New to bunnies

[jausenclaus]

After a week or two researching rabbits and rabbit rescue, yesterday I visited several stores inthe Dallas area that had rescued rabbits. My goal, in the beginning, was to adopt a rabbit from one of the rescues. However, yesterday afternoon, I walked into my local feed store and found exactly the rabbits I had been looking for. But, they were almost 6 week old minilops, not the adults I was planning on. So, I purchased two. I didn't know at the time if they were boys or girls. Last night, I found photos and I think we have a boy and a girl. So, I know we will have at least a neuter operation in the near future. The babies have settled in okay. I would like a little help in a few areas. I was worried that they were not drinking, but finally saw both drink out of their bottles tonight. We currently have them in a large Rubbermaid tub with a litterbox. I will be moving them to a crate this weekend. They are so small, I thought the tub would be better for them right now. We now have a baby gate over the top of the tub because they both escaped this morning while we were at work. We're are trying not to handle them too much, but spent about an hour this evening with them sleeping on my lap. They don't seem to mind being stroked and petted, but i'm not sure how relaxed they got. They shook while they were on my lap. But one of them seemed to relax enough that she stretched her legs out.

I think the room is too warm and had the ceiling fan on. We haven't turned on the air conditioning yet. How much warmth do they need at this age. I'm pretty sure they should have been with their mom another week or so, but the mom wasn't there so I have no say in it. We had a cardboard box in there, but it took up too much room, so I have laid the tub's top over the grate to give them a place to hide.

Feed - They had alfalfa hay and Purina Rabbit Chow. Should I be feeding them something different or better? Since it was more of a spur of the moment purchase,I took what they had. I've also purchased litter for the pan and an organic bedding material. Will any of these hurt them? What else can I give them now. I know vegetables are a nono and pellets with seeds are also. Will it hurt them to give them the apple sticks or other sticks to chew on?

What is the best type of bowl for the food? They've dumped the bowl once already, and should the hay be spread about or in a container. I read it was best to spread hay for them to have a place to feel comfortable.

Well, these are my questions for now. I'm sure more will come up.

Thanks,

Susan

 

[LakeCondo]

Welcome to the forum. You'll want to read more in the library, but here are some key points.

Rabbits can breed as early as 3 months, but usually aren't neutered until at least 4 months; many vets won't do it until 6 months. Healthwise it's more important to spay than to neuter, but most males get neutered because of hormone-driven behaviors.

At their age & until full-grown. they should have unlimited alfalfa pellets. Many people prefer Oxbow.

Some hay should be spread out, but most should be in a container they can reach. Putting pellets in a ceramic bowl should keep them from tipping it over. I also use a ceramic bowl for Honey's water, but other people like water bottles. I use 2 water bowls & alternate them daily, so they can be dry part of the time. Diluted vinegar makes a great cleaner & unlike diluted bleach, you don't have to worry about getting it out 100.000%

 

[nanny]

welcome im sorry im new at bunny's so im in the same boat as you but nice to meet ya!! and congats at your impulse buying lol

 

[ZRabbits]

Congratulations on your new bunnies. Smart move keeping them in a smaller place so they can get used to their surroundings.

3 months is when they start becoming sexually mature so I would definitely separate them at that time. 4-5 months is when you can neuter the male, and about 6 months for females. Your best bet is to start looking for a Rabbit Savvy Vet and then you can discuss with him/her when the best time to neuter/spay.

Alfalfa hay is really good for babies such as yours. But by 7-8 months, I would consider start switching to Timothy Hay. Not sure about the Purina, I'm now giving my little ones, Neville and Luna, Oxbow for Young Rabbits. But again, by 7-8 months, you should consider gradually switching them to a Timothy based pellet.

Regarding veggies, which bunnies just love, I would consider starting to gradually introduce your bunnies around 4 months, and fruits by 7 months. Both are really good for treats. But you can also give your bunnies a taste of Wheat Grass. Wheat Grass is good for them. Neville and Luna just love it. They get a little each day.

Regarding there new living quarters, my suggestion is going to the Environment/Housing Threads or even the RO Library. Many people here use Nic Units for their bunnies with X-Pens attached. Lots of different ways to build them, giving your bunnies a wider space. I enjoy my bunny crates and so do my bunnies and give my bunnies a nice run outside their crates each day. Sometimes twice a day for exercise.

Hope this helps. Look forward to hearing how your bunnies are doing.

And here at RO, we love seeing pics.

K

 

[Nancy McClelland]

:wave: We keep the bunny room at 70 F in the winter and 80F in the Summer. Temps above 85 can be fatal to rabbits.

 

[Wabbitdad12]

I would like to welcome you to Rabbits Online, my name is Dave and I am a moderator on the forum. So if I can be of any help please let me know. This is a terrific website for rabbits and their slaves, not only is it very active but also friendly. I am so glad you’re here and I know you will enjoy it.

Many bunnies’ recommend their slaves to this site so we may learn of others methods to keeping our furry masters happy.

If you everhave a sick bunny, please post in The Infirmary and include your rabbit's age, breed and health history as well diet and output details leading up to the problem.

Here are somelinks I thought you might find interesting:

*For reference the Library section

*To brag or tell everyone about the antics of your bunny or just to talk about your day here is where to start a Bunny Blog, you can also look back at it later and remember when you had a life before your bunny.

*Now all the bunny’s like talk to each other when we mere slaves aren’t around in the Bunny Chat is the spot to be.

*The House Rabbit Society has a lot of good information on what veggies are safe for bunny’s, etc.

*Here is a link to learn what your furry master is trying to say to you How to Understand Your Bunny's Language

*Rabbits Online also has regional forums , this a good way to find a vet in your area that has experience with rabbits and to find out from other nearby of good sources of rabbit supplies.

The Let Your Hare Down section is for anything non-bunny related.

Here is a link tothat will help you and your bunny to connect, How to Bond with Your Bunny.

Now every forum has rules and ours can be found with this link Rabbits Online Forum Rules. This gives guidelines on what is acceptable, what is not and how we hope everyone will treat each other.

Everyone on this forum loves to see pictures of each other’s bunnies. So if you would like to post a picture this link will help you do that, Upload Photo's to Photo Gallery. Then in the post, you click on the "G" in the tool bar to insert your photo. Many people also use Photobucket. You just copy the img file and paste it into the post.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions and I am glad you have joined rabbits online; I look forward to seeing you around.

 

[jausenclaus]

Thanks everyone. The bunnies are doing well, and already appear larger than when we brought them home. I still have them in the Rubbermaid tub, but will be moving them into the dog crate which will have a NIC playpen attached. We've got one temporarily set up to bring them out, but the first night Marble (the black/white one) stuck his head through the little square. So, I am waiting until they are a little bigger to move them. I'm worried about this happening in the dog crate when I am not there. I bought a canvas tarp that I will probably raise up the sides, but haven't done it yet. We did name the bunnies, they are now known as Goldilops and Marble. I have uploaded photos into the gallery, but not sure how to add them to a post from there.