Hoppy Hour

[Little Lion Head]

I’m not sure where to put this question. Has anyone heard of “Hoppy Hour?” The Human Society where we got Pumpkin hosts one every other week. Here’s the description:

“This one-hour event is hosted by MCRS at Animal Humane Society. The cost is $3.00 per rabbit. You will have an amazing time socializing with other bunnies and the people who love to talk about them. All bunnies need to be sterilized and in good health in order to participate. There are small agility obstacles on the mat for your buns to become familiar with, but mostly this is a time to hang out and just enjoy the cuteness of bunnies at play. No need to sign up – just come and enjoy the fun!”

What are your thoughts on taking Pumpkin? I’ve been to these Hoppy Hours before (as an observer only–no bunny) and its so super cute! But do you think there is a chance of aggression or a bunny getting hurt? I’m guessing that must not happen much since they continue to have them, but….would appreciate your input!

[Flopsie]

When they say “sterilized” does that mean neutered/spayed?

[tanlover14]

Yes, Flopsie. Spayed and neutered only are allowed at “Hoppy Hours”!

Hoppy Hours are designed to give your rabbit social interaction with other rabbits w/out having multiple buns. Although you would never stick 2-3 bunnies together without proper introduction, it’s a lot easier to do in a large group where each rabbit can pick and choose who they want to hang out with. They are much more likely to avoid the rabbits they do not like hence making fighting a lot less likely. If you’re interested, I would take your rabbit to one and see what their reaction is. Most of the volunteers at these functions are VERY experienced and know how to catch any rabbit bickerments before they turn into anything serious. If he seems stressed or scared most of the time and not really into it then I would hesitate bringing him again.

[Little Lion Head]

Thank you tanlover–I’m guessing the neutral territory helps too. I also want to take her b/c of the agility courses; I wonder if she’d even be interested in them! Knowing Pumpkin she would spend the hour with her face smooshed to the ground waiting for someone to groom her!

[Flopsie]

Is there a website for this so I can check it out?

[Little Lion Head]

Here’s where I found it:

http://mncompanionrabbit.org/

[tanlover14]

DEFINITELY helps, the neutral territory that is! I have a lot of friends who do the rabbit agility, there’s one particular rescue I’m familiar with in Canada that does it quite a bit and they have a website dedicated to it:

http://www.canadianrabbithoppingclub.com/

I haven’t looked into the website a ton but they are very knowledgable on how to get started if you are interested in doing it even just at home.

[MimzMum]

I have heard of these get-togethers and seen a video of it before. My concern is that bunnies can be such easily upset creatures and territorial, I don’t know that taking a bunny to something like this is altogether good for them. Sure they meet other bunnies and you meet other bunny owners (or slaves as it were) but suppose your bunny meets a bunny it likes, but sadly this bunny isn’t coming home with them? I would guess it can get frustrating for a rabbit who thinks it is on the way to meet a potential mate.
Of course everyone is watching for any signs of aggression, but if there are enough bunnies there you may not catch every posture that leads to trouble between rabbits. I personally would not take any of mine to such an event, it just doesn’t seem in their best interests. (Let’s face it, mine are nervous enough going to the vet, which is all the car means to them.) But I suppose to each his own. If you decide to go, an abundance of caution is certainly in order.

[tanlover14]

I used to not like the idea of one rabbit getting attached to another as well, Mimz! But from my experience, discussing this topic with others not personal experience, most of the bunnies “hang out” but do not become attached as they’re really not together that long. None of the people I know have had problems w/ depressed bunnies or bunnies that have become increasingly attached to each other. I think it may kind of work like my larger group, they become less attached to one particular bun and just seem okay hanging w/ everyone. Granted, I have not personally seen it, just what others who have done this have expressed to me from their experiences.

I know, Margo, Pres. of HRS, has her house rabbits all running together out as well. She has the same consensus as I do about these larger groups when I discussed my group w/ her. Also, Rabbitats does this sort of group set-up but rabbits are adopted not as a large group. Just some other things to think about that made me personally view them a little more positively.

[Little Lion Head]

I have to admit I have an ulterior motive…I’m hoping my hubby sees the cuteness of bunnies together and lets me convince him to get a buddy for Pumpkin There’s a really cute Holland Lop up for adoption right now……..

[jerseygirl]

Lol!! ^

I learnt about this Hoppy Hour through Disapproving Rabbits blog. And watched a few vids of it on Youtube. Amazing to see them all hopping around.

[Author]

Messages