I would like a rabbit...

**birtha** · #1 03-03-07, 12:52 pm

I was thinking of getting a rabit, right now I have two guinea pigs. Anyways I was woundering what are the pros and cons of having one?

Thank you

**naturestee** · #2 03-03-07, 02:09 pm

I don't know about "pros and cons," I don't think there's any cons that are important to me. But have you done any research yet? There's lots of articles on the internet that will help you decide if a rabbit or two is a good idea for you.

Adoption - Before You Adopt
What Are Rabbits Really Like?
Are You a Rabbit Person? Is a Rabbit the Right Pet For You?

The House Rabbit Society is a great place to start learning about rabbits.
House Rabbits - Behavior, Care, Rescue, Adoption, Education | House Rabbit Society

I also recommend that you go to a shelter or rescue and spend time with the rabbits there. You might even find the ones you want to adopt!

**birtha** · #3 03-03-07, 06:08 pm

Also I was thinking about getting a dwarf rabbit and I also wanted know if a guinea pig cage built for two would be big enough.
Thanks

**naturestee** · #4 03-03-07, 07:03 pm

So a 2x3 grid cage? That's okay for a a dwarf rabbit. Although don't narrow yourself down because there's lots of beautiful, friendly rabbits in shelters that are a little or even a lot larger.

You will be adopting, right?

**fashion victim** · #5 03-03-07, 08:43 pm

My rabbit has free run of the whole house. The only con I can think of is that if they get bored, they can get desctructive, so you have to bunny proof every imaginable little thing. My bunny even eats my college notebook if I leave it on the floor. I also had to change stuff around so that he doesn't have access to the Guinea Pigs or Hammies. He eats a LOT of vegetables. I read somewhere that they should have 5 different types of vegetables daily if they are having pellets, and if they aren't, they need 8 so they can get the neccesary nutrients; plus they also need unlimited hay.

**birtha** · #6 03-03-07, 09:09 pm

I want to adopt but where I like There is only cat/dog animaly shelter and ive looked at adopting online but I would have to drive a long ways. By the way what type of rabbit do you guys own and do you have any picts?

Thank you

**VoodooJoint** · #7 03-03-07, 11:22 pm

Birtha, check with local vets, tell the shelters that you want a rabbit so if any show up they should call you. Check Craigs list and newspapers. Believe me there are rabbits in need of rescue/rehoming in your area. Don't give up so quickly. With a little work you can save a life.

I just checked petfinder. There are many rabbits only an hour away Petfinder.com Many people drive that far to work everyday and are more then happy to spend way more time then that shopping in a mall. Isn't a living creature worth the trip?

**suzilovespiggie** · #8 03-04-07, 02:07 am

Where do you live? In Az near Phoneix there are 2 rabbit shelters full of rabbits. Check with your local Humane Society. My female rabbit came from the Humane Society, my male by a girl who no longer wantd him. My 2 rabbits live in my extra bathroom. It is a large bathroom and they run free. House Rabbits - Behavior, Care, Rescue, Adoption, Education | House Rabbit Society has alot of info on rabbits. My female is an Holland Lop, my male is a Fuzzy Lop. (they are fixed, so there are no babies) they are a bonded pair and inseperable. check with petfinder.

**naturestee** · #9 03-04-07, 06:51 am

I've found that breed is usually less important than the individual personality. Although in general the larger breeds such as New Zealands tend to have more gentle personalities and the tiny breeds like Netherland dwarfs tend to be more hyper and less people-focused, I've seen many exceptions to that.

Have you tried calling the shelters in your area? Many times if they have rabbits they don't bother to post them online, because they don't think they're worth the bother. If they don't have any at the moment but they do get them sometimes, you can give them your phone number and ask them to call you. Classified ads in newspapers and Craigslist-type sites are another good way to adopt rabbits, just make sure that the person is not actually a breeder. I found my two Dwarf Hotot girls through the classifieds in the local shopping paper.

IMO one hour is not far to go at all. I drove three hours one way to pick up my New Zealand foster boy, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

**VoodooJoint** · #10 03-04-07, 08:55 am

From one of Birtha's first posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by birtha

i live in the USA in Newport OR

**birtha** · #11 03-04-07, 11:47 am

Thank you for all of the wounderfull post and I have looked at them. First I have to get enough money and ask the parents.Also is there any facts about them that I should know?

**naturestee** · #12 03-04-07, 12:39 pm

Will you be able to afford spay/neuter if the rabbit isn't yet? Uterine cancer is extremely common in adult rabbits and very deadly, so spaying girls is a must. And boys tend to spray urine if they aren't neutered. Eww.

Will you be able to afford vet care if the rabbit is ill?

Can you let the rabbit out to play every day? Are you prepared to bunny-proof the area he plays in, and watch him to prevent him from being too destructive?

What are you expecting from a rabbit? Many people who have never had one have a false idea of their personalities. For example, they usually do not like to be picked up and would rather sit on the floor while you pet them. They can be litter trained but won't always be perfect. And they can be very destructive.

Will you be able to get two, or spend a whole lot of time with a single bun? Rabbits are social and often do best with a friend.

I'm not trying to discourage you because I don't know you at all. I just want to make sure you're making a decision that will be good for both you and any future rabbits.

**birtha** · #13 03-04-07, 06:52 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturestee

Will you be able to afford spay/neuter if the rabbit isn't yet? Uterine cancer is extremely common in adult rabbits and very deadly, so spaying girls is a must. And boys tend to spray urine if they aren't neutered. Eww.

Will you be able to afford vet care if the rabbit is ill?

Can you let the rabbit out to play every day? Are you prepared to bunny-proof the area he plays in, and watch him to prevent him from being too destructive?

What are you expecting from a rabbit? Many people who have never had one have a false idea of their personalities. For example, they usually do not like to be picked up and would rather sit on the floor while you pet them. They can be litter trained but won't always be perfect. And they can be very destructive.

Will you be able to get two, or spend a whole lot of time with a single bun? Rabbits are social and often do best with a friend.

I'm not trying to discourage you because I don't know you at all. I just want to make sure you're making a decision that will be good for both you and any future rabbits.

I know your not trying to be mean and I understand. I was planning on just getting one and letting it run loose a lot and even more when and if I ever got it little trained. I was planning on also getting a female. Trust me if I couldent do everything than I wouldent get one thats why I have been asking and serching the web and so far you guys have been very helpful, its just I want to know every thing there is to ever know on the animal before I get it.
So thank you

**suzilovespiggie** · #14 03-06-07, 03:12 am

If you let your rabbit run loose, you need to make sure all electrical wires are covered or out of the way. Rabbits love to eat electrical cords. Do you have a dog? They must be watched carefully around dogs also.

sproett · #15 03-13-07, 10:32 pm

I know Naturestee mentioned spaying/neutering but I wanted to stress how important that is. If you get one from a bunny rescue it should come altered which will save you some money. I almost got one until my husband found out he was allergic. They are a lot more work than cavies but I know they are worth it. I read somewhere they are more work than a cat but less than a dog.

**pink piggy lips** · #16 03-27-07, 11:32 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturestee

I've found that breed is usually less important than the individual personality. Although in general the larger breeds such as New Zealands tend to have more gentle personalities and the tiny breeds like Netherland dwarfs tend to be more hyper and less people-focused, I've seen many exceptions to that.

So, so, true. That's what I love about my Netherland dwarf. Although I will say he 'evolved.' He used to be an unneutered alpha male who ruled and would dance around my feet; and then spray urine on them.

He got neutered. Didn't do much at first. But then we took him on a bunny date and found the female he fought the least with (promising, huh).

It took a couple of months, but we finally got there and now they are very bonded. On top of that, he's much more submissive and 'honey bunny' about things now. He prefers to be groomed all day long; and occasionally, yeah, he is still a bit feisty. But usually only if you interrupt his nap.

Birtha, rabbits are very social creatures. I finally feel that my N. dwarf is fulfilled. I've also got another pair of buns, which originally began as a lonely, hyper-sexual misfit boy bun. Luckily he met the bun gal of his dreams, and they spend the days taking turns grooming each other. (yes, all four buns are spayed and neutered.)

Even if you take the time to really give your future bun the attention it needs; it will still long for another rabbit companion. My N. dwarf used to 'court' me when I was all the real companionship he had. But I didn't speak his language, so I really wasn't the most ideal mate for him.

I will also say that although they require some similar care to guinea pigs, please don't fail to recognize the difference in care. Their nutritional needs a little different, grooming needs, etc.

Read up and good luck!

Thank you suzilovespiggie for this useful post, says:
birtha (03-06-07)

User Name		Remember Me?
Password