I'm a newbie - any advice would be much appreciated

[dmwiecz]

I don't own any bunnies and never have, but have been seriously considering getting one. I'm looking for some advice breed-wise. So far, I think I have it narrowed down to the Netherland Dwarf, Holland Lop, Mini Rex, or Polish. Here's what I'm looking for:

1. Obviously something small. 5 lbs or less.

2. A breed that's easily litter-box trained.

3. A breed that wouldn't be too difficult for a newbie like myself. Like I said, I've never owned a rabbit, but I'm a very responsible pet owner. Also, there are no kids in the house.

4. However, I do havea 15 lb. cat who is VERY timid, so if there are any breeds that seem to get along better with cats, that'd be useful.

I think that's about it. I have no intention of breeding or showing this rabbit, it will strictly be a pet, so I don't care how showable, etc. it is. I do tend to prefer those that are solid colors (esp. browns), but some broken ones w/ brown and white might be okay, too.

Thanks so much for your help! I'm sure there are tons of people on here who know way more about rabbits than I do!

 

[Wabbitdad12]

dmwiecz wrote:

I don't own any bunnies and never have, but have been seriously considering getting one. I'm looking for some advice breed-wise. So far, I think I have it narrowed down to the Netherland Dwarf, Holland Lop, Mini Rex, or Polish. Here's what I'm looking for:

1. Obviously something small. 5 lbs or less.

2. A breed that's easily litter-box trained.

3. A breed that wouldn't be too difficult for a newbie like myself. Like I said, I've never owned a rabbit, but I'm a very responsible pet owner. Also, there are no kids in the house.

4. However, I do havea 15 lb. cat who is VERY timid, so if there are any breeds that seem to get along better with cats, that'd be useful.

I think that's about it. I have no intention of breeding or showing this rabbit, it will strictly be a pet, so I don't care how showable, etc. it is. I do tend to prefer those that are solid colors (esp. browns), but some broken ones w/ brown and white might be okay, too.

Thanks so much for your help! I'm sure there are tons of people on here who know way more about rabbits than I do!

Hi and welcome to the forum! Its great your doing some research before getting a bunny. Check out the Rabbits 101 section, some good reading there about rabbit care basics.

1. Of the breeds you listed, my experience is Netherlands and Mini-Rex's tend to be a bit high strung, very active/energetic. I've never owned a polish so I am not familiar with their personalities. I do have two Holland lops and both have really sweet personalities.Any young bunny is goingto be active, but oncepast the teenage period (8-12 months old) they begin to calm down. A rabbit that is spayed or neutered will have a much calmer personality then one that is not.

2. I don't know if any breed is really more litter box trainable then another. Rabbits are sort of like kids, some tend to catch on quicker then others. It just takes time and patients.

3. Holland lopsare great bunny's, I love the two I have. Some oneelse on the forum who has Polish will be able to give you more info about them.

4. My bunny's are the masters of the house and they let my dogs and cats know who is in charge. It would be best tosupervise the cat with the rabbit for a while to make sure they get along o.k. Even a timidcat or dog can become aggressive around a prey animal like a rabbit.

I do know that Polish and Holland lops come in several different colors and patterns. You can find Holland lop mixes and Polish mixes at a animal shelter or rabbit rescue that will give you even more varieties tochoose from. There are many rabbits at shelters or rescues waiting for their forever homes. Good luck!

 

[Dublinperky]

I don't have any advice but I wanted to make sure you had a warm welcome to RO!
[align=center]WELCOME!

[align=left]Aly!:tongue
[/align][/align]

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Welcome!

My first bunny was Slatey, and he is a nethie crossed with a meat rabbit :?. I have a sense that was an accident (tiny dad, huge mom) His personality is very pleasant, and he loves backrubs. My Mini-Rex Stuart is a lively guy, who dances about like crazy. He'll want pets, but only after he's had a run.

So, my guys are "high-strung" I guess, but I try hard to meet their needs. Both litter trained easily. Both adore the cats, and both are neutered. I picked the friendliest buns available to me at the time, and they are wonderful.

Wabbitdad12 knows his stuff far better than me (he's got YEARS of experience), and I'm sure he is right about the general attitudeof each breed.Like him, I encourage you to check out your local rabbit rescues and shelters.

If you were to post your location, I'm sure forum members could help you find a reputable rabbit rescue or shelter. Perhaps there is an RO member in your town:biggrin2:!

 

[dmwiecz]

Thanks forbeing so welcoming and for your advice so far. I appreciate it! I'm in Maryland, by the way.

One other question I forgot to ask....is there any general temperament difference betweens males and females once they're fixed? I've seen different info on different websites.

 

[Becca]

Welcome to RO

:groupparty:

This is the great place to find out about bunny breeds and bunny needs.

Also can you please put your location on your profile so that if you do get a bunny members in your area can help with vets and feed stores ETC

Byee for now

Becca xx

 

[Happi Bun]

:welcome1I hope you enjoy it here. It's a great place for rabbit lovers!

 

[tort]

Just wanted to welcome you the the group.

As for your cat; just let them out together under supervision and it all should be fine. Dana and I have 2 buns, 5 cats and 8ferrets and they all play well. The buns are the kings of the house and aren't afraid to let the others know it!!lol

 

[JadeIcing]

I am going to put my 2cents on this reply cause they were so good.

Wabbitdad12 wrote:

dmwiecz wrote:

I don't own any bunnies and never have, but have been seriously considering getting one. I'm looking for some advice breed-wise. So far, I think I have it narrowed down to the Netherland Dwarf, Holland Lop, Mini Rex, or Polish. Here's what I'm looking for:

1. Obviously something small. 5 lbs or less.

2. A breed that's easily litter-box trained.

3. A breed that wouldn't be too difficult for a newbie like myself. Like I said, I've never owned a rabbit, but I'm a very responsible pet owner. Also, there are no kids in the house.

4. However, I do havea 15 lb. cat who is VERY timid, so if there are any breeds that seem to get along better with cats, that'd be useful.

I think that's about it. I have no intention of breeding or showing this rabbit, it will strictly be a pet, so I don't care how showable, etc. it is. I do tend to prefer those that are solid colors (esp. browns), but some broken ones w/ brown and white might be okay, too.

Thanks so much for your help! I'm sure there are tons of people on here who know way more about rabbits than I do!

Hi and welcome to the forum! Its great your doing some research before getting a bunny. Check out the Rabbits 101 section, some good reading there about rabbit care basics.

1. Of the breeds you listed, my experience is Netherlands and Mini-Rex's tend to be a bit high strung, very active/energetic. I've never owned a polish so I am not familiar with their personalities. I do have two Holland lops and both have really sweet personalities.Any young bunny is goingto be active, but oncepast the teenage period (8-12 months old) they begin to calm down. A rabbit that is spayed or neutered will have a much calmer personality then one that is not.

I have a netherland dwarf who is the most laid back lazy thing ever. Her nickname is little bother because she is always grooming. I also had a foster mini rex who was the most mellow guy ever. I have a polish who is my heart. I swear he understands me, he is almost human. I love my holland lop. Though I thank god he has no teeth. Other wise I would be in pain from all the times he tried to bite me.

2. I don't know if any breed is really more litter box trainable then another. Rabbits are sort of like kids, some tend to catch on quicker then others. It just takes time and patients.

Ditto this!

3. Holland lopsare great bunny's, I love the two I have. Some oneelse on the forum who has Polish will be able to give you more info about them.

One thing about hollands they do tend to have alot of teeth issues, as do some nethies. How do you plan on getting the bunny? Breeder? or Rescue?

4. My bunny's are the masters of the house and they let my dogs and cats know who is in charge. It would be best tosupervise the cat with the rabbit for a while to make sure they get along o.k. Even a timidcat or dog can become aggressive around a prey animal like a rabbit.

I think it all depends on the bunny. ALL my bunnies are great with my dog. They play with her.

I do know that Polish and Holland lops come in several different colors and patterns. You can find Holland lop mixes and Polish mixes at a animal shelter or rabbit rescue that will give you even more varieties tochoose from. There are many rabbits at shelters or rescues waiting for their forever homes. Good luck!

 

[LadyBug]

:welcome1to RO. i'm so glad you found us!

i tend to think of nethies a active breed that doesn't hold still much, but there are exception to every rule. i don't know that much about mini rexes or polish, so i won't comment on them.

my rabbit(my first bun, i've had him for 9 months)is a holland lop. sweetest thing ever. he loves the cats, the cats(10 years and 15-irish pounds and 7 years and 8-ish pounds)deal with him. they don't love him, but all three of them play out on back porch together during the day with out constant watching(we did watch them at first, thought). he is a un-neutered male and is one year old this week. i can hold him, but for the most part he doesn't like any one else holding him. he loves to be petted thought, acts like a cat or dog with stroking. he litter trained in two weeks, he was 12 weeks when i got him. he still poops out side his cage a bit, but there dry, like pellets and don't stain the carpet. more of a bother to pick up than anything else. hollands get about 3 1/2-4 pounds. Lops in general are for the most part know to be laid back and sweet. you'll find lots of lop mixes in shelters/rescues/pet shops. one word of advice on genders. i really wanted a girl and they said Jamie was one. when he was almost five months the gender fairystruck and my baby girl turned into a strapping boy. the gender fairy strikes quite often, especially if the bun is adopted when young. so my advice it to go with the rabbit you click with and don't limit yourself to gender. the problem is their sooo fuzzy down there that figuring it out on a small baby..............:?

where are you planning to get your baby? pet finder is a great place to look! let us know is there's any other questions you have. i know i had a ton last year right before i got Jamie!

Good luck:clover:

~Anna