Going to get a bunny

[gmcneil1]

I was thinking of getting a rabbit but I don't know that much about them because I have never had one before. My want's me to get a dog, he says rabbits are stupid which I know is not true. Should I get male or female. The girl I am getting one from is a breeder and she says that males are better and being handled. She says that females can sometimes get shy. She has babies and a older one that someone bought for easter then brought it back. He is already been held and worked withed. I think I would rather get a baby though to start fresh. I was going to make a cage out of those wire cube things because I don't have that much room for a cage in my room. Let me know what you think.

 

[pla725]

Welcome to the community. If you are going to adopt a rabbit go to the shelter and play with the rabbits. You will know which one is best for you. It really doesn't matter about the gender.

BTW where are you located?

 

[gmcneil1]

Oh sorry, I am in Avon Park, FL

 

[SweetSassy]

My male is easier to handle. My female is harder. She runs from me. LOl. She's gonna need more work. So i would say male. Every bunny is different though.



PS) Their only a few days apart in age. They have the same father. They have the same amount of time in them, and she more difficult.

 

[gmcneil1]

Also what do you think about inside housing. I was going to keep him in my room but my room isn't that big so I was going to male a condo out of those wire cubicle things. I know I have to put something in the bottom of them because they can't me on wire all the time. Should I male something to block most of it off for at night.

 

[SweetSassy]

I have a NIC cage in my living room. Don't put panels on the bottom. You can go to Lowe's or Home Depot and get a peice of vinyl for $20. put that on the bottom. Use rugs or cardboard for traction cause it will be slippery. If the bunny starts eating the rugs don't use rugs anymore. just use cardboard.

 

[Saudade]

It looks like you've done a lot of research in to your first bun!

You've made a great step coming to these forums!

Don't take this in the wrong way, I'm sure you've considered most of these things. But I like to present people who are considering becoming first time owners such as your self with some of the truths about rabbits. Both the good and the bad.

This is an excerpt from the E-book that I am currently writing, at the moment it is in it's draft stage. So please excuse any bad grammar or spelling!
[font="Times New Roman, serif"][line]
[/font] [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]There are considerations that every new owner has to take in to mind before they even think about purchasing their first rabbit. Ill informed decisions are the main reasons why there are growing numbers of rabbit shelters all throughout the United Kingdom and the United States of America.[/font][/align] [align=left]
[/align] [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]There are three main considerations you need to take in to account:[/font][/align]

1. [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Money[/font][/align]
2. [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Care[/font][/align]
3. [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Expectations[/font][/align]

[align=left]
[/align] [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Money -[/font][/align] [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Rabbits are quite expensive animals to own and to keep, the initial set up cost itself is large and their ongoing maintenance and upkeep begins to take it's toll on even the most devoted keeper's wallet. Many people believe that because a rabbit is smaller than a cat or a dog that therefore it's medical costs, feed and housing are that much cheaper. This common misconception is the leading cause of abandoned rabbits.[/font][/align] [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Rabbits need:[/font][/align]

• [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Food (Daily) $30/mo
  [/font][/align]
• [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Litter/Bedding (Daily-Fortnightly) $20/mo
  [/font][/align]
• [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Vaccinations (Yearly) $75/mo approx.
  [/font][/align]
• [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Desexing (Once Off) $95 males - $150 Females (approx.)
  [/font][/align]
• [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Accomidation (Once Off) Up to $100[/font][/align]

• Medical Expenses (Unexpected) These can be pretty much anything depending on the treatment needed.

[align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]All of these things cost money and if you aren't able to provide this then it is not in your best interests to purchase a rabbit. However money isn't everything and many of these things can be worked around. This will be looked at in a later chapter.
[/font][/align] [align=left]
[/align] [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Care -[/font][/align] [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]This consideration is more important for the rabbit than you, if a rabbit is not provided with adequate care both physically and emotionally it takes it's toll on the animal. Another great misconception about rabbits is that they are dumb animals that love attention but can be left alone in a small space for a long time. This is not true in the slightest, rabbits are smart and need constant interaction. If you can't take 2-3 hours out of your day every day of the week to spend with your rabbit then it is not in the rabbits best interests. Included in this time is 10-14 minutes a day of general upkeep, including replacing their litterbox or mucking out their cages, feeding and general grooming.[/font][/align][align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]However the rest of the time suggested above you do not need to spend entirely focussed on your rabbit and in fact the rabbit will enjoy time spent around you more than if you were to constantly try and engage them in contact. This may mean reading a book with the rabbit around you, or doing your homework on the floor with the rabbit, or even just chilling out watching T.V. with your bun.
[/font][/align] [align=left]
[/align] [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]Expectations -[/font][/align] [align=left][font="Times New Roman, serif"]The final thing to consider is what you expect a rabbit to provide you with, rabbits are unique animals, in that you never own them you just live with them. A rabbit chooses when and where it shows affection and demands that you earn it's trust, respect and love. If you want an animal that will shower you with affection go adopt a dog. The opposite also applies if you want an animal that will just look pretty and needs no attention buy a fish, hermit crab or similar. (Pet rocks are cheap this time of year and you can catch them in the wild!)[/font][/align][align=left]
[/align][line]Just some food for thought my friend!

 

[Saudade]

Woops!

Forgot to include the good bits!
(That's the next bit I have to write).

Rabbits are wonderful creatures, they have this amazing ability to help mend all wounds, physical and emotional, scientific studies have shown that contact with an animal helps boost immune systems, trigger chemical reactions in the brain that cause joy and happiness.

You are never bored around a rabbit, they'll always have your attention and will do the quirkiest things when you don't expect it!
They'll make you laugh until you cry, they'll make you cry your heart out (but then make you laugh again!). They're a great source of love, and are an awesome chick magnet. They can be used as a 100% reliable method of testing if a man is right for you!(You stick them on his lap and watch how they react to each other!)

They're cute and fuzzy and oh so snuggly!
A bond between a rabbit owner and their rabbit is one of the strongest forms of bond in the world!

They're the best pet ever!

In saying that, you must always make sure they're the right one for you.

I would advocate adopting a bun from a shelter, travel the distance no matter how far to a shelter that does have a rabbit and adopt it, they need as much love as you can give, and they need a home more than anyone else.

 

[Wabbitdad12]

Hi Joshua and welcome to the forum. Its great that your here, the best spot on the web for learning about,caring for and talking about rabbits. It is really impressive that you are doing your research before you get a bunny. Rabbits have unique personalities, so Saudade is right you need to spend some time with a bunny before you bring it home.


Since thiswill beyour first bunny you might want to go to Library: Bunny 101 section there is a lot of good information there how tocare for a rabbit.

http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_forum.php?id=10

NIC cubes make great cages and in the Cages and Construction section you can get some good ideas. Its a great section if you don't see what you like to ask for some NIC floor plans from other members.

FYI in the US vaccinations are not required.

Rescuing a bunny from a shelter is great, but if there are none in your area that have rabbits,check with a local 4-H rabbit club. Members often have rabbits that they are looking to find good homes for. Same thing for breeders of rabbits too they want to find good homes for rabbits that may be show quality, you can find a list of breeders by going to http://www.arba.net and looking in the breeders section.

Once again let me welcome youand I look forward to seeing you around the forum.

Dave

P.S. Saudade is very correct when he says rabbits are the best pets and will make you laugh and be amazed at how intelligent they are.

 

[missyscove]

Welcome to RO!
This is definitely a great place to learn about what it's like to have a rabbit - both the good and the bad.

I adopted my two buns from shelters almost 3 years ago and this forum has taught me almost all that I know about rabbits.