new bunny

[chester the muncher]

Hello, I’m a new fuzzy lop owner. My bunny’s name is Chester, and he’s an American Fuzzy Lop.

I have a few questions to ask. Before I had Chester (which I just brought home today), I had a bunny that I bought from a local pet shop.

The bunny that I had from the pet shop died within 3 days, and I really don’t know what is the cause because when I leave in the morning, she seems happy and she’s eating a lot. Then, my mother bought me a bunny from the same local pet shop again and the same thing happened. The bunny is like soooo small, I don’t even know if it’s legal to sell them because they are only as big as the palm of my hand.

Other than that, my house is like very opened and sometimes, a stray cat comes inside my house. I don’t know if he comes close to the rabbit and is the cause of their death, though.

The thing is, I’m afraid the same thing happened to Chester. I was really hesitating when I’m about to adopt Chester (which is 3 months old) because I’m afraid the same thing will happen to Chester. My two previous bunnies seemed fine, but then they died. I feed them timothy hay & pellets, and I kept them on my living room (25 degrees Celcius).

Is there any tips so I can keep Chester healthy and live a long life? And maybe, how to let Chester adapt to his new home? Please tell me. Thank you.

 

[Augustus&HazelGrace]

I think they need shots. I know they do in Europe, and they probably do in Indonesia. And if the buns are as small as your hand then they were probably taken away from mom too early, they need to stay with mom up to 8 weeks, this is the normal time, but when I had mine the moms weaned them themselves at 5 weeks and I kept them in with mom until 6 weeks and sell at 7-8 weeks. But they shouldn't go to a new home until 7-8 weeks as their immune system can't handle it.

 

[chester the muncher]

I think they need shots. I know they do in Europe, and they probably do in Indonesia.

So it is possible that the bunnies that I had died from being taken away too early? Luckily, Chester is not as small and his previous owner seemed to know well about taking a good care of rabbits. I also made an appointment already with my vet to check Chester up, but sadly I don’t think they do shots for rabbits here...

 

[Augustus&HazelGrace]

It is possible. When you take them in just ask if they need vaccines. Were you told how old Chester is?

 

[chester the muncher]

It is possible. When you take them in just ask if they need vaccines. Were you told how old Chester is?

Okay, noted! He is 2,5-3 months old, and he seems to be eating and drinking just fine eventhough he just got home. And, I have another question if you don’t mind. Should I leave Chester alone in his cage to adapt for 24 hours or longer? There are also some articles that says it would also be fine to handle and pet new bunnies right away, so I’m pretty confused.

 

[Augustus&HazelGrace]

Yes, you should leave him in his cage to adapt to his new surroundings. The only interactions you should have today is to feed him and water him. Are you feeding alfalfa pellets or regular pellets? If feeding alfalfa pellets he will only need about 1/2 cup per day if feeding regular pellets then I would free feed, both until 6 months old. When he is over 6 months old he will only need about 1/4 cup per day of regular pellets. Adult rabbits don't need alfalfa. Babies need alfalfa pellets or free feed pellets for growth and maturity.

 

[chester the muncher]

Yes, you should...

Okay, will do. I feed him free feed pellets and timothy hay but I’m also buying him alfalfa hay since alfalfa hay is more needed for him. Thank you so much for the tips & advice! Me and Chester appreciated it so much.

 

[Augustus&HazelGrace]

If the pellets are alfalfa-based then you don't need to feed both alfalfa pellets and alfalfa hay. I'm not sure what pellets you are feeding but just some more advice