Hi, I’m in need of advice..

[Farm316]

Hi all, I’m new to the forum and I just joined?.

The main reason why is because I am going to get a pet bunny, it’s a mix between a California breed/Silver Fox. The person said that they were 12 weeks as in a couple days ago. I was wanting a female so it wouldn’t be highly territorial. This is my First rabbit and I do need help raising her. Please give some advice. I’ve been surfing the web for short period of times and have gotten some info. I think I’m going to get her some grass hay to eat, but I’m not sure what I should really use for bedding. And the topic of veggies and fruits I really haven’t gotten the best info. We are going to get her a rabbit water bottle. For her cage. We’re urging her in our large dog crate and will probably cut a small chunk of cardboard to help her feel snug. I’m just afraid she might eat it or something like that. Please feel free to comment.

[tobyluv]

Hello and welcome to Binky Bunny. Click on the BUNNY INFO link at the top of the page for some great information on the basics of bunny care – feeding, housing, litter training, etc.

As far as I know, a male rabbit is no more territorial than a female rabbit. To control certain behaviors, as well as for health reasons, it is recommended that you spay or neuter a rabbit. You will need to find a rabbit savvy vet in your area to do that, as well as to have for any medical problems that arise. If you are trying to litter box train your rabbit (which may not be completely successful until it has been spayed or neutered) you should not have any bedding in the rest of the cage. That confuses them. You should only have rabbit appropriate litter in the litter box. For bedding, you can use fleece blankets. Just watch for chewing. It is okay for rabbits to eat some cardboard, but you don’t want them to consume a lot of it.

Most rabbits prefer a water bowl to a water bottle. They can access the water better with a bowl. A heavy crockery bowl is best.

Since the rabbit is 12 weeks old, you could still give it alfalfa hay, along with alfalfa based pellets, but it is a good idea to go ahead and introduce grass hays, such as timothy or orchard grass. There are lists of good veggies and how often to give them in the BUNNY INFO link. You really need to start slowly with any veggies, and not give too much fruit as it can cause gas and GI upset.

A Californian is a large breed of rabbit, so be sure that the crate is large enough. Your rabbit will still need some hours of out of cage time every day for exercise, in a bunny proofed room.

[Meg]

Totally agree! Also, if you wanted to get one book, not too long, I’d recommend the House Rabbit Handbook (http://rabbit.org/house-rabbit-handbook/). It’s a great introduction.

Welcome to bunny world!!

[Author]

Messages