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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum THE LOUNGE Is this a good idea?

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    • CharleyGirl
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        Hey everybody. Seeing as I’m new to this site, I’ll tell you about myself. You can call me Charley. I’m in the young side of the age thing (though I guess everybody says that). I’m a sexual abuse victim, not going into details but I will say it screwed me up.

           Anyway enough about that. I’m getting the help I need, & life is going pretty dang well now. But the reason I’m on this website is becouse I’m thinking about adopting a bunny. The support group I go to says having an animal helps a lot. Last month my mom watched her friends kitten ( that’s my avatar) for a week while she was away. Having Nila around REALLY lit up my day. That little cat is so freaking funny. She’s teeny tiny but man does she have TONS of energy.

           Yeah I know I’m rambling. Sorry I do that a lot. But what do you think? I’ve already looked up some info about buns & talked to the local vet. My neighbors bunny that she’s fostering had an opps litter ( 4 little ones). They will be ready for new homes next week, & I’m seriously thinking about taking one. My parents already said it’s okay & that it’s up to me.

           I’m just trying to get as much info as I can. So any links are anything you can tell me about them would be awesome. Thank you


      • Monkeybun
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          Welcome to BB I know for a fact bunnies can be great for a person after a traumatic event. There are tons of links up at the top of the page under bunny info, and the House rabbit Society page (rabbit.org) has tons of info as well.

          Bunnies are wonderful little pets, I don’t know what I’d do without mine


        • RabbitPam
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            A bunny makes a wonderful pet. A kitten is a bit more independent – bunnies actually involve a lot of care and preparation, but they are lovely pals.
            Your parents would be legally responsible until you are a bit older, and if you go off to college they will be more the owners than you for periods of time, but a bunny will know you and be fine if the whole family is involved. You might want to have them read the websites Jersey mentioned with you so everyone can arrange for a bunny together.

            You sound like you’re getting good help. I do want to suggest you read the rules for these forums. BB is very careful about what she allows in terms of personal info. for your own protection, which you can certainly understand. I’ll let her know you posted in case she feels it important to edit your age or name here. If they disappear, that will be why.
            Otherwise, welcome. It’s great that you are researching ahead of time.


          • CharleyGirl
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              Thanks for the welcome. Pam- Yeah I was thinking I posted a bit to much. I’m going to go back & edit some stuff out. Those links are great!

              Edit- I just took info out.


            • katiep
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                Hey Charley,  just wanted to say i’m glad to hear you are getting the help you need to recover and good luck on your journey!  I agree with everyone that pets are a great comfort and great to focus on in the down times in our lives.  I did want to just bring up that not all bunnies are cuddley and attentive as say a dog.  Sometimes even I get put off or dissappointed a little when I’m ready to cuddle or spend time with my buns and they are more interested in tossing around the piece of paper on the floor or wondering how they can get to the raisin box and don’t want to get pet by me at that moment.  I just want you to be prepared for the bunnies independence.  But, if you do end up getting a baby…PLEASE POST PICTURES!  Everyone loves the babies!!!  lol!  Again, good luck and welcome!


              • CharleyGirl
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                  Yeah I understand, but that’s what makes me want one so bad. I know that probably sounds confussing. But it’s like a cat or a dog love you no matter what. Rabbits have attitues & such different personality’s than any other animal. That’s what draws me to them. Every day I’ve been over to my neighbor’s house to see the buns. It helps so much. I also help her with the work part of it so I know what it’s like ( litter changing, feeding, cutting the nails/cleaning the butt when it’s time).


                • katiep
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                    Glad you are getting a feel for bunny parenthood before you just “run out” like some people do and get one before they do any research! I really hope your bunny helps in your recovery!!!


                  • Beka27
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                      I’m very sorry to hear about your recent difficult situation. I think pets are a great comfort, even when life seems free of problems, it’s wonderful to come home to a sweet, soft thing that wants your attention.

                      We love bunnies here (obviously we are on a rabbit forum… lol!) but we particularly like bunnies for the right people, at the right time, with the right care and attention. So many buns are in shelters and rescues right now (and getting euthanized everyday) b/c they seemed like a good idea at the time, but then things changed, or people changed, or situations changed.

                      My question for you would be: what are your short and long-term plans? College next year? Moving out? Working? College and bunnies do not mix unless you’re living at home. Even living at home, you will be at school or work so much that your time at home will be very limited. For these reasons, it’s important that whatever pet you get is a family pet which can receive proper care from someone else in your absence. So I guess if your family likes cats, I’d be leaning more in that direction. Rabbits are a very specific pet and not everyone will be willing to do what it takes to care for them and learn what is required.

                      I’m not trying to discourage you from buns forever, but just maybe not right now?


                    • katiep
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                        I just wanted to quickly add that no one here is going to try and talk you out of getting a bunny….we are just posing questions to make sure that this is a good fit for you and the bunny. These are questions that we may have even asked ourselves or wished someone had asked us when we got our first bunnies!


                      • RabbitPam
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                          True. Plan on having a bunny for about 10 years, if that helps you to picture your life with one. I’m glad to hear you are learning how to care for them with your friend. (Why do babies need their butts cleaned?) Be aware that you will want a rabbit-savvy vet, and possibly pet insurance so if anything happens, like long term tooth care which can come up, you won’t have added expenses quickly.

                          I’m betting there’s one of the babies that you have secretly bonded with, and who wants to go home with you?


                        • MirBear
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                            baby buns, like puppies need to have their little bums cleaned because sometime they dont know how to properly clean themselves and the poops can stick to their bums.


                          • FluffyBunny
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                              Bunnies certainly do make great pets, and they always seem to light up my day. I say, if you’re sure you can care for a bunny for the rest of his/her life (which includes spay/neuter, vet care, good food, attention, run time in a safe place and toys), and you have an opportunity to get one, go for it!

                              One of the best rabbit websites I’ve seen is the HRS website, http://www.rabbit.org . The article section of BinkyBunny is also a great read if you’re getting a bunny.


                            • CharleyGirl
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                                Right now I’m thinking about doing college courses online when I graduate. There’s no way I can handle being at an actual campus/living on one in a year. I just won’t be ready. I don’t think I’ll be living at home though. I’ll probably rent something in the town I already live in. So it’s like I’ll be in the same town as my parents but I’ll have a small taste of freedom. This won’t be for a little while though. I need to be at home atm.
                                I’ve done tons of resarch about buns (I have a folder full of info). We don’t have a rabbit savy vet in town, but there is one about 45mins away. So if I do end up getting one, there is a vet that can do the spray/neuter & deal with anything else that may come up. I’ve also priced everything out to be sure that I can afford one.I know about pet insurance. Our family dog(Joe) was on it but sadly we had to put him to sleep last year. Mom & dad had adopted him from a rescue when I was 10, but when they got him he was alreardy pretty old. He got cancer so the best thing for him was to put him down. Joe had already had 2 surgries to try to remove the tumor, but it didn’t work.
                                We have a farmers market type of thing here in town & they sale hay. If I do end up getting a bunny would that be okay to buy? I heard that it can be stored. What can it be stored in? I would buy pellets from the local vet office. Dad said he would help me build a cage out of NIC grids? I think that’s what it’s called. Since they can be litter box trained though the bun would be free range except at night.
                                RabbitPam- Oh my. There is one I’ve fallen in love with. It’s not one of the babies though, it’s the momma. Her names Lilly & she’s a fleemie/New Zealand mix. Lilly’s had such a hard life, yet she’s so easy going & sweet. I love her so much, her & the babies. But sadly (well sadly for me) they all have homes picked out already. Lilly is staying with my neighbor, & all the babies (there’s 4) my neighbor has already found homes for. Are vet helped her find homes for all of them. So I know there going to good homes (trust me my neighbor is a HUGE animal love so she was VERY picky about it).
                                I’ve been on petfinder & craigslist every day. I’m trying to wait though & REALLY think about it. I understand this is a huge desion & it’s not to be taken lightly. It’s hard though since there are so many unwanted buns out there. I wish I could take all of them in.


                              • LoveChaCha
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                                  Bunnies are lovely pets.

                                  We all get ’em for all sorts of reasons.

                                  I am sorry to hear about your difficult situation… I got a bunny so I wouldn’t feel lonely. My mom passed in December 2009 and since I’ve had the bunny in January, she has become such a big part of my life. I look forward to seeing her after I come home from work. She makes noise when I sleep, it helps me to know that I am no longer alone.

                                  She is my joy, and I think it would be good for you to have a companion

                                  I’m glad that you are doing so much reasearch into getting a bunny!

                                  Wishes to you that you will find your loving companion!


                                • kralspace
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                                    Welcome CharleyGirl!

                                    I live in Texas, too, just north of Waco and am ruled by 4 housebunnies. I’m impressed by all the research you’ve done. I have a lot of the same reasons for adoring the bunnies. In all I have one dog, 3 cats, 4 buns and 2 guinea pigs. We got the first bunny 5 years ago (today for that matter) for my son’s birthday and they just sorta multiplied from there.

                                    I had lost my husband a couple years earlier and learning to deal with (worship) my prima donnas has really helped me with the depression. You’re right, dogs love you no matter what, and while cats have attitude, you can buy them off with a full bowl of food and water.

                                    The bunnies however demand that you get your butt out of bed and take care of them. NOW! None of this 10-minutes-once-a-day ritual and you’re through. They want a routine, you develop a habit of going to the grocery store often for fresh greens, find places to buy good hay, build and rebuild the NIC condos to suit their whims. Feverishly bunny proof the house and actively supervise them when they’re out and about. Actually go to websites and ‘learn’ their language. All this and more to gain their approval…..lol. It’s a lot of work and worth it all when you’re asked for a nose rub.

                                    They’ve been very good therapy for me to get me up and involved with life again, and they certainly keep one humble. It’s exciting when one of the divas condescends to honor me by allowing me to pet her, but even more so when my extremely shy boy comes out in the open to take a treat and lets me touch his nose for a second (this after 4 years no less).

                                    Good luck to you, and you’ll always find a welcoming group here, Kathy


                                  • Sarita
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                                      One thing with pets too if you are going to live in an apartment you want to make sure you can have pets and what the additional cost is going to be since I know that pet deposits can be quite a bit from what I understand.

                                      Another thing to consider is if you will have someone to help you financially with any unforseen vet bills as those can add up. Believe me, I know, I pay alot in bills and medication each month for my rabbits.

                                      Rabbits do have to have their areas cleaned daily – at least mine do because I’m pretty picky about trying to keep their area clean.

                                      If you are just going to have one then I think a bale of hay is going to be more trouble to store than it’s worth, even if it’s cheap. Storage will be an issue in an apartment.


                                    • Barbie
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                                        Welcome to BB!

                                        Typically, apartments don’t charge fees for rabbits – at least that’s what I’ve found in the two apartments I’ve lived in since getting Leroy and the 2 dozen or so that I’ve called when apartment hunting. They consider rabbits “cage pets” and while we all know that rabbits need time out of their cages and several hours a day to run around, the apartments still consider them “small animals”. That’s the one reason I’m glad that misconception about rabbits is still around… pet fees are EXPENSIVE And when you think about it… I put my rabbits in their “home” when I leave so they can’t get into anything when I’m not there to watch them, unlike a dog or a cat that would stay out.

                                        A bale of hay is a lot of hay for one rabbit… but I’ve gotten a bale in the past, and it worked for me. If the apartment you rent has a large closet that you can put severl cardboard boxes of hay in, you could store it that way… or maybe your parents would let you leave the extra at their house?  The hay needs to be stored some where that is dry so it doesn’t get moldy.  Also, it needs to “breathe” so a cardboard box or large linen bag is best, or a plastic tub with small air holes poked in it; plastic bags are no good, unless you use the hay in it quickly.  Another option instead of buying those dinky little bags of hay from the pet store… see if your local rabbit rescue or HRS sells hay.  I can get a 25 lb box of Oxbow hay for $36.. it’s about a third of a bale of hay, still pretty pricey, but it’s good quality timothy hay and less expensive than the Oxbow hay at the pet store.


                                      • Sarita
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                                          Really, I’ve heard differently – I really think that it varies from apartment complex to apartment complex so it’s best to make sure what the policy is. Rabbits can be as destructive as dogs and cats and can chew on those baseboards and pee on those carpets.


                                        • CharleyGirl
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                                            Hmm that’s true, I would hate for the hay to go bad before he/she could eat it. So if I do end up with one, I can buy the bags of hay at the vet office. We only have two apartment buildings where I live & I don’t think they charge for bunnies, birds, hamsters, rats, & any other “cage” animal. Maybe I should call today & check. I won’t be moving out for a while but it would be nice to know so i can add it to my bunny budget list. Yeah I think that I will.
                                            Sarita- My parents have agreed to help me with any surprise bills. Everything else though, I’m going to pay. I will also get pet insurance. I have about two/three thousand set back right now. It was for a trip with friends this summer after I turn 18, but I won’t be going now.


                                          • Barbie
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                                              Sarita, yeah, I know it depends on the apartment complex – I was just saying that in my experience, they don’t charge. And yes, they can be very destructive…. Shhhh! Don’t tell my apartment! Anyway, I have written permission to have them and luckily I have two very well behaved bunnies! Charley, just ask nicely


                                            • wiseleyd
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                                                Hi! I think a rabbit is a wonderful therapy pet!! I take Mellow to school with me almost every day and students and teachers stop in all day long to pet him because it is so calming. They stand in line to brush him. I have dogs, cats, and a parrot, and I would vote for a rabbit, hands down for therapy as they have peaceful energy. Mellow is, well, mellow. It’d be great if you could find a slightly older bun, like 8 or 9 months old so that you know what temperament he/she has. Mellow is a neutered male, mini lop, and is really sweet.


                                              • CharleyGirl
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                                                  Wow! You take your Mellow to school with you?? Are you in college? How does Melllow deal with that? From what I’ve read about rabbits they don’t deal very well with change. Have you been doing it since you’ve first had him? I’m sorry for all the questions, I’ve just never heard of that.


                                                • MirBear
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                                                    no she teaches, esl i do belive? and the students love mellow!


                                                  • CharleyGirl
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                                                      Opps sorry about that. I feel so young compared to everybody else lol. That’s so neat. That you can take him to school with you.


                                                    • Sage Cat
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                                                        Hey Charley,
                                                        Sorry about what happened to you. But it sounds like you are taking some really good steps!
                                                        I know my pets have really helped me get through difficult times in my life. I think a bunny is a great idea!
                                                        Looks like you have done plenty of research – that is great. Plus, if you ever have a problem or question – you can post it here!
                                                        Actually, there are several other teenagers on this site. Don’t feel bad about being young.


                                                      • MirBear
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                                                          and i do belive im the youngest on this forum so dont worry lol


                                                        • Monkeybun
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                                                            Wonder who the oldest is… but I’m not gonna ask


                                                          • kralspace
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                                                              Afraid I’m probably close to the top. (57{I think, I forget a lot})


                                                            • FluffyBunny
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                                                                Don’t worry guys, I’m pretty sure I’m the youngest here. Probably younger than you’d guess.


                                                              • CharleyGirl
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                                                                  This may be a stupid question- What’s a xpen? Is it like NIC grids? Which one is better? Thanks


                                                                • CharleyGirl
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                                                                    Well not better but like what are the pros/cons of both xpens/NIC grids?


                                                                  • MirBear
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                                                                      nic grids are just little square grids you tie together, x-pens are like dog runs andwhat not i’ll post a pic

                                                                       x-pens are more expensive but the fold up and are more…. moveable??  and nic grids are cheaper but take longer to put up….

                                                                       

                                                                       

                                                                       


                                                                    • MirBear
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                                                                        and fluffy bunny im under 15…


                                                                      • CharleyGirl
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                                                                          MirBear- Thanks! I think I like NIC grids better, but having an xpen around might be helpful. Hmmm are you 13?


                                                                        • Monkeybun
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                                                                            Remember guys, under 18, do not post your age.


                                                                          • FluffyBunny
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                                                                              Mirbear, I think I might be, too.

                                                                              X-pens are dog exercise pens. They’re good because they provide lots of space for the bun and are very easy to put together. They’re bad because they can’t be changed around like NIC grids and usually have open tops (not good for jumpers). The popular round ones aren’t the most space efficient either.


                                                                            • Elrohwen
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                                                                                Fluffy, I agree with most of your points about xpens.

                                                                                Since they don’t have tops, it’s recommended you buy the 3′ tall version – that will keep most bunnies in.

                                                                                Also, they’re advertised as round in the ads, but you can move them around to make them square, rectangular, etc. You don’t have to set them up in a circle.


                                                                              • FluffyBunny
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                                                                                  Posted By Elrohwen on 03/15/2010 05:00 PM
                                                                                  Also, they’re advertised as round in the ads, but you can move them around to make them square, rectangular, etc. You don’t have to set them up in a circle.

                                                                                  Huh, really? I was told by a petstore worker once that you had to make them into circles or ovals for them to stand up right.


                                                                                • Monkeybun
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                                                                                    Tell that to my 2 pens that are in rectangular shapes…lol


                                                                                  • jerseygirl
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                                                                                      A belated Welcome to you Charley! Everyone has already given you stacks of great advice. That, plus your own research, will all aid in your decision so I won’t add any more advice.

                                                                                      I will add however (probably non-sensible of me) that I think you and a bunny would be a perfect fit.


                                                                                    • LoveChaCha
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                                                                                        I like X-Pens.

                                                                                        I have one attached to my bunny’s cage and I move it out to my bathroom area so she can run run run when I get home from work. It is really handy. I fold it up in the morning and it stays attached to her cage.

                                                                                        I got my playpen from PetsMart. It was $40.00.

                                                                                        I’m in the young adult (20’s) range on the board


                                                                                      • MirBear
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                                                                                          lol no im not 13. and monkey i made sure not to post my age..


                                                                                        • CharleyGirl
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                                                                                            Well I’m breaking all the rules. lol. Sorry about that, I didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to. I’ll remove it as soon as I post this. I’m really loving the idea of adopting a bunny. I think what I’m going to do is- as soon as I know I’m 100% certain I’ll set up the bunny “house” & get all the supplies. Then I will adopt one. Does that sound okay? Are should I wait to set everything up until after I have the bun?
                                                                                            I was thinking that it would be easier to have everything up before-hand. But then again I won’t know the buns personality so I wouldn’t know how they would like it set up. Ahh so much confesion


                                                                                          • Sarita
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                                                                                              I recommend having as much stuff as you can before you adopt your new bunny. In fact, most rescues will hold your rabbit while you get your supplies and prepare their condo – that’s really ideal. There are always basic things that are going to be the same for every rabbit as far as water bowls, recommended food pellets, litter, stuff like that. Fun stuff like toys can come later when you are more familiar with your rabbits likes and dislikes, heck you could very easily adopt a rabbit who could care less about toys.

                                                                                              Also some rescues can be pretty specific about how they recommend you house your new rabbit. So you want to let them know you have done your research, want to fill out an application, meet with them and their rabbits and then get everything you need. Most rescues realize that new rabbit owners need help and really, part of their job is to help educate you so that their rabbit goes into a safe and happy home.


                                                                                            • CharleyGirl
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                                                                                                Mom & I are going up to the local rescue tomorrow to fill out an application & do a little bunny dating There’s one little man I’m interested in- names Ace. They don’t have his picture up on the site but his story breaks my heart. I don’t know if his still there at the rescue, when I tried to go back on the site it said that it’s down for repairs. Ace was bought for a little girls birthday four years ago. As little kids do she lost intrest in him so the parents put him outside in a hutch & tried to forget about him. When somebody finally brought him in Ace was already really sick. The rescue nursed him back to health & his still there, or in a loving home. Either way his happy & healthy
                                                                                                Anyway after we go to the rescue, were going to petco & some other places to get everything we need to build the cage.


                                                                                              • Sarita
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                                                                                                  Keep us updated. I hope Ace is still there waiting for you :~)


                                                                                                • Bindilicious
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                                                                                                    Hi, I’m pretty new here, too.  I adopted my bunny, Bindi, from the Humane Society – she, too, was a long forgotten Easter bunny from 2009 Easter.  She is a sassy little thing, but we are slowly understanding each other.  My husband surprised me with her because I had a house rabbit many years ago and still talk about that bunny.  I, too, think a bunny would be perfect for you and you have really done your research.  These guys are really helpful and will help you in every way possible with advice and tips and even a laugh.  Welcome and good luck with your search for the perfect bunny!! 


                                                                                                  • Elrohwen
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                                                                                                      I hope your bunny dating goes well! You sound like you’ve really done your research and I think you’ll make a great bunny owner. It’s kind of overwhelming at first, because you can do all the research in the world but you don’t really know what it’s like until you have your bunny home. I remember being really nervous the first few weeks I had Otto – I wasn’t sure if what he was doing was normal, I wasn’t sure how to interact with him, etc. It definitely gets easier and in 6 months or so you’ll be here answering questions for other newbies 😛

                                                                                                      And a lot of people have mentioned how much work bunnies are, because a lot of potential owners really don’t think through that, but I wanted to add that once you have a routine, they’re really not bad. Our bun is far less work than a dog (no walkies!) and maybe a bit more work than a cat, but I honestly spend very little time cleaning up after him, feeding, etc. Most of my time is spent playing and cuddling him, or just sitting with him while we watch tv in the evenings. They’re great pets.


                                                                                                    • CharleyGirl
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                                                                                                        I’m so excited. Like seriously I have not been this happy since well before IT happened. Having a bunny around is going to help me so much. Plus I get to help out a gorgeous animal. It’s a win/win sitaution. Anyway right now I’m trying to decide if I want to build a condo or go with a x-pen. I like the idea of an x-pen better, given the way my room is shaped (it’s really weird). But with condos don’t bunnies have more things to climb? He/she will mostly be free range though, except at night are when I’m not home. Right now I’m home all day. Give or take 4 hours two days a week.


                                                                                                      • Monkeybun
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                                                                                                          X-pens are nice in that you can fold em up and move em easily, as opposed to the condos which can be a pain.. I have a spare x-pen for when we do any travelling and can take the buns with us


                                                                                                        • Elrohwen
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                                                                                                            I have a petstore cage with an xpen attached and I love the xpen. It’s is so handy for moving around – I’ve left my bun with friends (when I’ve gone on vacation), taken him to my parents’ house, etc and it’s so quick to put the xpen in the trunk then set it up in the new location. Also, my bun is not into climbing or jumping at all, so a condo would be wasted on him 😛

                                                                                                            And you can actually set up shelves in an xpen with a few spare NIC grids if you wanted. You would just need to attach them and find some way to support underneith with dowls. I also love NIC grids for bunny proofing and I have sort of a fence around my living room edges to keep the bun away from tv cords, books, etc. They’re very useful even though I haven’t used them to build his cage.


                                                                                                          • CharleyGirl
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                                                                                                              I think I’m going to go with an x-pen. It makes the most sense. I like the idea of adding shelves in it, I’m going to have my dad help me with that though lol. We have printed out the bunny proofing tips & we are going to do that tomorrow


                                                                                                            • Sarita
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                                                                                                                I’m a huge x-pen fan – your so right, this makes so much sense. It so easy to clean and change as needed.


                                                                                                              • usagi
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                                                                                                                  Hi, CharleyGirl, I’m a bit late coming into this conversation, but I just wanted to let you know that I had the “IT” happen to me too in high school – you are not alone out there! Know that, ok? It also sounds like you have alot of support at home, which is so important. As far as bunnies are concerned, I rencently have been having some problems that have come up with the “IT”, even though it happened years ago. I think that people like us will always be working through this in some way or another – as our lives change, things come up, you know? Ok, so about the bunny. A few months ago I was feeling especially icky, extremely close to the edge – some stuff had come up and I had to go back and deal with my experience again. I had been talking about getting a bun for awhile now, because I am a huge animal lover, but cannot have dogs or cats in the apartment. I didn’t do the kind of research that you did beforehand, and in retrospect, probably should have looked at adopting a rescue bun, and will certainily look in to that when it is time to bond for Lems. But, we have Lemony Snicket, and we love him so very much. He has helped me through this difficult time in so many ways… It’s like, no matter what is going on each day, no matter what things we are struggling with, Lemony will still be there waiting at home for me, wanting to get fed some veggies, play, and cuddle. Bunnies needs are constant, and when things in our lives feel so inconsistent, especially with this kind of trauma, my bun has really helped bring me back to earth. Not back to earth in that “I am conceited” kind of sense, but back to earth in terms of dealing with all of the hard stuff day to day – I remember feeling so disconnected from reality and what was going on around me.

                                                                                                                  Right now I am finishing up my last year of college – we started with just a cage for the baby, and had him freerange while we were home. I didn’t like this arrangement – I hated locking him each day when I had classes – so we got an Xpen and put it around his cage to expand his play area. But when we are home, we open up the Xpen and let him run free, at least until bedtime. We live in a studio apartment, things are kind of cramped,
                                                                                                                  and originally we started trying to bunnyproof with cardboard. This was fine for a few months, until he got fixated on chewing through it. We just put up the grids around the bed so he can’t get under, and also attached a large wall of grids to his Xpen/cage area. He is a jumper, so we made this pretty high. We are actually (hopefully) are going to tomorrow to get some more grids to put up.

                                                                                                                  As far as the whole college/young adult lifestyle thing… I think that if you are committed to your bun, which it sounds like you are, and you have the necessary support around you (my parents agreed to take Lemony anytime if something came up, life changes all the time), then it shouldn’t be a problem having him in the house / apartment with you, and moving with you as your life changes. Next year I am moving to Florida for graduate school, and might be living in a dorm. My boyfriend is staying here in Chicago, and as Lems is as much his bun as mine, he is thinking about keeping the bun in Chicago so its less of a stress for Lemony. So as long as you have options to fall back on, I think that buns make wonderful pets for trauma victims. My therapist, who is getting trained in Equine Therapy, reminded me that buns are most like horses than any other animal. They are prey animals, and you have to work to get their trust. Kind of like how we have to relearn how to trust after these terrible things happen to us – it becomes this joint effort between you and the bun, and it is amazing. All I can say is that it has really helped me, and if you want to talk more about this more on a personal note, perhaps we can exchange emails. Best of luck to you!


                                                                                                                • Elrohwen
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                                                                                                                    Lemony, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story! I can’t even imagine what both you and Charley must be going through and it’s so brave of both of you to share your stories with your fellow bunny lovers 🙂


                                                                                                                  • MirBear
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                                                                                                                      i agree with elrohwen!!! and i havent said this in so manty words but i also agree that a bun would be a good expirience for you


                                                                                                                    • CharleyGirl
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                                                                                                                        Ugh… so mom & I just got back from the rescue place & they had to put Ace to sleep last week I couldn’t really understand why. It was something to do with a tooth absess? You could tell everybody was REALLY upset about it. He was the sweetheart of the rescue. ((((( binky free Ace)))). Hope your having fun wherever your at. I hope you know that you WERE loved hun.
                                                                                                                        They had no other buns there. It’s such a small rescue, they mostly take in dogs & cats. There are rumors that they might have to shut down becouse of lack of funds The town I live in ( the rescue is here) is like dying. All the jobs are gone, are last big place to work shut down in October, everything’s just blah here. I donated $50 to the rescue. It’s all I had on me (I have money in a savings acount). It’s not a lot, but I hope it helps out some.
                                                                                                                        Anyway in a couple of hours mom & I are going to go to petco & some other places to get everything the bun will need. I really don’t like petco, but it’s the only animal supply store around this parts. So it’ll have to do.


                                                                                                                      • CharleyGirl
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                                                                                                                          Oh crap. Sorry about the multi-posts. I tried to delete 2, but I don’t know how. Sorry bout that


                                                                                                                        • Bindilicious
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                                                                                                                            Oh, Charley, I’m so sorry.  What a huge disappointment that must be for you!  Hugs to you.  Is there another rescue close to your area that you can visit or a Humane Society?  Have you searched on-line for nearby places that take in bunnies?  (I’m sure you have, in your researching).  Anyway, hang in there and the perfect bunny will come to you. 


                                                                                                                          • MirBear
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                                                                                                                              its k i do it all the time.. and i dont k ow how todelete them either


                                                                                                                            • Sarita
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                                                                                                                                Charley, I’ll delete those 2 for you.

                                                                                                                                I’m so sorry about Ace. Dental abscesses can be very bad and hard to treat – I’m dealing with this with one of my rabbit’s Emmy right now and I’m worried to death about it.

                                                                                                                                That was sweet of you to donate $50 to them.


                                                                                                                              • CharleyGirl
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                                                                                                                                  I have. There is bunny buddies (bunnybuddies.org) but that’s almost 10 hours away. It’s hard living in the middle of nowhere lol. I REALLY want to adopt from a rescue, so that’s what we are probably going to have to do. It’s okay, I know the perfect bunny for me will come along. It’s just the wating part ya know? Maybe that’s selfish of me, to want one RIGHT now. I don’t know, I’m really sad right now about Ace & I didn’t get alot of sleep last night.


                                                                                                                                • CharleyGirl
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                                                                                                                                    So I went ahead & bought everything. I already set up the x-pen & put all the supplies up on a shelf in my room. I know it might be awhile but hey it’s good to be perpared, just in case. For all we know maybe I will stumble over a bunny on craigslist or the local newspaper. I’m planing on adopting, but ya never know.

                                                                                                                                      I got some more rescues that we will be calling tomorrow.


                                                                                                                                  • MirBear
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                                                                                                                                      kijiji has people that sell bunnies… sometimes they need saved even more than the bunnies at a shelter…. especially just after easter…. actually thats a good point… after easter their will be tons of bunnies around waiting to be rescued fron ‘irrisponsible’ owners…. im suprised that nobody’s thought of that yet


                                                                                                                                    • CharleyGirl
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                                                                                                                                        MirBear- Exactly my thoughts. A week after Easter people are going to realize what they got themselves into. Makes me sick, you would think that people would learn by now.


                                                                                                                                      • MirBear
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                                                                                                                                          yup, i think that bunnies being classified under “livestock” would make people consiter that they arnt your average pets!!! even though i dont like bunnies as live stock it could give a bit of insight to some ‘eager owners’


                                                                                                                                        • Sarita
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                                                                                                                                            Charley, I honestly recommend that you try to get from a rescue rather than Craigslist or that other website. You don’t want to rescue irresponsible owners you want to rescue from a rescue so they can rescue more rabbits from shelters if you can.


                                                                                                                                          • MirBear
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                                                                                                                                              some people post bunnies as you come and get it or it dies.. there was one in the middle of winter posted as that.. two bunnies living in an out door hutch a week later it said EDIT: only 1 bunny left the other died, someone come get this thing before it joins its little friend. i would hate to see that happen… and when i adopted kisses she was posted as a if not gone by this weekend we are going to set her free…. again.


                                                                                                                                            • CharleyGirl
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                                                                                                                                                Sarita- Yeah maybe I did say that weird. What I meant is- the only way I would get a bun from craigslist/any other site like that is IF it was a despreate sitaution. I’m not going to run out & take in the first bunny I see becouse I really want one. I would be lying if I said I’m not looking foward to having a bun, but I WANT to adopt. I know that I need to see & interact with the buns to find the one that is right for myself & my family. That’s the best thing in my eyes. Sorry to phrase that weird before. I hope this cleared that up.


                                                                                                                                              • Sarita
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                                                                                                                                                  Wherever you get your rabbit from, it will be a very lucky rabbit.

                                                                                                                                                  Craigslist just leaves a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to posting pets. I don’t believe them. What MirBear says is a perfect example of someone trying to tug at your heart.


                                                                                                                                                • MirBear
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                                                                                                                                                    with kisses they actually released her before but she stayed in their yard so the brought her back. she lived on their porch for a year and a half in a wire dog crate.. no shelter at all.


                                                                                                                                                  • jerseygirl
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                                                                                                                                                      *Binky free Ace*
                                                                                                                                                      Charley, your donation would mean alot to a shelter. Though you are still waiting for your bun, know you’ve made a difference to some animals in the meantime.  The right one for you will come.  I was just wondering about Lily(?) your neighbours rabbit?  Is she going to keep her once the babies are homed?


                                                                                                                                                    • CharleyGirl
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                                                                                                                                                        Yes Lilly will be staying with my neighbor. So at least I’ll be able to see her a couple of times a week (I go over to her house if I’m home alone & start getting creeped out). She’s the sweetest lady. Her name is Jane btw
                                                                                                                                                        MirBear- That’s horrible! At least Kisses is in a great home now.


                                                                                                                                                      • Beka27
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                                                                                                                                                          I’m sorry to hear about Ace. Keep your ears and eyes open. Let any local shelters know that you’re interested in adopting a rabbit and to keep your number on file. The right one will come along.

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