info sections at the top of the site so you can see all the great advice provided here. Then everyone will be prepared for the new member of the family.


                    • Sarita
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                        I think more of the concern as well is if you will have the expenses to care for a rabbit – you mention that you want your baby rabbit to be with you until you are like 16 years old…so I’m guessing you must be very young. Rabbits can live up to 10 years or more if properly cared for and a senior rabbit is considered to be a rabbit 8 or over so I doubt those rabbits in the shelters are that old.

                        In any case, the initial cost of getting a rabbit and their supplies is just the beginning. Do your parents realize how much they cost per month? How much the spay or neuter could be. How much it could cost if your rabbit gets ill? It really can go on and on. I saw your post were you are raising money for this…I have to doubt that a stranger is going to give you money to help you with this and you should not be posting flyers with personal information either.

                        It’s not about where you get your rabbit but how you are able to care for the rabbit, that’s the most important thing with getting any pet. Loving your rabbit is just not enough.


                      • Beka27
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                          I responded in your other “bunny blog” thread with many of the same concerns as Sarita and Rabbitpam. We want what is best for you, your family, and for any potential rabbit friend. Your entire family needs to be on board with getting a rabbit and maintaining a rabbit in an appropriate way.

                          Generally, we DO NOT recommend rabbits as pets for minors. Too much can go wrong and if the parents are not 100% financially prepared and committed, bad things can happen. We’ve heard more horror stories than we care to admit about young teenagers who basically have no option but to allow their rabbit to die because parents are not providing money for necessary vet treatment.

                          Even if nothing goes wrong, teen years are a time of change. There is no saying that what you like and enjoy at 13 will still be of interest when you are 17. Also, college planning can be tricky since dorms do not allow pets. Are your parents willing to care for your rabbit while you are away at college? Are you going to choose to commute from home and stay with your rabbit, but then miss out on the “dorm experience” with your friends? Granted, college may be a long way off, but rabbits live a long time, so it’s entirely possible that these issues will arise.

                           

                          To address your initial concern about from where you might be getting a rabbit…  On Binkybunny, I think we do a pretty good job at not demonizing people based on where they acquire rabbits.  It is preferable that you adopt a rabbit from a shelter.  First of all, it is CHEAPER.  Many rescues only adopt out rabbits after they’ve been spay/neutered.  So right off the bat, you can save up to $400 and put that money towards supplies and a vet emergency fund.  Second (and most importantly) you are saving the life of a rabbit that may not have a chance otherwise.  Babies are cute, but messy and a lot of work/expense. 

                          That being said, if you find a rabbit at a petstore or breeder, that is your choice to make.  Remember, a petstore or breeder rabbit will not be any healthier/cuter/better behaved/friendlier than a rescue rabbit.  A rabbit is a rabbit is a rabbit.


                        • foxtailskies
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                            I agree with the age/college thing. My first house rabbit came out of a shelter, and the reason he was surrendered was because his owner went away to college and she could no longer care for him. He was only 2 years old, and his former owner probably didn’t realize that rabbits can live quite a bit longer than that. The sad addendum to that story is that he developed an ear infection complicated by previously hidden kidney disease a year and a half after I got him, resulting in $500 in vet bills and a rabbit who ultimately did not survive All things to keep in mind when adopting any animal… life happens, and sometimes it can be expensive. I would *definitely* make sure your family is on board with expenses and living arrangements when you go to college- my friend’s rabbit recently passed away at the ripe old age of 15, so they can be around a LONG time! (and I hope they do stick around that long!)

                            That’s great that you’re raising money for rabbit rescue though Besides that, one of the best things you can do for rabbits is just TALK to people about them. So many people don’t realize that rabbits can (and should) live inside, that they should be spayed/neutered, and even that they should eat a diet that includes more than just old-fashioned alfalfa pellets! Many people, in meeting my buns, are just FLOORED that they live happily inside, use litter boxes, don’t stink, and are just delightful personalities, even if they won’t come sit in your lap like a dog or cat.


                          • Kyoshi
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                              Oh no, I’m not very young, I can asure you that. I am just saying that the seniors have less than year in em. I cant afford to get attached and lose one in such a short period of time.


                            • Sarita
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                                How do you know the seniors have less than a year in them? I think your post mentions that you also want a baby because you want them to survive with you until you are like, 16…


                              • LittlePuffyTail
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                                  I think that giving a senior bunny a happy few last years would be a very rewarding experience. They so often get overlooked and I find that very sad. They still want to have fun and be loved too.


                                • Kyoshi
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                                    When I said that, I didnt mean it litrally guys ok? i’ve SEEN some of the senior rabbits myself, and have been told they are getting really old. I was just implying that the rabbits are old.(No offense to old rabbits everywhere!) I want her to make it WAY past 16. K? Thanks for the help guys. And thanks for being understanding. My mother has experince with rabbits! The only reason I need to earn the money is because we are on a tight budget (Hoping to move!) and my birthday is FAR away. I know a large amount on rabbits myself.


                                  • Kyoshi
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                                      Ok, I want to get one thing staight. I WANT his bunny, and I KNOW I’ll be a loving nurturing owner. I have younger siblings, and my parents (especially my mom!) LOVE animals. The only reason they are sceptical is because we want to move. My mom said she’ll cover vet bills, but not everyday rabbit stuff. I dont want anymore comments on my age. I dont like the idea of what I’ve ALREADY posted. I don’t want to post anymore. I also dont like how lots of people are saying I’m too young to get a bunny. You dont know my age guys. I LOVE bunnys, and i’ve been researching them for 3 years of my life. I would NEVER try for this bun if I wasnt ready. And I would HATE to have to post that I’m not getting one now because I got scared off by peoples comments on my age or something(Not that anyones scaring me). I’m proud and confident about getting this bun. I dont want to sound rude guys, but if I wanted all this, i would have posted a “should I get a Bunny?” forum pagey thingy. Don’t worry guys. This bunny will be ABSOLUTELY safe. And I would NEVER let my bun die on purpose. I am NOT a cruel person like that. I dont eat pork, lamb,tukey, or veal! i can’t even go FISHING, Let alone kill a poor defenseless baby bunny with no way to care for herself. (I know a good handful of you NEVER said anything like that. Please be Aware that this is not pointed at you) Please dont take this the wrong way guys. I think typing this just makes me feel better. I am very grateful for the advice many of you have giiven me. I just KNOW I dont deserve this crtitism(I guess thats what its called).I’m sure alot of you aremost worried about the buns well-being. I again, I cant stress this enough, can ASSURE you to INFINITY this bun will be safe.


                                    • Kyoshi
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                                        I’m sure about that. I just – well, it was love at first sight. I am definetely (Should I get a second bun)  getting a second one from a SHELTER. I am sorry to the buns in shelters. Heres my letter to them-

                                         

                                        Dear Bunnies,

                                                   I am sorry, but I wont be adopting you- for now. I truly wish I could. I’m sure you are ALL lovely animals. I wish I could adopt you. I’m praying that a very lovely person will come and adopt you, one that will let you run free and eat lots of greens and carrots.  I’m sorry I cant adopt you. I’ll send Kyoshi hugs to you.

                                         

                                         

                                        Guys, I really want this bun.


                                      • Beka27
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                                          Calm down. No one is saying you won’t be a good owner and we realize you want this bunny. I was a teenager not too long ago myself, and one of the hallmarks of that age is wanting what you want when you want it. I understand that all too well.

                                          The thing about public forums is we only know what you CHOOSE to share. When you post in another thread that you finally convinced your parents to let you get a bunny but you have to raise over $200 yourself, that sends up red flags as someone who is not financially capable of caring for a rabbit long term. You are not the first (and won’t be the last) young person on this site to want a bunny. Our responses are the same to all people (regardless of age) when we feel they might not be ready for the responsibility involved.

                                          You are free to get a bunny if you want and your parents approve. You are also free to post on Binkybunny if you choose (and all rules are followed). We are here to offer helpful guidance and advice, but in doing so, this may go against what you think is best. You can take our advice or not. Regardless, we will maintain our position that what is in the rabbit’s best interest always comes first.


                                        • Kyoshi
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                                            But, I mean, I want i to be in the rabbits best interest. I just want everyone to understand it probably is.


                                          • 4Lily
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                                              You want the bunny you want, & there is nothing wrong with that! I had turned down adopting one before I got buttercup, not that I wanted too but my boyfreind wanted to get his daughter what she wanted! LOL! She was adopted right after! It doesn’t matter where you decide to get a rabit, but once you have one there is a huge responsiblity that goes along with having one! Just do lots of research & be prepaired!


                                            • Beka27
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                                                Good! I’m glad that’s settled! We all want what is best for your future bunny. So if you have any questions about care or behavior, please don’t hesitate to ask.


                                              • Kyoshi
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                                                  Ok. i will. Well heres one. What is an x-pen?


                                                • Beka27
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                                                    An exercise pen. Traditionally used for dogs, but they’ve been found to make wonderful, easy-to-clean rabbit habitats. You can see more info about them in the habitat section.


                                                  • 4Lily
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                                                      LOL!  You can make a cheaper & better cage too! C&C grids!

                                                      as Becka has said & others, we just want to help & give advice! I think I can say for most, that we care about bunnies! Too many people get bunnies than when they realize what’s involved, they want to get rid of the bunny! & about adopting a bunny, they are already spayed/neutered & their personalitlies are known! But when you get a baby bunny from a pet store or a breeder, they aren’t spayed/neutered and personalilties aren’t known! I am very thankful of binky bunny, I learned so much off of here! Before we got Buttercup I knew what would be involved, I did the research, but my boyfreind did NOT! & he had to learn for himself! LOL! & we are both adults with full time jobs, it costs alot to own a bunny to feed propper food, give good toys & save for vet bills! I also recomend calling a vet to see how much a spay or neuter will cost & how much check ups are!


                                                    • Monkeybun
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                                                        I loooove exercise pens! And so do my bunnies Lots of room to play when they can’t be out in the rest of the apartment


                                                      • Beka27
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                                                          Here you get the idea of what an xpen set-up would be like.  This one is too short in my opinion, but it makes for a very basic set-up that is large enough for a rabbit of most any breed.  This pic is from the San Diego rabbits website.


                                                        • Kyoshi
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                                                            Thanks guys! in your opinion, which would be better for my situation? A Cube Condo, or X-pen? (Keep in mind I have to share a room with my sister.)


                                                          • mrmac
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                                                              A cube condo can be built upwards, if you are short on floor space. An x-pen will take up more floor room. If you have a cube condo the bunny might need more out of the cage play time depending on the size.


                                                            • Kyoshi
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                                                                Thats what I thought.


                                                              • Beka27
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                                                                  For tight spaces, building UP with a cube condo is a more efficient way at allowing space. An xpen takes up a minimum of 4×4 feet, so you’d need more than that amount of space available. So in your case, a condo might be best. And it can be changed around as your bunny’s needs change.

                                                                  Is your sister excited to get a rabbit?


                                                                • Kyoshi
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                                                                    My sister LOVES my guineas to death. I’m sure she’ll be even more excited with the bun


                                                                  • Kyoshi
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                                                                      I don’t know the breeds of the bunny. Her momma is all black, sleek, and has pointed ears. She’s slim as well. Not rib cage showing slim, but like, just slim. You can’t see her bones or anything like that. She looks very similar to that brownish black bun in the pic, only shes ALL black. I think it’s her breed, because other buns there are big, small, fluffy, and anything in between. I however forgot to ask about the daddy. ( probably a bad choice. I wish I did. I think I’ll call in a little bit.) They have a white bun there (he happens to be HUGE when he lays out.) and half the buns are grey. Would that give him a good chance of being daddy? I’m not sure.


                                                                    • MissKris&Koji
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                                                                        I don’t breed rabbits, but generally speaking mating a black and white animal will not produce grey. I believe red eyed white is dominant in rabbits, meaning if this white boy was the daddy you would see a lot of red eyed white babies, not grey. Grey I believe is it’s own gene type, diluted black colors are varieties of brown. Don’t quote me on this, but based on how breeding works in other animals I’d say very unlikely he is the father. But I’m sure the store would be happy to answer, if they know.


                                                                      • Kyoshi
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                                                                          Well, then maybe theres hope!! I saw a BEAUTIFUL lion-head, who I also wanted. He’s brown. Is there a chance HE could be the daddy?


                                                                        • Sarita
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                                                                            It seems strange to me that the pet store is actually breeding this rabbits…you really should go and ask the pet store yourself instead of just guessing if you are interested because there is no way we could know.


                                                                          • MissKris&Koji
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                                                                              Yeah, most stores buy babies once weaned from a breeder, that’s for all animals not just buns. It’s unusual but not unheard of that they breed their own, but I would be concerned about if they know what they’re doing and produce healthy babies if they are doing their own breeding.

                                                                              Its possible but not likely the lionhead is the dad. Does the litter have babies with manes or partial manes? If not, then definitely not. But, again, call the store. They should be willing to answer those questions. I’d also look them up for reviews online to make sure they are breeding responsibly and selling you a healthy rabbit.


                                                                            • Kyoshi
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                                                                                Thats true. I was just hoping for an estimate. Of course, there is the possibilty that someone bought momma, and she got pregnant, so they returned her. Or that they GOT her pregnant to begin with. And then theres a chance there was a surprise litter.


                                                                              • Kyoshi
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                                                                                  The Last time I saw the babies was on their literal BIRTH day. So I’m not sure. They just looked like little rats. But i’m going to see them tommorrow. So I’ll give you guys an update. I’m gonna call now too.


                                                                                • Kyoshi
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                                                                                    I just called. They said that it was a surprise litter. I’m gonna check em out soon, So I can check myself.


                                                                                  • Kyoshi
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                                                                                      Just to be clear, They DID NOT breed her themselves. They said she just suddenly had a litter. So That means (at least I’m pretty sure it does) the got her already pregnant, and she had a litter there.

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                                                                                  Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Im not evil. Am I?