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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Thinking of getting a house rabbit, info please!

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    • Shivles
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        We’re currently trying to find a new home for me, my boyfriend and our daughter who has just turned 2. When we get a place we want a proper family pet, I like cats, he likes dogs and neither of us wants the other! So I stumbled upon house rabbits and thought it sounds like the best of both worlds, relatively quiet, doesn’t need walking, plenty of affection and personality. It’s going to be a few months at least so thought I’d start my research now.

        The main thoughts I have are:

        Is our family suitable for a house rabbit? We have a young child, I’m in college and he works so there won’t be anyone in the house for about 8hrs in the day

        Do you have to shut the rabbit in when you’re not there/asleep etc? Or can the rabbit be trusted with free reign of the house unsupervised? 

        Where does the rabbit sleep? Does it need a bed like a dog or does it sleep in a cage? 

        What’s the best breed for being house rabbits? Or are they all pretty much the same? I’d love a giant rabbit but I imagine they need a lot more care!


      • Karla
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          Posted By Shivles on 01/04/2013 08:11 AM

          We’re currently trying to find a new home for me, my boyfriend and our daughter who has just turned 2. When we get a place we want a proper family pet, I like cats, he likes dogs and neither of us wants the other! So I stumbled upon house rabbits and thought it sounds like the best of both worlds, relatively quiet, doesn’t need walking, plenty of affection and personality. It’s going to be a few months at least so thought I’d start my research now.

          I like that you are doing good research before jumping in to get a pet. That will save your lots of grievance later.

          Is our family suitable for a house rabbit? We have a young child, I’m in college and he works so there won’t be anyone in the house for about 8hrs in the day

          Honestly, I always tell people with small children that rabbits are not the best pet in the world. Rabbits usually don’t like loud noises or being handled by children. Rabbits have a much more subtle way of communicating than cats and dogs – cats and dogs are much easier to read and understand than a rabbit to most people, and especially children. So, rabbits are often put in a position where they are not comfortable and see not other way out than biting – or just becoming more and more withdrawn and nervous.

          If you decide to get a rabbit with a small baby in the house, I recommend that you set up boundaries and never let the two of them alone in the same room. And make sure that the rabbit has a room to where it can withdraw where you kid do not have access. I do know of rabbits though that in the end have had to be rehomed because they became more and more nervous because of the kids in the house.

          Do you have to shut the rabbit in when you’re not there/asleep etc? Or can the rabbit be trusted with free reign of the house unsupervised? 

          No, you don’t have to shut them in a cage. Mine are never in a cage. We only did that with our first house rabbit for the first 3 days, then we couldn’t bear to see him locked up. I find it very unnatural and inhibiting for the close relationship between us and our pets. And no, we don’t have any problems with them destroying anything.

          Where does the rabbit sleep? Does it need a bed like a dog or does it sleep in a cage? 

          Mine have access to the whole house day and night. They usually sleep under a chair or in one of their cardboard boxes. Cardboard boxes are essential when having rabbits

          What’s the best breed for being house rabbits? Or are they all pretty much the same? I’d love a giant rabbit but I imagine they need a lot more care!


          There is no breed that is better when it comes to being a house rabbits. All rabbits love human companionship. But the bigger, the more docile = more children’s friendly. Also, a big rabbit won’t easily be picked up by a small child. So, do go for a really big breed.

          Before deciding on a house rabbit, you should know that rabbits need to be neutered and that they are social animals, so you should have two of them.


        • Quantum
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            Bunnies and their people do things in a variety of ways. Some have condo/x-pen set-ups, some have totally free-range buns and some of us have a room or 3 that are bunny-proofed for their living quarters.

            Bunnies are most active/social early morning and in the evening–think dawn and dusk. Nibs gets up when I do–around 4-5am and is pretty active until about 9:30/10-ish when he sacks out for the day.  Social interaction picks back up around 7-7:30pm.  Bunnies can be very adaptable to schedules so as long as he’s getting run around/petting time for 3 or more hours a day, your work schedule likely won’t be a problem.

            Beds: tried one, Nibs tried to eat it. He picks his own preferred sleep-spot from 3 that he uses regularly. Occasionally, he’ll nap in his x-pen, but generally, he just sacks out on the floor (carpeted).

            Young child: only have them together if you can supervise them at all times. Small children are curious; so are rabbits. Small children also pull ears/pull tails/poke at eyes/attempt to pick up the rabbit. Rabbits are astonishingly tough and astonishingly fragile at the same time. They also will not hesitate to give a nip if someone is causing them pain. So, child+rabbit+parent=fine, child+rabbit=not so much.

            Best breed is whatever strikes your fancy. Nibs is an American Sable and they tend to be affectionate and mellow and he mostly is. But rabbits, like people, are all individuals. Just like you could find a cowardly Rottweiler, I’m sure there’s anti-social, hyperactive Sables running around. Visit your local animal shelter or rabbit rescue. Most will be happy to let you interact with the buns and be able to give you the low-down on their personality.

            Finally–head up to the top of this page and click on the “Bunny Info” and “Resources” links. There you will find a lot of your questions answered more in-depth (Binky Bunny put a *lot* of information right at our fingertips) as well as things like how much owning a rabbit will cost. X-pens, cages/condos, hay, dishes, vet visits, litter boxes, litter, etc. add up surprisingly quickly.

            ETA: Forgot *the most important thing*: make sure that your rabbit is either spayed or neutered.  It’s not just a question of bringing unwanted baby buns into the world, but a serious, serious game of Russian roulette with your bun’s health and life.  Ovarian and testicular cancer is extremely common in rabbits.  Make sure that the bun you pick is fixed or have it done asap after you get it and as soon as the vet says it can be done.  Quantum, our first bun together, was dumped on our property and we rescued her.  Sadly, we only got to have her for about 6 months because she had never been fixed and was full of tumors that likely started as ovarian cancer.  


          • Shivles
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              Thanks very much! Yes I can see how a toddler might be stressful for a rabbit, If we do decide to get one we will make sure there are strict boundaries. My daughter has been exposed to plenty of animals before so I’m confident she will be able to be docile with a rabbit, she understands that she can’t chase the mother in laws cats an sit on my Dads dog for example

              I love the idea of it just roaming free in the house like a cat or dog would, it sounds lovely. I appreciate rabbit proofing is essential but I’ve had to baby proof so I don’t imagine it’s much different!

              Good point on size and neutering, will bear that in mind.

              Is it really essential to have 2? One is probably all my boyfriend would agree too, unless they were very small but as you’ve pointed out thats not really a good idea.


            • Quantum
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                “Essential”? I don’t know, but he/she might be happier with some companionship during the day if the house is pretty much empty for 8 hours. Nibs is currently an only-bun, but I’m at home all day, so there’s someone to run to if he gets startled. We’ve talked about taking him on some play-dates and finding him a friend (or a minion ) for future vacations so he has someone familiar with him if we board him with our rabbit-savvy vet.

                Ooh! Check to see if you have any vets near you that specialize in rabbits. Not all small animals are alike–rabbits have very odd reactions to anesthesia and can’t use a lot of the common antibiotics amongst other things. Having a rabbit-savvy vet nearby is very comforting.


              • Stickerbunny
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                  No it is not essential. If you can only handle one, get one. Two rabbits is a lot of work until you bond them, then even after bonding, they can continue poop wars etc. And with a toddler, I dunno if poop wars would be a good thing to have around. If you have a social bunny and give it proper attention when you are home, supply plenty of toys etc when you are gone (though, it will sleep most of it), it’s fine. Mine sleep from about 11am to around 6pm anyways, so being gone all day wouldn’t phase them in the least.

                  If you do want a pair, just remember the difficulties that come with two. Poop wars during bonding/sometimes afterwards, potential for lost litter habits (mine have been bonded over a year and still haven’t regained theirs), possibility of a difficult bond (sometimes it can take months of daily bonding sessions). Double the toys, double the vet care, double the food, double the destructive powers (ever seen a pair of buns work together to take out a baby gate? mmhmm… tricky creatures!). Mine are a particularly difficult pair, but patience is required and it can be pretty stressful to bond.


                • tanlover14
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                    Hey there! Welcome to BB and it’s so great that you’re doing research into this before getting a bunny!! They are such rewarding pets if cared for properly.

                    Everyone else gave great advice on free-roaming a bun and having kids around — so I just wanted to say that I completely think you SHOULDNT get two rabbits, unless they come already bonded. In purchasing two rabbits you have to bond them. Bonding can take anywheres from a few days to months and months and months. From the sounds of it you’ll be busy and won’t have time for the bonding procedure. Which is understandable and completely okay. Doesn’t make you a bad bunny owner AT ALL. Many of the members on this forum in fact only have one bunny and their buns are completely content and happy. I have three little ones who all bonded VERY quickly but even their bond was time-consuming and stressful. It’s really a responsibility all in itself. I really would recommend against two bunnies in your particular situation. Also, with having your bunny free-range (as it sounds like you plan to do) your bunny will get plenty of human interaction and socialization while you guys are home I’m sure. As a free-range bunny, he won’t need you to let him out and play to be interacting with your family so it sounds like he’ll get a long just fine. My buns tend to sleep when no ones home and then become more active when the lights come on and they hear us moving around. It also sounds like you have quite the set schedule which will be perfect because buns like schedules! He’ll most likely just hook onto yours and plan his days (and you gone) around your away time to sleep.

                    Also, you won’t necessarily need a ‘bed’ but I would definitely suggest a place for your bun to go that he knows it all his and somewhere your child has no access to. Then if he’s being bothered he can quickly go in there without any stress. All buns like having a secure place where they know they won’t be bothered.


                  • Karla
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                      Will the rabbit sleep in your bedroom and be in your living room when you are home? If not, then actually, this incredibly sociale being will actually be alone for 16 hours out of 24, approximately. I don’t really think that is fair.

                      I have bonded a number of rabbits and would never have just one after having seen just how much it means to them to have a mate. I have not experienced any problems with ongoing poop war or lost litter habits. I don’t think it is fair to keep rabbits alone just because it suits us best – then it is better to find another pet that naturally lives on its own. Ignoring an important aspect of rabbit’s social nature is really not fair when we in the end have the full responsibility for this beings welfare – and it is our choice to adopt the rabbit.
                      That said, I have seen quite a few husbands start out saying they only want one and then soon want two However, I do think you should consider other pets as well, that might match you better.


                    • Elrohwen
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                        It’s great that you’re doing your research! I initially got bunnies because I’m not a cat person and couldn’t get a dog (living in an apartment) and now I’m hooked. I do have a dog now, but some days I miss the quiet easy life when it was just the bunnies. 🙂

                        I think your household is probably suitable. As some mentioned, many bunnies aren’t too fond of little kids, and there would need to be some definite boundaries. Getting an adult bun from a shelter would probably be your best bet, because you could see which are afraid of your child and which are curious. Many people get baby buns assuming they can raise the bunny to like their family, but in my experience bunny temperaments are fairly genetic. I raised one of mine from a baby and he’s a grumpy gus who hates to be touched and bothered (though he’s sweet in other ways). A rescue could help you find a good fit. Bunnies are also fantastic for working people. They are awake in the morning and evening and sleep the entire day, so they’re most active during the times their owners are home. They’re also pretty flexible with what time you come home and how long you can leave them alone (not as much as a cat, but much more so than a dog). We left ours for 18 hours occasionally and they didn’t mind. Of course, like most animals they do like their routines on most days.

                        Personally, I like to have my rabbits locked up when I’m gone because I don’t trust them (I don’t trust one, specifically). I do feel that they should have the largest enclosure possible though. Mine have a 4’x8′ area, and when I’m home they have a whole room. They get two whole rooms when they can be supervised. They would choose to go upstairs too, but I don’t want them up there getting into trouble. Some people have success with rabbits free in one particular room while they’re not home, and others give them totally free range. I think it’s really up to the bunny and how much trouble they get into. One of mine is perfect and has never chewed a single thing or gotten past any of my bunny proofing barriers (and he won’t set foot on slippery floors, which keeps him naturally confined to certain rooms). The other is a wild woman and is always outsmarting my bunny proofing, so she needs to be confined. Since they sleep during they day they often don’t get into too much trouble then – it’s the night you have to worry about since they’re often up until 2am and awake again around 5am.

                        Mine like to sleep in enclosed spaces like boxes and the Maze Haven (sold here on BinkyBunny). They also like to lounge on area rugs out in the open when we’re home. They definitely like to have their own space to hide in and sleep, but most don’t appreciate dog or cat beds (and pee on them instead).

                        The best breed is totally up to you. As a general rule, the bigger the bunny, the more laid back, so a giant or large breed might actually be best for your situation with having a small child. Bunnies are typically bred for looks or other qualities, not specific personality traits by breed (like dogs) so it’s hard to stereotype breeds and all can make great pets.


                      • Elrohwen
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                          Just saw your question on having two – my personal opinion is that it’s not essential and if you can give a good life with plenty of social interaction to one bunny, that’s fine. Plenty of members here have single rabbits who are fine, and I had one for a while. I still think he’d be fine solo. Sure, he loves his friend, but I don’t think he was unhappy before. She also bosses him around, which causes some stress, while she makes him happier in other respects.

                          Now, I do think my girl absolutely needs a companion. She is very people and animal focused and was super interested in making friends with a new bun. So I do think there are buns who absolutely need a companion, but not all of them.

                          Many rescues adopt out already bonded pairs, if that’s something you would be interested in. Bonding can be very time consuming and stressful (I found it stressful and mine was a relatively easy bond) so if you think you’d like to go that route, it could be worth it to just start with a pair. They’re really not any more work, in my experience, though it does increase food and vet costs. And it’s very sweet to watch their interactions.


                        • tanlover14
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                            I have to agree with Karla and her theory that quite a few husbands say one and then soon want another…. Ha!

                            My boyfriend and I agreed on one — and ended up with three. LOL.

                            You and your husband could visit a shelter where the buns will already be fixed and look into getting an already bonded pair if you don’t think you’ll feasibly be able to spend enough time with your bunny on your own. And of course, if you’re financially able to handle two.

                            Hmmm, well… how many hours a day do you think you’ll have to spend with your bun a day and then go from there. Since none of us really know your schedule really well. When Karla says that bunnies are very social creatures she is incredibly correct. A lot more social than one might usually think when getting a bunny. It really depends on the time you have to put into him/her.


                          • tanlover14
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                              At my shelter in Pittsburgh, they actually adopt out bunnies that are labeled as “Should be solo bunny – not good with other bunnies”. They have acquired knowing this since they do bunny romps (putting many bunnies in a room to play). You could possibly look into a bunny of sorts from a shelter near you too!


                            • Elrohwen
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                                Posted By tanlover14 on 01/04/2013 10:45 AM

                                At my shelter in Pittsburgh, they actually adopt out bunnies that are labeled as “Should be solo bunny – not good with other bunnies”. They have acquired knowing this since they do bunny romps (putting many bunnies in a room to play). You could possibly look into a bunny of sorts from a shelter near you too!

                                Yes, same at my rescue. They tend to bond all bunnies who come in and adopt them out as pairs, but there are some who just don’t get along with other bunnies and must stay solo. There was a black lop I just loved and wanted to try with Otto, but the rescue owner said it wouldn’t work for him.


                              • Snowytoshi
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                                  Posted By tanlover14 on 01/04/2013 10:45 AM

                                  At my shelter in Pittsburgh, they actually adopt out bunnies that are labeled as “Should be solo bunny – not good with other bunnies”. They have acquired knowing this since they do bunny romps (putting many bunnies in a room to play). You could possibly look into a bunny of sorts from a shelter near you too!

                                  As has been said not all rabbits need a friend, however most will. There have been two rabbits I have met who I would never bond to another rabbit and one of those I feel uncomfortable placing that label on, as I hardly knew him. The one who is more questionable was a rabbit who was dumped alongside a highway and became incredibly aggressive. I would not have placed him with another rabbit when I knew him, as from my understanding he would bite anything or anyone that intruded. He apparently has mellowed now that he is in a home and has started to binky for the first time in his life at three. The other rabbit who I feel more comfortable placing that label on is a bunny named Autumn who is very cage posessive and scared. One person wanted her as a bondmate for their current bunny and she flew into a rage and was very nasty for several days after that. She may change once she is adopted, but right now it would be very stressful to her  

                                  Remember that rabbits’ personailities change depending on their location and the people they are with and that most rabbits will want a friend.


                                • Shivles
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                                    well you’ve certainly all give me something to think about! Typically I’m out of the house 8-4 mon-wed and 9-3 thu + fri but at home pretty much the rest of the time apart from odd things like shopping etc. The rabbit would have free reign so if it wanted to be with me the whole time I was home it could although obviously I’d be asleep for some of that time. I will check out local shelters and see what kind of set up they have, and if we would be able to do a few visits before adopting. I’d much rather adopt one so I could get an idea of personality than buy one from a pet shop, plus I’d be helping reduce the numbers of unwanted bunnies.

                                    Mentioned a rabbit to the OH and he seems much more accepting of the idea of a cat, he agreed it’s quieter than a dog and not needing walks is a bonus.

                                    Thanks for all the help, I’m really not sure if I could have 2 so will have to look into it a bit more. If an older rabbit has always been kept by itself and gets plenty of interaction would it be quite happy? I would be willing to give plenty of time to playing and affection with a rabbit.


                                  • Roberta
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                                      Get the OH to check out some of the picture threads with our bunny men. He’ll warm to the idea very quickly. Real men love bunnies


                                    • Shivles
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                                        I’m going to play the ‘make it all seem like his idea’ card


                                      • Quantum
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                                          Hey, if a house rabbit can make my geeky, ex-Navy, electronics loving guy go all smooshy and say things like, “You are so adorable!” and occasionally break into baby-talk, well…. As I told him this morning as he lay on the couch, one hand dropped over to pet a bun that was sucking up the attention, “A boy and his bun: a true love story.”


                                        • Stickerbunny
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                                            Posted By Shivles on 01/05/2013 01:57 AM

                                            Thanks for all the help, I’m really not sure if I could have 2 so will have to look into it a bit more. If an older rabbit has always been kept by itself and gets plenty of interaction would it be quite happy? I would be willing to give plenty of time to playing and affection with a rabbit.

                                             

                                            When I first adopted my bun it was Powder, he was solo and he was quite happy. He did dead bunny flops, binkies, zoomies and hung out with me all day long. We even played “chase”, where i’d run and he’d follow me. He slept in the bed, under my chair, or otherwise near me. If I overslept, he’d jump in the bed and demand I get up for breakfast. No issues with him solo at all. Chacha, one of the buns here, is also solo and if you watch her threads there is no way that bun is not a happy one. There are also several other solo buns who make good use of their human slaves to keep them entertained and not lonely. And being gone 8-4 and 9-3, a bun would sleep most that time. There are always going to be two schools of thought on this with ANY animal though. So, it’s up to what you feel would be best for your home and your pet.


                                          • tanlover14
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                                              Oh wow! You’re going to be home plenty enough then for a solo bunny. I would just worry about finding one that fits with you and your family well, which is much easily done at a shelter where they can let you know what they have found out about the buns personality. Even when my bun was a solo bun, we weren’t home as much as you’re going to be AND he wasn’t free-roam and my bun was perfectly content and happy and very affectionate with us.

                                              I definitely agree with Stickerbunny. My solo boy (when solo) was a happy little guy and did the same zoomies, binkies, and flops as Powder. Also, ChaCha is a GREAT person to talk to on the threads about solo buns. Her bun is beyond a happy little girl. And is also solo.

                                              Quantam, I totally agree! My BF is the same way and LOVES every bun. He even googles stuff about bunnies and comes on the forums just to look around at least once a week. Idk what it is about boyfriends and bunnies but I feel on this forum they get along perfectly!! All three of my brats have my boyfriend wrapped around their little paws!


                                            • thumperluv
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                                                I think that getting two rabbits might be better for you, since they will take care of each other. If you’ve only got one, you need to be it s companion, and if you’re out a lot then you might end up with one lonely bun. But if you can only handle one, get one! Maybe later on your bunny will have a friend!

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                                            Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Thinking of getting a house rabbit, info please!