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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Parents Say NO? Help!!!

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    • Savannah
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        Hi, I have wanted rabbits for at least 6 months now, and last night my parents talked about it and said no! They said that 1) It will smell, 2) They are expensive, and 3) where will it go? But I have told them that as long as I clean the cage once a week it won’t smell, that I understand how cost effective they are and I could pay for it, and that the cage could go either in our computer room or in the living room!

        My parents did say though, that since my friend is getting one, they could go see it and they might think it wouldn’t be as bad as they thought. Any tips for convincing them without making them angry???


      • Azerane
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          Your parents make a valid point on the cost. The set up cost can be pricey in addition to vet bills which can escalate very quickly for a sick rabbit. Spay/neuter for a rabbit usually costs more than that for a cat or dog too. There may be room for the cage to go, they simply may not particularly want it in one of those rooms.

          However, like you mentioned, it’s not a closed no that they’ve given you. Respect their decision for now and wait until your friend has her rabbit, show a keen interest and even offer to help clean out the cage once or twice so that you and your parents know you can handle it. Rabbits really don’t smell, there is a smell of hay, but a good litter box set up with wood pellets changed frequently will keep any other smells at bay.


        • tobyluv
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            You will need to figure out a good place to put the cage or pen. A rabbit can’t be caged all the time and needs adequate out of cage time for play and exercise every day. But you have to “bunny proof” any room that your rabbit runs around in. You mentioned a computer room. There are likely a lot of cables and electrical wires with computers, printers, etc. Rabbits love to chew on wires. You don’t want any of your items damaged and you don’t want the rabbit to get any electric shocks. Rabbits will also chew on furniture, baseboards, carpet, books, and all types of household items. If your parents relent and let you get a bunny after all, you need to be sure that house items and the bunny are safe. You don’t want to bring a rabbit home and have it destroy items. No one would want that, and it could be a reason for your parents to make you give up the rabbit.

            Instead of cleaning out a whole cage, you should have a litter box in it and only have litter or bedding there, not in the rest of the cage. It may be difficult to litter box train a rabbit before it has been spayed or neutered, but you could work on it. Having bedding all over the cage would confuse the rabbit and it might just use the bathroom all over. Or, if you adopt a rabbit from a rescue, it should already be spayed or neutered and probably be litter box trained. It’s really best to clean out the litter box daily. A rabbit normally uses one end of the litter box (after it’s trained to use it), so you just scoop out the wet/dirty litter daily and add fresh litter if needed.

            Rabbits can be expensive to keep, so you do need to make sure that you have adequate money not only to pay for the initial set up and the daily feeding, but to pay for vet bills if needed.


          • MrBun&Daisy
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              agreed with azerane and tobyluv

              we took in our MrBun on impulse to save him from the bad home he was in. we had no idea how much of a task it would be. we bought a small dog kennel because “he’s such a little bun!” well he had no room to run even though we made it 2 levels. and he was standing in his litter most of the time which led to yellow bunny feet. from there we used baby gates which he ate through. So now he (and daisy) has a custom made condo. their houses can be costly upfront but they need a good roomy place to be unless they are free roam 24/7

              Just like above-vet bills are expensive and often more expensive than a cat or dog. and buns need medical attention far sooner and more often than a cat or dog. emergency vets for buns are crazy expensive.

              I know you say you are prepared- but I would make sure you are fully aware of everything that comes with a bun. being here is a great start as I’m sure you see all our bunny adventures the good and the bad.

              I would recommend doing your research and being able to answer any question your parents could throw at you. when I was younger I would make presentations for my parents to try to convince them of something. Just show them you can handle it. pick a spot you would put the cage- explain exactly how it would be and how you would bunny proof that area. figure out if you have good rabbit vets in your area and how much they would charge if you do get a bun that is not spayed/neutered. having these answers will show them that you really have done your research.

              they are a lot of work and often a lot of frustration (their cute faces make up for that) but they are so worth it. Since your friend is getting one that will help you determine if you are ready for it. When you’re ready hit your parents with a full on professional presentation showing them that you have thought everything out.

              Oh and let us know what happens!!!! good luck!


            • MrBun&Daisy
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              • Vienna Blue in France
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                  Pester them convincingly for a pony for about a month, then ask again for a rabbit ??


                • VivaLaBunz
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                    I remember how annoying it was living with my parents because I am such an animal lover…I never got what I wanted =( However your parents have a point…rabbits aren’t smelly but they can be messy, especially one that is not spayed/neutered. Spaying/neutering is very important and can cost up to $500 or more because they always need to do a preliminary check-up and blood work before performing the surgery. You can save a lot of money adopting from a shelter because rabbits from shelters typically come fixxed. My spayed rabbit was only $75 from a shelter. If you get a smaller breed rabbit such as a Lionhead or Netherland dwarf you can get away with a smaller cage, but rabbits need at least 3-5 hours of exercise per day. This means an exercise pen or bunny-proofed room is required. Also be prepared to do a lot of sweeping and vacuuming as hay and poop pellets tend to get stuck to feet and clothing, and can be dragged around the house.

                    Not saying you aren’t prepared for all of these obstacles, but just be aware that your parents are right!


                  • Mikey
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                      1. “But I have told them that as long as I clean the cage once a week it won’t smell”. Hehe  Hormonal rabbits will need daily cleaning because their waste STINKS. I have gagged numerous times changing unaltered rabbits litter (granted, i have a weak stomach to bad smells). Even now after two of my three are neutered, i have to change their litter boxes at least once every two days. Badger, the current solo bun i have to clean once a day or else it fills the apartment. As a trio, i have to clean them once or twice a day to give them fresh hay and avoid too much pee smell

                      2. They are very expensive. Each neuter for my three has costed about 250$ for the preblood work (to make sure the rabbits body will react correctly to anesthesia), the surgery, and antibiotics that come after it. Spays for my vet cost about 350$ because they need more pain killers. The check up appointment for spays and neuters is another 50$. Every time we go in for a visit its 30$ base pay. Antibiotics cost 45$ on top of the cost of the visit. xRays are 200$+. Ultrasounds are 150$+. In depth blood work is about 200$. Hay costs us about 18$ per bunny per month (so a bit around 55$ per month for my three). Their cage (roughly 16sq feet for all three) costed about 300$ counting shipping, and due to mark stains we will eventually need to spend another 40$+ to replace the coroplast that was ruined. Their pellets are about 25$ a month for all three. Litter (we use cardboard based) is anywhere from 30$ to 50$ per month for all three, depending on where we have to buy the litter (pet store or walmart). They go through toys fast, so i estimate that per month we spend roughly 25$ on toys for all three buns. For greens, we spend anywhere from 10$ to 25$ per week, so roughly 40$ to 100$ per month, for all three. If they cant free roam a room, you will need an xpen which the walmart by me has for 50$ to 100$ based on size. So that makes….
                      Base cost (including spay/neuter) per one bun: 350$+ (cage/water bowls/food bowls/initial toys/neuter/spay)
                      Monthly cost per one bun: 75$+ (hay/water/toys/greens/pellets/litter)
                      Vet cost range (may vary) per one bun per single visit: 30$+ to 800$+
                      They are very expensive compared to many other animals, so your parents are not wrong with this concern with cost. Anything you couldnt afford would then fall on them to pay for which can get very costly

                      3. Is the room you plan for them to go big enough for their cage needed and their pen needed? Or their cage and will they be allowed to free roam? Will you be bunny proofing the room and cleaning up after them when they mark? I believe for a single mini rabbit it is recommended that their cage be 6sq feet (3ft x 2ft x 2ft) or bigger, and they will need a pen of 16sq feet (4ft x 4ft x 3ft [rabbits can jump high]) or bigger. If they can free roam the room you are in, then you will still need the 6sqft cage

                      One thing i dont see considered here, that is another important thing is the vet. Is there a vet nearby that is certified to work on rabbits? You cant go to a normal dog and cat vet, and you cant always trust someone who says they are an exotics vet. You have to make sure they are certified and have taken classes and have worked on rabbits before. Medically, rabbits are not like cats or dogs


                    • Muchelle
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                        So… here’s my two cents…

                        – On first week I burned 200€ just to get cage, basic accessories, pen material, food, first vet visit (yearly vaccine + coccidium treatment).
                        – Bunny proofing even one room is a pain in the butt, unless you live in a super modern home with no wooden furniture or visible wiring.
                        – Found out this bun has bad teeth genetics. In 6 months we paid 1000€ total for his surgeries, post-op care and medicines + I had to be home 24/7 with him to make sure he survived
                        – Is a mess to go on holiday cause he can’t leave the house and if he comes along, his cage/pen/stuff come along.
                        – Nope, forget about going away for the weekend or even for one night if no one can take care of the bun.

                        So… think about it very carefully. You might find the healthiest, most genetically perfect bun or end up in a vet nightmare like I have Maybe wait it out another 6 months and then if you still are solid rock convinced, resume with the convincing plan.


                      • Dface
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                          Like you, I figured they’d be cheap and cost effective, I recently added up my vet fees for one year with my chap, and it came in at about €1500. That’s before treats, food and enclosure-or costs of things he’s destroyed.

                          Also I think you are overlooking a big thing, you have to be able to commit around 8 years to this bunny. If you want to go away or travel your parents will have to care for it. Which, is probably where their reluctance stems from. Taking in an animal that they dont particular want in the first place only to get lumped with it in the long run is not a fun prospect! My brother bought a bearded dragon when he was 16. He wanted the lizard and loved it but when he was 22 he moved to New Zealand and couldnt take it with, leaving me with an animal I didn’t plan or prepare for! There was no way that he could have fortold he would move halfway around the world within 6/7 years, but he did, and his pet suffered for it, through no fault of his own.

                          I am not trying to say “Dont get a rabbit” but do be mindful that you are talking about bringing another little life into your home. One that has very particular needs- rabbits are social. You’ll need to provide it with enough attention that is doesn’t become lonely:like dogs rabbits do not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time.


                        • beebun
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                            I had the guts to get Chito once I’m already earning money for myself, but my mum initially said no too. Don’t try this, but I just went ahead and got Chito without telling her. I just told her about it when we’re in a taxi. Sent her a picture of him in his carrier with a message saying ‘look here’s your grandson.’

                            She was surprised and a tad dismayed, but it didn’t hit me how scary her disapproval can be until Chito had his first stasis. She was not willing to help, or allow me to go to the vet. I had to do it all by myself and hope for the best. I have the money, but it’s the stress of trying to save a life your family doesn’t think as ‘family’ that made me cry the most. Having your family or closest ones’ approval provides you with mental support should anything bad happen.

                            I think she saw my dedication and took pity (of us both) after that. Now when I have to go out she’ll watch over Chito for me, and I only need to worry that she’s giving him too many treats.

                            I concur with everybody else. This is not to scare you at all, but please wait until you have it all figured out. I know you’re very excited, but really, there’s no need to rush.


                          • vanessa
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                              I have to second Mikey. You will need to clean the litter box every day for unaltered, and AT LEAST every 2 days for altered. I have 4 buns. 3 have always been healthy. A previosu nun was sick and had tobe euthenized. Expensive. 1 of my current buns has always had medical issues. His vet bills are $360 on a good year, and $1000 on a bad year. If you are able to convince your parents, I would research which breeds are prone to which medical problems. If you are able to find a mized breed, I woudl go for that. Mixed breeds of all animal types – are less susceptible to breed-related medical problems. The opportunity to help your friend with her rabbit coudl be a turnign point for your parents. It will also give you an opportunity to learn. Rabbits are such complex creatures. Quite honeslty – when a young girl who I know said she wanted rabbits and cited me as a reference, I expressed that I only think peopel are ready for rabbits – when they are ready to have their own children. Rabbits are complicated, expensive, demanding creatures. Learning the ropes with your friend;s rabbit coudl be a good experience for you, and prepare you for when yoru parents do say yes. It will give you a better background to use for your new rabbit’s well-being. I would take advantage of this if I were you, keep the dream alive, and adopt a rabbit.


                            • RedeemerOfJustice
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                                Your parents need to know that Rabbits are responsible kinds of pets. Also know before purchasing a Rabbit, they need to be out for the span of more than 4 hours. The recommended cage can be an X-Pen, which can vary a cost to $200. Most of the times, adopting a Rabbit is the way, but they do bite when you first buy it when having to pay the Adoption Prices and etc. Note that they do smell, but their scent glands can be this case sometimes. I smell my Rabbit every so often and I have catch a scent, but since they clean their scent glands by their selves, I smell nothing at all.

                                I may be wrong, but understanding how Rabbits work is the way. Most sicknesses are able to become chronic at anytime. They hide sicknesses very well, so notice them before it’s to late! Also small guide, NEVER TAKE MEDICATION THAT HAS AMOXICILLIN OR EITHER PENICILLIN! They kill more than they cure.


                              • Odette
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                                  I second what most people have said: bunnies are expensive. You need your own source of income or supportive parents. Bunnies are a long term commitment.

                                  More than that, bunny personalities are hard to predict. Some will be funny and adorable when you meet them and scared when you bring them home. Some will change at puberty. Some chew. Some are aggressive. And almost all of that is helped by a spay or neuter. But sometimes, through no fault of yours or the bunny, you just don’t like each other. If you happen to get a bunny whose personality doesn’t fit yours, you have a pet for 8 years+ that you don’t adore. And almost all bunnies take time to adjust. I’ve had bunnies most of my life and I’d say two came with amazing personalities and kept them. The others took patience. I will readily admit being disappointed when Odette was scaredy. It took time. I worried she’d always be that way. And, honestly, some aren’t very affectionate. I’ve been lucky and I’ve been patient. You have to be mature enough to love them anyway. And, I am sure you are that mature. But, if your parents are already not into this, they may be less than happy if the bunny doesn’t bring you happiness.

                                  Last, I can’t tell you the heartbreak of loving a bunny and losing them. Bunnies sometimes die without you noticing anything is wrong. You might not have time to get to the vet. I think most of us who have had bunnies since childhood have experienced this and it breaks your heart into a million pieces.

                                  They’re wonderful and they are worth all of it, but bunnies are not easy pets.

                                  As others have suggested, help your friend first and revisit the decision later. 4H will put you both around other people who keep bunnies. Ask them about their experiences. Once you’ve spent time helping and getting to know the pros and cons of a bunny as a pet, you will make a more convincing argument. Your parents may be more likely to agree if they know you understand the long-term commitment and risk.


                                • Meghan4420
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                                    Hey fluffy wishes! I definitely know what it feels like to get a no for a pet (I LOVE animals). I had gotten many rejections (even after giving a heart felt presentation) from my parents when I asked for a bunny. One day we went to a pet store and we all fell in love with this adorable, little bunny. That day we came home with our little Eddie! Btw here is a huge and affordable cage that we bought for Eddie when he outgrew his old cage. https://www.amazon.com/Living-World-Deluxe-Habitat-X-Large/dp/B007BNE1YA


                                  • Meghan4420
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                                      So my advice is just to hold a bun at a pet store or at a shelter and see if your parents fall in love with bunnies as much as you have.


                                    • Meghan4420
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                                        *sorry my iPad posted things a bunch times


                                      • Savannah
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                                          MrBun&Daisy, I have already been doing research for about a year and have answered all their questions but they still said no :I
                                          And beebun, I have not rushed at all its been a year


                                        • Savannah
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                                            And it is a good idea to help my friend first to get some experience (which I will do), but it won’t help convince my parents much because they said the problem isn’t that I wouldn’t take care of them, they think I would take great care of them. And also, there is a pet store about 30 mins away from our house, we could go there just to look at the bunnies? (not to get any, I will of course be adopting)
                                            Any more tips? I need all the help can get! ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )


                                          • Savannah
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                                              Also MrBun&Daisy, you asked me to let you know what happens, so here goes: Right now I’m just giving them a bit of a break. That’s it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯


                                            • vanessa
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                                                Looking back at yoru first post, your parents reasons are (1) smell, (2) cost, amd (3) location. If they know you will take care of it (clean the cage at least every second day), that should rule out their concern for (1) smell. As for (2) cost – since you are still living with them, it will likely fall on them to fund your bunny. Some teenagers are ale to find jobs and help care for the pet financially. But in most cases, it is a matter of – “lucky me, my parents pay for my pet”, or the opposite. I was lucky. I had 13 guinea pigs, 2 cockatiels, numerous parakeets, and 2 lovebirds, and we always had 2 or 3 dogs. My parents paid for all the pets, and never said no, when we wanted another pet. I loved having so many animals, and I still have plenty of animals. Not all parents feel the same way. And that is something that is hard to change. That often is the number one reason that teenagers have ot wait untill they are living on their own, to have a pet. As for (3) location – you mentioned the computer room or the lounge. Your parents said – where will it go – because they don’t consider the living room or the computer room an option. Perhaps you could identify a spot in your bedroom. If they think a bunny will smell, they won’t want it in the living room, or in another common area.
                                                Seeign a bunny in a pet store doesnt’ do the home environment justice. It might help for your parents to see your friends bunny, at your friends house. If they see that a bunny (probably in a bedroom) is not smelly, that the cage can be kept clean to avoid the odor, that could be the easiest concern to eliminate. Then you have cost and location left. I woudl focus on bedroom for location. Cost – that’s ahard one. Do you have other pets? Are your parents used to taking them to the vet?


                                              • Savannah
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                                                  Thanks for the tips vanessa! My bedroom is very small and crowded so that’s a negative, and my parents definitely wouldn’t let me use it! And yes, I have a cat who has asthma and bad allergies, and I did have a hamster but we had to put him down last month . I don’t get why they don’t want the bunny(ies) in the computer room because that’s where we kept the hamster. They keep saying “It’s our computer room too, and it’ll take up too much space. Plus what about when the bunny needs to run around, who will watch it when you’re doing homework and how will we bunny proof it? ” That’s true but there isn’t really anywhere else for the rabbit pen to go, and I feel like they aren’t opening their minds and not listening to me . They’ve never even seen house rabbits before, except at the fair or something


                                                • Odette
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                                                    I’ll give you a pro and a con

                                                    Pro: Bunnies smell nothing like hamsters. If your parents think a bunny smells like a big hamster, they’re understandably concerned with smell. But I think hamster smell is from the urine on the bedding.

                                                    Con: But, bunnies need hay. Hay can be extremely irritating to asthma. I’m allergic to hay and it’s not just the hay, it’s the dust that can set off an attack. So, you need to know you can keep the bunny’s living space away from where your asthmatic cat spends most of his time. That probably takes out the living room.


                                                  • Mikey
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                                                      If they dont want a rabbit in the computer room, and thats the only room with enough room for a pen and cage, then you will have to wait until you have your own place to have a bunny. In the meantime, enjoy the friends rabbit and keep learning before you get your own fluff ball


                                                    • BunnyFriends
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                                                        You mentioned on a different thread if you got a rabbit, (s)he would live in an x-pen. How about a C and C cage? They can take up less space in a way, as they’re not as wide on floor space. Usually they’re a nice amount of floor space, then levels.


                                                      • Savannah
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                                                          Thanks for all your help everyone! Right now I’m just giving my parents a bit of a break. Also, did I mention I ride horses, show, and am part of the 4-H Horse Program? Just letting you know because it’s pretty time (and money) consuming, and that way you know a little more about this whole thing, and can give me some better tips.
                                                          P.S. Don’t suggest giving up horses, that’ll never happen


                                                        • Odette
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                                                            We would never suggest giving up horses. I love horses.

                                                            But, it does sound like you have a lot going on! You’ve done your research. Waiting is the responsible choice. When you’re able to get a bunny, I know you’ll make an excellent bunny human.


                                                          • Savannah
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                                                              Thanks Odette! I’ll let everyone know what’s going on daily, and if I have any more questions I will of course ask


                                                            • vanessa
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                                                                I really hope your parents come around 🙂


                                                              • Savannah
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                                                                  Aww, thanks vanessa

                                                                  (\__/)
                                                                  (=’.’=)
                                                                  (“)_(“) I saw this on a different topic and just had to copy and paste it.


                                                                • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                    If your parents are letting you be around horses you are lucky!!! I remember spending my whole childhood begging for a horse. I got one when I turned 16 and got my own job.

                                                                    My biggest bunny con, like the others have mentioned is cost. Even just the veggies can get expensive but then you add in the bedding ,etc, but the major cost is vet bills. I have a bunny who is pretty much constantly at the vet. He’s racked up some mega $ in the past few years.


                                                                  • Meghan4420
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                                                                      Good luck! I hope your parents say yes!!!


                                                                    • VivaLaBunz
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                                                                        Is it possible maybe to build an outdoor area for the bunny, or maybe in a barn (if you have one)? Not sure what climate or environment you live in but it might be possible as long as you take every precaution to protect the bunny against predators and weather. Bunnies definitely do better living indoors but outdoor bunnies are doable if you give them the time they need.


                                                                      • Savannah
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                                                                          an outdoor bunny would not work because where i live it is very cold, rainy, and windy

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                                                                      Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Parents Say NO? Help!!!