Hi there! New with a few questions :)

[ehanton]

Hi everyone, firstly I just want to say I love this forum! Anyway, I am thinking of adopting a bunny from a rescue as there are several rescues near me with lots of bunnies that need love. I am 15 years old and I had a pair of dutch rabbits when I was about 5 but they died before I moved here to America. I currently have a pet hedgehog who I love dearly, but I would love to own a rabbit! I have a few questions that I would like help with:
Would you recommend a bonded pair or a single bunny?
Are older bunnies harder to bond to?
I have a big walk-in closet (about 4 1/2 ft by 5 1/2 ft) that I barely use and I was wondering if I could convert that into a bunny penthouse?
I'm not sure what breed of rabbit to get, I've heard lops are the friendliest but what other breeds are friendly?
Sorry if I was supposed to post these separately!
Thanks

 

[katt]

Hello! Welcome to the forum!

To answer you questions:

Would you recommend a bonded pair or a single bunny?

Honestly, getting an already bonded pair is great because you don't have to go to all the trouble of bonding a pair yourself. A bonded pair will be more into each other, while a single rabbit might be more into you. It all depends on the rabbits. Personally, there is nothing better then seeing a pair of bonded bunnies cuddling

Are older bunnies harder to bond to?

I don't think so, in fact it is a great idea to adopt an adult rabbit because you know what their personality is. Younger rabbits can grow up to be very different.

I have a big walk-in closet (about 4 1/2 ft by 5 1/2 ft) that I barely use and I was wondering if I could convert that into a bunny penthouse?

It could work if done correctly. You just need to make sure that the rabbit has enough natural sunlight and air flow!

I'm not sure what breed of rabbit to get, I've heard lops are the friendliest but what other breeds are friendly?

The breed doesn't really matter, each rabbit has their own personalities. I would suggest spending time at the shelter with a completely open mind. It really doesn't matter if they are a lop or a mini rex, each rabbit will be entirely different from the next and while one lop might love to cuddle, the next might prefer to run around and not be touched.

 

[bengal77]

Welcome! Yes, older rescue bunnies make fantastic pets. The two best things of adopting an older rabbit are that you know the bunny's temperament/personality and size. It's easier to figure out if a pet is right for you when you adopt an older one. And just think of all the good that you will be doing! A bonded pair will be a little more work and cost a little more money (not that much more, but a little bit) but it can be worth it since you are young and will be in school all day. They can keep each other company while you are away and then you three can play and bond when you are home.

And yes, you can convert your closet into a bunny condo as long as the door(s) is(are) kept open and they can get some indirect sunlight. I would suggest using a tall babygate in the doorway. Perhaps laying down some coroplast or another solid, easily cleaned flooring would be a good idea as well since some bunnies like to chew and dig at carpeting.

 

[ehanton]

Thanks!
I think I will go down to the shelter soon and spend some time with the bunnies to see if they are right for me. Thats great that I can use the closet as it would give them so much more space to play. It has vents in it so it doesn't get hot and there is always air flow in there and I will leave the door open so it stays light in there Also, the baby gate is a great idea! I was thinking of making big fleece liners to go in there, would that work? Also, the rescue rabbits are already litter trained so the carpet shouldn't get too messy. Thats a really good point about them being able to play while I'm at school, I would hate for the rabbit to get all lonely while I'm not there! If they are a bonded pair, will they not bond to me as much?
Sorry for all these questions!

 

[Fancy77]

Hi there and welcome to the forum. I cant give u too many answers to your questions but I wanted to say I was just at the Pet Expo in Chicago last weekend. Did u go?? I was volunteering for No Splitting Hares Rabbit Rescue in Algonquin, IL...have u heard of it???

 

[ehanton]

I've heard of the rescue, but I didn't go to the pet expo. That is one of the rescues I was looking at, but sadly my parents decided I am not allowed to adopt a rabbit I will keep trying though!

 

[Fancy77]

Sorry to hear that huni...good luck!!!

 

[ehanton]

Thanks! My household has a lot of pets and they decided that a rabbit would be too much.