Questions on my bunny

[BessieBunBun]

Can anyone help me? How can I train my bunny to stop jumping over into my guinea pig cages! We have 9 guinea pigs and they live in a cage that has grids around them and we use fleece blankets in their cage instead of regular bedding! We put plastic runners down, then rugs, then newspaper, and then the fleece blankets.

We been putting more grids to make a second level, so bessie can't jump in. But is their any suggestions on how to train her to stay out of their cage? Or are we doing the right thing? She loves jumping in and eatting the guinea pig food!

Also any suggetions on how to clip her nails?

Also would it be a good idea to get a second bunny? Would a second bunny make Bessie happy?

Thanks for your help Bessie is my first bunny and i want to take really good care of her! Any tips would be helpful also!

 

[Amy27]

I think the best way to keep a rabbit out of an area you don't want them in is to make it impossible for them to get in it. I can't really picture the set up you described. Can you post a picture? It would give everyone a better idea of things you could do to keep your bunny out.

Here is a thread from the library on clipping a rabbit's nails. http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12075&forum_id=17 I don't have much advice there because I hate doing it and usually have my vet do mine.

I think the decision to get a second rabbit depends a lot on the bunny and the human. If you get a second rabbit you have to be prepared that they may not bond and you would have to be able to keep them separated if it came to that. Also I think some bunny's like being solo bunny's. I think as long as you give your bun lots of attention and give her things to play with when you are gone she can be happy by herself. I preferred to have 2 rabbits though since I work fulltime and go to school fulltime, I wanted my bun to have someone there when I was gone. My bunny's were bonded for a few years before one went through several medical procedures and they unbonded. I am working on bonding them again now. I think they were happy when they lived together. But every bunny is different. If you want to get another bunny and are open to them not bonding and having to keep them separate I would contact a local shelter and have some bunny dates. I would let Bessie pick her partner. But even if you do that there is still no promises that they will bond when you get them home.

Good luck
Amy

 

[Flashy]

Amy27 wrote:

I think the best way to keep a rabbit out of an area you don't want them in is to make it impossible for them to get in it.

That is so, so true. I also agree that posting a picture may help. She definitely shouldn't be eating the piggie food (as you probably know) and so you're definitely right in wanting to keep her out of there.

Amy has linked to the right article for clipping nails.

How old is Bessie? What breed is she?

There are definitely different strategies needed for small and big buns, calm and wriggly buns, etc.

I tend to sit on a step and have the rabbit facing away from me, along my legs. Then I work foot to foot, but this does not work for some people. Some people have to use a towel (to cover/wrap the rabbit), or have two people, or use something like a table to put the bunny on, or trance it, or cradle it on its back. It's a case of experimenting to find the position that works for you.

Again, how old is Bessie? Is she spayed?

Each bunny is different, but there is definitely something amazing about seeing two or more buns together, and if you find the right match, then the bunny should love it too.

Obviously it doubles the costs and potential risk of needing a vet. It can also double the trouble

It's advisable only to bond spayed and neutered rabbits with each other. So if Bessie is spayed you're looking for a neutered male, and if she is not spayed, then you'll need to look at getting her spayed before bonding her with anyone.

They won't just be able to be put in together, they will need to be housed separately while the bonding is taking place, and this can take anywhere from a day or two, to a couple of months depending on the bunnies, so be prepared for that. Also, not all bonds work, because like people, not all rabbits get on. The best way to find her a friend is to take her on bunny dates to the local rescue and allow Bessie to choose her friend- you have the highest chance of success that way.