New to rabbits!

[Gravellilac]

Hello everyone! I recently got a bunny (m) 13 weeks old, this is my first time owning a rabbit and the health anxiety is real. he’s a harlequin lop rabbit, very playful some nights I have to sleep in a different room I let him free roam my room and I usually would let him free roam during the night as well but he has learnt to jump onto my bed and over his cage I’ve had to add another layer to his cage and shut him in at night which I’m not happy about but I can’t let him take over my room he’s the sweetest little guy not much into cuddles or petting but on occasion he’ll let me pet him. Ive only had him for a week and he got comfortable very quickly which shocked me! I’m getting him neutered on Thursday which is really worrying me but I know it’s better to have done than not, maybe in the future I’ll think about getting him a friend but for right now I want to get to know him more and bond a lot better. He was doing his potty training amazing for about 3 days then decided to slack it off and poo and pee everywhere which was great! Hopefully after being neutered he’ll get back on track with it. Overall he has destroyed my tortoise thermometer, my bedside table and a tshirt Which I’m quite proud about as I thought a lot more would be destroyed. (I have not introduced my tortoise with my rabbit as I wouldn’t want any disease to be spread) I wouldn’t mind some tips for making a food schedule and what types of greens are best for him, he is addicted to his pellets I’ve had to cut down on them so he can eat more hay but the hissy fits he throws is crazy I would love to learn a lot more about rabbits and how to give him the best care. I would upload a photo of him but I’m struggle to figure out how sorry everyone!! Any help is appreciated thank you!

 

[JBun]

Congratulations on your new bunny Same thing here, bunny takes over my room, now I'm sleeping in another room

The potty training can definitely be hormone related, but will also have to do with rabbits natural behavior of marking new territory, especially when it comes to their little poop balls. It's a very common thing for rabbits in a new place, to leave their fecal balls scattered around to mark their area.

Other things related to peeing outside the litter box are how the litter box is set up. Things like - too small of a box, litter that is uncomfortable for them to step on, or where the litter box is placed; can all affect litter box use and training. As well as him being a young rabbit that can easily be distracted and doesn't have solid litter box habits yet.

Which brings us to how to best manage teaching him how to use a litter box. Usually it's recommended to start with keeping the new rabbit in a smaller rabbit proofed area, then gradually expanding their space when they are using the litter box well (peeing in it primarily, poop is a whole different thing). Giving too much space too quickly, can cause these types of peeing accidents and poor litter box habits. So that's what I'd suggest. Reduce his area and only gradually expand that as he's peeing in the litter box consistently.

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/litter-training.html

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Litter_training

Bonding to another rabbit would need to wait anyways, as it can take up to 8 weeks post neuter surgery, for the hormones to be gone enough that it won't cause problems with bonding. But it possibly may not take that long since you're having him neutered at a younger age. But until that time, and if and when you decide to find him a bun companion, here are some tips on how to form a trusting relationship with your rabbit.

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-with-your-bunny.html

It's possible for a bun to be happy as a single bun, if they get enough interaction from the people they live with. But if not, or you feel your bun is lonely and does need a companion, it's best and easiest to find a rescue or shelter with already fixed adult rabbits, that allow you to bring your rabbit in for a test 'date'. Rabbits can be picky about who they like. Bonding can already be a difficult and stressful process, so finding the right rabbit can help reduce the stress and difficulty.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Bonding_rabbits_together

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-bunnies.html

To post a photo, click on the 'Attach files' box at the bottom of the place where you 'Write your reply'. Then select where to download your photo file from.

 

[Indywtf]

"Usually it's recommended to start with keeping the new rabbit in a smaller rabbit proofed area, then gradually expanding their space when they are using the litter box well (peeing in it primarily, poop is a whole different thing). Giving too much space too quickly, can cause these types of peeing accidents and poor litter box habits"

This^^^

Post neutering was tough for us, we tried to modify a onesie to keep him out of his stitches but that was ridiculous. He had to wear the dreaded cone for a few days but he did very well with it.

Our boy sprayed everywhere before neutering, but that ended soon after.

Dedicated cordless vac for stray poops (and the occasional carpet bombing) lol. We have a 22 lb bun so it's a must for us, 2x a day.

It's crazy how well they listen and are part of the household. Investigate and protect them when they thump, tell them no when they chew the wrong thing (and replace it), love them, best friend ever. Enjoy!

 

[TreasuredFriend]

@Indywtf - several of these! Hubby loves to run the rechargeable sweeper to collect any stray marbles.

I smiled at your comments.

Yup, our males sprayed with gusto prior to their neutralizing surgery. Then life was so much easier.

 

[Gravellilac]

Congratulations on your new bunny Same thing here, bunny takes over my room, now I'm sleeping in another room

The potty training can definitely be hormone related, but will also have to do with rabbits natural behavior of marking new territory, especially when it comes to their little poop balls. It's a very common thing for rabbits in a new place, to leave their fecal balls scattered around to mark their area.

Other things related to peeing outside the litter box are how the litter box is set up. Things like - too small of a box, litter that is uncomfortable for them to step on, or where the litter box is placed; can all affect litter box use and training. As well as him being a young rabbit that can easily be distracted and doesn't have solid litter box habits yet.

Which brings us to how to best manage teaching him how to use a litter box. Usually it's recommended to start with keeping the new rabbit in a smaller rabbit proofed area, then gradually expanding their space when they are using the litter box well (peeing in it primarily, poop is a whole different thing). Giving too much space too quickly, can cause these types of peeing accidents and poor litter box habits. So that's what I'd suggest. Reduce his area and only gradually expand that as he's peeing in the litter box consistently.

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/litter-training.html

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Litter_training

Bonding to another rabbit would need to wait anyways, as it can take up to 8 weeks post neuter surgery, for the hormones to be gone enough that it won't cause problems with bonding. But it possibly may not take that long since you're having him neutered at a younger age. But until that time, and if and when you decide to find him a bun companion, here are some tips on how to form a trusting relationship with your rabbit.

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-with-your-bunny.html

It's possible for a bun to be happy as a single bun, if they get enough interaction from the people they live with. But if not, or you feel your bun is lonely and does need a companion, it's best and easiest to find a rescue or shelter with already fixed adult rabbits, that allow you to bring your rabbit in for a test 'date'. Rabbits can be picky about who they like. Bonding can already be a difficult and stressful process, so finding the right rabbit can help reduce the stress and difficulty.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Bonding_rabbits_together

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-bunnies.html

To post a photo, click on the 'Attach files' box at the bottom of the place where you 'Write your reply'. Then select where to download your photo file from.

Thank you for the help! He’s at the vets today getting neutered and I’m so worried I hope it all goes well. He got very aggressive at the vet which I was totally shocked about he did not like her holding him at all my poor baby! Is there any precautions I have to take in his enclose like no hay or no climbing places? I really appreciate the reply thank you I’ll take a look at the links! I’ve add a photo of his enclosure he has open doors all day until 3-4am (I go to sleep late) and I open it at about 10am. this was taken before I had added hay and his litter box filler! I added some photos of him, his name is gravel and sleeps in the weirdest position thank you again!

 

[TreasuredFriend]

All rabbits make me smile. Your boy, also, @Gravellilac ! Thanks for adding the pictures. Thank you for getting him neutered. I understand the "worry" feeling as we've had likely 30-50 hormonal rabbits sp/ayed. Please let us know how he gently heals from his boy-balls snip surgery.

Are there any precautions? Here's a quick link:

https://bunnylady.com/spay-neuter-care/

 

[TreasuredFriend]

@Gravellilac Your vet should provide an analgesic like metacam to help with discomfort.

His area looks really nice. I have never heard of withdrawing hay after a snip surgery. Anesthesia will slow his gut for a few days so hay input and marble output for Gastrointestinal health is what you need to monitor.

Our vet always advised to remove any elevated hidey boxes of jump spots for the first 5-7 days. With girls, and I smile that you will possibly consider getting Gravel a bookend companion, the post-op recovery period is longer. A smaller enclosure is critical for tissue to heal over the incision and avoid a ruptured incision. Hope this helps.

Kindly let us know when Gravel's home and you are providing TLC.

 

[TreasuredFriend]

Our Flemish rescue had big testicles!! fyi. No idea how young/old. He was found as a stray.

He needed carefully post-op monitoring after his neuter surgery. Blood spots appeared on the sheets in his small enclosure. He was groggy post-op from his "big day" of boy-ball neutralizing. I expediently called the DVM when noticing the blood spotting. His sutures came loose or gapped. I rushed him back to our trusted vet to be re-sutured.

 

[TreasuredFriend]

Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group video: Nov. 13, 2020. Trick to check with a mirror.

https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervi...5E1DE06604E2DC2&mmscn=mtsc&aps=69&FORM=VRDGAR

 

[TreasuredFriend]

The leakage spots overnight were minimal, @Gravellilac, and I trusted our clinic with the neutralizing surgeon to repair the gap in his suture. Picture to show the spots as he snuggled with Rescue Dad. Soon as I saw the spots, I called!!

Recovery thoughts to you and your man.

Another link below: https://rabbit.org/health/post-surgical-aftercare-for-rabbits/

 

[Gravellilac]

The leakage spots overnight were minimal, @Gravellilac, and I trusted our clinic with the neutralizing surgeon to repair the gap in his suture. Picture to show the spots as he snuggled with Rescue Dad. Soon as I saw the spots, I called!!

Recovery thoughts to you and your man.

Another link below: https://rabbit.org/health/post-surgical-aftercare-for-rabbits/

Wow! Thank you so much! The vet called me and said he was having a really slow recovery and wanted to keep him longer I miss him so much ;( for some odd reason they called my mum as I had put her number instead of mine by accident and told her how his recovery was slow and he wasn’t doing well so she called me and i called the vet they didn’t say a word about anything and said he was fine and if I could come pick him up later than expected:/ we have decided to go for a rescue and rehome a female rabbit for gravel once he’s ready. I’ll remove his hide and keep the rest the same. I’ll look out for any spotting or licking the area. I hope your rabbit had a good recovery poor guy, I’ve never realised how much rabbits connect with there owners since I got gravel, it amazes me. Thanks for getting back to me!

 

[Gravellilac]

All rabbits make me smile. Your boy, also, @Gravellilac ! Thanks for adding the pictures. Thank you for getting him neutered. I understand the "worry" feeling as we've had likely 30-50 hormonal rabbits sp/ayed. Please let us know how he gently heals from his boy-balls snip surgery.

Are there any precautions? Here's a quick link:

https://bunnylady.com/spay-neuter-care/

Consider you’ve had a lot of rabbit contact would you be able to tell what bread he is? Ik he’s a lop but wasn’t sure if he was an English lop or French lop or can you just have a lop? x

 

[JBun]

That's a very happy and chilled bun bun

Absolutely keep hay in there, though keep fresh and clean. Hay is usually the first thing they start eating. His usual greens as well, as greens have always been the first thing my rabbits started eating. Plus they have the added benefit of hydrating at the same time.

Keep the area reasonably clean. Restrict running and jumping for about a week. So keep in the smaller enclosure if possible, and don't let run around the room for at least 5 days, or whatever your vet instructs (provided your vet is a knowledgeable rabbit vet).

The first few days especially, make sure he's not messing with the incision site. Use a onesie if needed, or cone if that doesn't work. But a cone can be difficult for some rabbits to cope with, so last resort, but better than the incision getting chewed.

Most important, make sure he starts eating within 24 hours from when he last ate pre surgery. If not, then phone your vet for instructions. You'll likely need to start syringe feeds. Also make sure to offer a warm pack (rabbit safe) for him to sit on or snuggle up to. Rabbits get cold post anesthesia, and a hypothermic rabbit won't eat well and will struggle recovering as well. If you have questions or concerns about anything, phone your vet, right away if your rabbits well being is in question.

https://hare.as.miami.edu/opcare.html

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Spaying_and_neutering_rabbits

For the litter box issues, is he just peeing in a particular spot outside of the litter box, or is it random and all over?

Color is Blue Japanese Harlequin I think. Definitely not pure English lop. They're quite big and have very long ears. Most likely mini lop, as they're the most common breed. Usually adult weight is 5-8 lbs. But if his adult size is much bigger, around 10 lbs, could be French lop. Or could be a mix of lop and another breed. Without very distinct traits or lineage from a reputable breeder, there's no way to say for sure.

https://bunniesathome.weebly.com/breed-guide.html

 

[Gravellilac]

That's a very happy and chilled bun bun

Absolutely keep hay in there, though keep fresh and clean. Hay is usually the first thing they start eating. His usual greens as well, as greens have always been the first thing my rabbits started eating. Plus they have the added benefit of hydrating at the same time.

Keep the area reasonably clean. Restrict running and jumping for about a week. So keep in the smaller enclosure if possible, and don't let run around the room for at least 5 days, or whatever your vet instructs (provided your vet is a knowledgeable rabbit vet).

The first few days especially, make sure he's not messing with the incision site. Use a onesie if needed, or cone if that doesn't work. But a cone can be difficult for some rabbits to cope with, so last resort, but better than the incision getting chewed.

Most important, make sure he starts eating within 24 hours from when he last ate pre surgery. If not, then phone your vet for instructions. You'll likely need to start syringe feeds. Also make sure to offer a warm pack (rabbit safe) for him to sit on or snuggle up to. Rabbits get cold post anesthesia, and a hypothermic rabbit won't eat well and will struggle recovering as well. If you have questions or concerns about anything, phone your vet, right away if your rabbits well being is in question.

https://hare.as.miami.edu/opcare.html

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Spaying_and_neutering_rabbits

For the litter box issues, is he just peeing in a particular spot outside of the litter box, or is it random and all over?

Color is Blue Japanese Harlequin I think. Definitely not pure English lop. They're quite big and have very long ears. Most likely mini lop, as they're the most common breed. Usually adult weight is 5-8 lbs. But if his adult size is much bigger, around 10 lbs, could be French lop. Or could be a mix of lop and another breed. Without very distinct traits or lineage from a reputable breeder, there's no way to say for sure.

https://bunniesathome.weebly.com/breed-guide.html

Hello! Ive just got back home with him he’s acting very different not his usual self but i expected that. I completely cleaned out the whole entire cage he has so it was nice and fresh for when he got back he’s got his hay food and toys! He ate 1 pellet as the vet said he hasn’t been eating since his neutering so they had been syringe feeding him He didn’t actually get stitches they used glue instead is that any different from stitches or same type of care?

He’s been peeing only in his cage but random spots he’s never peed on my floor, he does poo everywhere though I was thinking maybe it was because he wasn’t neutered?



thanks for helping with the breed I knew he was a lop but when I saw other mini lops he just seemed so much bigger thanks for all the help!!!

 

[Gravellilac]

That's a very happy and chilled bun bun

Absolutely keep hay in there, though keep fresh and clean. Hay is usually the first thing they start eating. His usual greens as well, as greens have always been the first thing my rabbits started eating. Plus they have the added benefit of hydrating at the same time.

Keep the area reasonably clean. Restrict running and jumping for about a week. So keep in the smaller enclosure if possible, and don't let run around the room for at least 5 days, or whatever your vet instructs (provided your vet is a knowledgeable rabbit vet).

The first few days especially, make sure he's not messing with the incision site. Use a onesie if needed, or cone if that doesn't work. But a cone can be difficult for some rabbits to cope with, so last resort, but better than the incision getting chewed.

Most important, make sure he starts eating within 24 hours from when he last ate pre surgery. If not, then phone your vet for instructions. You'll likely need to start syringe feeds. Also make sure to offer a warm pack (rabbit safe) for him to sit on or snuggle up to. Rabbits get cold post anesthesia, and a hypothermic rabbit won't eat well and will struggle recovering as well. If you have questions or concerns about anything, phone your vet, right away if your rabbits well being is in question.

https://hare.as.miami.edu/opcare.html

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Spaying_and_neutering_rabbits

For the litter box issues, is he just peeing in a particular spot outside of the litter box, or is it random and all over?

Color is Blue Japanese Harlequin I think. Definitely not pure English lop. They're quite big and have very long ears. Most likely mini lop, as they're the most common breed. Usually adult weight is 5-8 lbs. But if his adult size is much bigger, around 10 lbs, could be French lop. Or could be a mix of lop and another breed. Without very distinct traits or lineage from a reputable breeder, there's no way to say for sure.

https://bunniesathome.weebly.com/breed-guide.html

Is it normal for him to be really sleepy after and sleeping with his eye shut he never does this unless he’s lying down and he’s sat in a loaf position, I’m an honestly terrified my health anxiety for my pets is really bad