I run a little rescue set up for unwanted/sick/injured bunnies that are more than likely to be euthanased by the SPCA. I have HUGE pens but very small hutches or sleeping compartments. I think my bunnies like their cosy sleeping quarters which lead into tunnels that open out into the pens. Actually I don't have the traditional hutches, preferring to focus on the pens. My "hutches" are converted cat carriers (the larger kind that can comfortably hold four good sized lop rabbits).
These carriers are lined thickly with hay and a cotton lining behind the hay. They are waterproof and very snuggly, like little caves and fit a bonded pair of lops or even 2 flemish. The smaller the rabbit, the more hay I use.
The tunnel contains 2 solid heavy dishes, water and pellets and a flat stone for keeping claws down. The pens lead out onto the grass and although they are heavy, they are moved every few days for fresh grazing. Bunnies cannot dig under them as the pens are moved before they have the chance and the bases are heavy. The pens are divided into 4 sides that are 2 metres long and 1.7 metres high.
So the pen is 2m squared but I often use 5 sides for the bigger buns. I have around 20 of the sides. They have plastic coated wire that is very thick and are otherwise just simple beams of wood nailed together.
Inside the pen, I have a range of fresh veges like broccoli, kale, bak choy, parsley, dandelion, dock and puha. Occasionally I set up banana, apple or carrot slices on bamboo sticks tied up on the panel sides to encourage the buns to reach and search out their food.
I stick to a few simple toys like wooden crates, boxes, rolls with newspaper and raisins, rattles or like some of my bunnies prefer, a plastic chair to climb on.
I have several indoor carriers for sick critters who need TLC or need to adjust to their new surroundings from a confined and safe place.
My vet allows me to pay the "stray" rate and a small weekly amount goes out from my account every week. Donations are at rare times accepted from another rescue center dealing with birds, IF they have extra money.
I can ONLY accept 12 rabbits at a time but the rate of re-homing makes it possible to have new incomers fairly regularly. I am small scale rescue operation and until last week, only had two new bunners over 6 weeks. My keepers, however need around an hour a day of full on attention.
I currently have 8 rabbits and one is off to a lovely new home on Saturday.
Our latest success story is Wing, an adorable baby bear of a bunny...he will need to be added to my keepers as he is too old to be re-homed and we have already gained each others trust. He has had a long hard life and re-homing would be cruel. He loves it here so far.
and with luck could possibly be bonded with the right bunny over time.
Its important to remember than bunnies require brushing, vaccinations, desexing, claw clipping, ear/eye checks daily, cuddles and games, toys, excellent quality food and a yearly check up, company, lots of space if possible, someone who is prepared to monitor their poop (no joke as that is an excellent indicator of their health as rabbits pass a heavy amount of urination and poop).
Also be prepared to accept advice and keep smiling
