Convince Parents to let me get another rabbit?

[TeddyTruly]

Hello! I have a 11 month old rabbit named Teddy. I am 14 and live with my parents. Teddy has seemed bored around his xpen recently, and I think a companion would be beneficial to him. But my parents say no more rabbits. I only have one, Teddy, whom I got in early December. I pay for teddy and his expenses fully, I still have 1200 in my bank account even after all of the expenses of his pen. I am to nervous to even bring up the idea of another rabbit, as I don't want to seem greedy or ungrateful, considering I got my child just a few months ago. And I love Teddy, and would be more than happy with just him, but I don't want him to be lonely. Any ideas? Is it even worth pushing for a rabbit so soon after I got Teddy? I love him dearly and would be more than happy with him alone. Thank you!

 

[Watermelons]

Is teddy neutered?
What is your plan if you have payed to spay/neuter both rabbits and they dont get along.
Do you have a job to continue to pay to care for both rabbits? What about unexpected medical expenses.

Rabbits can be perfectly happy on their own.
Its also your parents house and their word should be followed.

 

[TeddyTruly]

I do have a job, Teddy is neutered. We have a rabbit shelter near us that encourages rabbits meeting eachother. And I know! I'm not planning on getting one without their permission at all, I haven't even asked them yet, just wondering if there are any ideas

 

[KayDai]

Honestly I would say exactly what your first post says! Mention how you don't want to seem ungrateful and that it is good for rabbits to be in pairs! (Just make sure they are both spayed or neutered before hand! And don't forget to bond them!) Also bring up how you pay for Teddy all by yourself, at your age that's an accomplishment! Just explain to them exactly how you explained it in your post! Worst thing they can say is no, and that's ok too just make sure to have a lot of enrichment for your bun!

 

[WhiteBunnyEcho]

My dad was the same way, I’m 17 and it took a long time for me to convince him to let me get another rabbit after my first. What I did was write a really persuasive letter including all of the facts of why rabbits need companions so I could get everything down without him interrupting me pretty much lol.

I now have four indoor rabbits (and two fosters) which I never would’ve thought with my dad haha! But I swear, after they are bonded and litter trained, there’s barely a difference in having 1 rabbit or 6 in my opinion.

 

[Mariam+Theo]

I completely understand your situation. I had begged my parents to let me get another rabbit for years before I was able to adopt my second bunny. My parents knew I could provide for both rabbits and they would be good for each other, the main thing I had to prove was that I would still be able to focus on school and chores along with caring for both rabbits. Even after I showed I was responsible enough I had to wait for the right bunny. In November of last year a family friend was giving away their rabbit and I knew that if I didn’t adopt him he was going to go to a bad home. I showed my parents pictures of his current living situation (which was animal abuse) and they told me I could take him.

Just hang in there! Give them facts for why you need another bunny and let them know how appreciative you are for allowing you to get Teddy. And when you ask them make sure they are in a super great mood and have had nothing bad going on at work. Good luck!

 

[DoubleTrouble]

I made a video, I can possibly link it here, to convince my parents to get a bunny. It worked, and made my parents fall in love with my second bunny. I can edit videos pretty well so if you need help I can help ya! My video is more personlized to me however because it includes pictures of the rabbit I wanted. I just told them that with going back to in person school I cant spend as much time with my rabbits, especially with sports, homework, etc. They agreed after a bit of convincing that it would be best to get my rabbit a friend. I showed them that I am responsible with my first rabbit, so they were more willing to get me a second rabbit. I also provided a payment schedule to show how I could afford everything. Then edited some clips from Youtube videos together of why bunnies deserve a compainion and without one I'm depriving him, that was the final straw and they gave in and let me get a second bun

 

[WhiteBunnyEcho]

So happy for you!! That’s so exciting! Can’t wait for pictures

 

[TreasuredFriend]

Think ahead. Will you care for two rabbits until they are seniors. do you have the income to pay for future DVM bills? Currently a lot of posts are seen about adults and younger people who get "too busy" to care for their single rabbit.

I am not prone to being a Negative-Nellie however in a couple Facebook groups I visit there are tons of posts wrt rabbits who need to be rehomed by their human. My advice would be: Make a Commitment to care for your 1, 2, 4 or more companions until they are golden-agers. You can gently voice your love as your bun-doctor administers the euthanasia drug. Your two or four or one bun will never feel s/he was pushed aside or un-important part of your life.

Provide the best possible care and devote affection/attention for the next 12+ years.

Rabbit shelters that have experienced bunny chaperones are perfect to visit! Personalities vary, and fosterers can detail info so you will be prepared for caregiving until your bun reaches age 13-14 or longer. And have the income to provide care. $1200 can be drained quickly during an ER visit for gut stasis, etc.

Will you remain committed to Teddy as you move to college, have to leave your parent's home and find an apartment that accepts rabbits, or get married or move-in with a roommate, possibly have children (babies take up a lot of time).... I'm bringing this up due to all the Rehoming Posts that I'm seeing.

 

[PeanutsPlace]

I have two bunnies, (shown in profile picture) And I used a video also to convince my parents to get me a rabbit! I showed them and texted them many articles on why I should get a second bunny. And it worked!

 

[GerrandoT]

Friends, I still have to convince my parents to buy me a second rabbit. Most likely, I will use this method to show them how lonely Bob feels when I am not at home and that he needs another friend. They are my foster parents, but they love me like their children. I am very grateful to them for their care. They took me into their home and their hearts and after a while, they gave me the cutest friend I ever had, little Bob. I'm sure it won't be a problem if we have the second one, but I want to make sure I can convince them.

 

[TreasuredFriend]

I see so many rehoming posts from persons who aren't thinking of the next 10-14 years as a bun parent. Be sure you are devoted to care of two little or big companions that rely on your wallet, time, affection, and devoted care.

 

[Watermelons]

Friends, I still have to convince my parents to buy me a second rabbit.

This line right here is so wrong.
Its nobodys job to buy you a rabbit.
Regardless of parents giving you permission or not, you should be the one saving up for the rabbit yourself as you will need to be the one saving up for an emergency vet visit as well. If you cannot afford to look after the rabbit on your own it should not be coming home with you.

 

[john.thorpe1952]

All of the above points are perfectly valid and not necessarily said in a nasty waybut simply pointing out what those of us who are older and have learned the hard way,by time and effort and mistakes we've learned from,know so well- that it's so easy to just want somethingbut the acid test comes when you have to keep up the responsibility even when it's inconvenient and costly of time and money.Also don't forget that animals are not stuffed toys without feelings and personality.How do you know that your rabbit and any new one will get on? Putting new animals together is a risky business when they have teeth like chisels,and nasty injuries can result if not done with patiece and the correct methods-one thing you will hopefully learn,as we have,is that nothing is ever as simple as you think it is- sadly!

 

[Bunnyman61]

At the risk of sounding like Debbie Downer, it's impossible to know if the second rabbit will bond with Teddy. I believe the most prudent approach would be to acquire the second rabbit based on the assumption that they may well have to live separate lives, which surely will result in additional expense and demands on your time and finances. But whatever decision you and your parents come to, good luck!