Re homing my bunnies

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 18sd replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 16 years, 9 months ago by Lisa_43.

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- 04/27/2009 at 3:06 AM
  Lisa_43
  Participant
  1499 posts
  As most of you know my rabbit had a surprise litter just over a year ago I have loved and cared for them the best that I can, I have other animals as well as working; I have been finding it very hard and end up in bed about 7pm physically exhausted.
  
  I have had to move them into a huge shed out the back with plenty of room and an air conditioner when it gets hot, I don’t like this arrangement but do not have room for that many in the house since my daughter moved back home.
  
  I have been thinking of ringing SAFE in Perth and asking them to find homes for them, my friend knows the person that runs this rescue group and said they are very good.
  
  This is going to be very hard for me and have asked my husband for some help.
  
  I guess I just want some feedback as I am feeling like I am being so mean to let them go.
- 04/27/2009 at 3:34 AM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Oh Lisa! Hugs to you. How difficult! I have seen how much you have done for the “babies” and can understand that this decision has been made because of what is best for them and you. If you are heading toward getting burnt out just caring for them, then maybe it is time. I’m sure you’ll be vigilant they go to a great home if this is what you have to do.
  Again – Hugs to you.
- 04/27/2009 at 3:52 AM
  LittlePuffyTail
  Moderator
  18092 posts
  That is sad that you have to part with them but I know you will only let them go to good homes. I can’t even imagine caring for that many rabbits. Having 3 wears me out! Are you going to keep Momma?
- 04/27/2009 at 3:57 AM
  Miyuki
  Participant
  240 posts
  Do not feel bad, you have given them a loving home for this long! They are still very young yet and it must be very tiring looking after them. I know it must be hard to let them go but if you are feeling exhausted then maybe adopting them out to good homes will allow you to relax more and give you a peace of mind.
- 04/27/2009 at 4:21 AM
  Lisa_43
  Participant
  1499 posts
  I am going to keep mum; I have not even had much time to spend with her as the work has been so hard.
  
  Mum will come back in the house soon and will ring SAFE to have a talk and see what they say.
  
  I have tried to make this decision ever since they were born but it is hard to let go, it is not easy finding good homes for rabbits in Aussie land.
- 04/27/2009 at 5:59 AM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Lisa, going with a group you’ve heard by word of mouth is probably a good thing. Call and get a feel for them. Perhaps you could post the SAFE the adoption posters on http://www.boingonline.com/index.html too. Boing! also list so other groups. Australian Companion Rabbit Group, and rabbitrescueaustralia, a yahoo group. I always have problems trying to get to companion rabbit group site though…
  That way you’d be getting it out to people interested in house rabbits.
  Also, there’s PetRescue http://www.petrescue.com.au/shelter_directory/wa
- 04/27/2009 at 7:54 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  You have been a hero to these babies. Without you, who knows where they would have ended up… probably NOT spay/neutered and socialized and loved. You went way above and beyond to make sure they were cared for and you did a fantastic job. Finding them new homes is not an easy decision to make, but I think it might be in their best interest as well as yours. They will be able to be house bunnies, either individually or in pairs. I’m sure if you contacted the rescue and explained to them what happened and what you’ve done for them, they would be pleased to work with you with getting them adopted out. Do you want to foster them in the meantime, or do you want the rescue to take them, or put them in someone else’s home as fosters?
- 04/27/2009 at 7:56 AM
  3crazybuns
  Participant
  222 posts
  I’m so sorry your having to make this decision! But please remember that your doing it because you DO love them, and you know that you can’t provide for them properly and there are others out there that can!! Your doing the right thing, putting them ahead of yourself! Best of luck to you!
- 04/27/2009 at 1:14 PM
  Kokaneeandkahlua
  Participant
  12067 posts
  I’m so sorry. But that is a terribly large number of rabbits for one person-and it’s not like you adopted each one-they were a total surprise. AND they are all spay/neutered already as I recall. That takes a load off the rescue group and you know they’ll never contribute to the overpopulation problem. I know it’s hard, but you should be proud you took care of them for so long *hugs*
- 04/27/2009 at 3:06 PM
  Lisa_43
  Participant
  1499 posts
  I think they will have to go to the rescue centre because I will not be able to let them go, my husband will have to take them when I am not home. I am going to be devastated but to see them leave will kill me.
  
  My friend owns a poodle rescue who knows the manager of SAFE, she said she is very careful when adopting animals out and she goes to the houses and looks at where the animal will be kept etc.
  
  If the rescue place will take them I am going to pay for their keep until they are adopted, I am also going to make up a care package with information on building NIC condo’s and their care and health issues.
  
  Thanks Jersygirl I will look at those other places you have names, I often look at Boing so will email them for some help as well.
- 04/27/2009 at 5:36 PM
  bigsis7
  Participant
  732 posts
  Oh no! I am so sorry Lisa! Sometimes we have to make such are decisions for our pets, so they can have a better life. I know how hard it is, but I applaud you for doing what’s best for your pets. I’ve had quite a few friends having to give their pets up this year, but it’s mostly due to the economy in America. *hugs*
- 04/28/2009 at 8:55 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  Are you sure you can put them all up for adoption? You’re not going to keep one of the babies that gets along best with mom? The reason I ask is you still have a busy shcedule so you can’t spend a lot of time with her. Would it be too big of a shock going from lots of companions to none at all? I’m really worried about that. Is she bonded with any of them? Maybe if you brought her and the best one that she’s attached to into the house now and observed them together to make sure they’ll do well without the others?
- 04/28/2009 at 3:16 PM
  Lisa_43
  Participant
  1499 posts
  I have been worrying about making mum a single rabbit again after she has been with them for that long.
  
  Ebony is in with three of her babies and they all huddle up together, one baby is timid and the others are friendly, I was thinking of keeping the timid one because I was worried of how scared he would be going to a new place.
  
  I will have more time with mum when I can get her back in the house; I just can’t keep up with the entire daily cleaning etc with that many rabbits.
  
  I was also thinking if the six babies were adopted that maybe they might find a home that will want a bonded pair, if I keep one then there will be an odd number and one will be re homed on its own, I guess that can happen anyhow.
  
  A lot to think about so I am taking my time to make sure the bunnies needs are met. I do appreciate your help and any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
- 05/08/2009 at 8:52 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Lisa, how are things going with this?
- 05/09/2009 at 5:27 PM
  MooBunnay
  Participant
  3087 posts
  I think it would be a good idea to see if you could get the bunnies adopted out as pairs, or to a home that wants to bond their bunny to one of yours. It’s really great to adopt a bunny out to be bonded, because usually you can help with the bonding process and also, you can evaluate the person as a bunny owner because you can see how they are with their current bunny.
- 05/31/2009 at 1:01 AM
  Lisa_43
  Participant
  1499 posts
  Sorry i didn’t see your reply, I am having trouble making the first step in talking to the rescue group because I find it hard to let go. My hubby is on holIdays in a couple of weeks and will have to get his help.
- 05/31/2009 at 11:23 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  It’s okay Lisa, I can honestly feel your pain and hesitation. Do you think it would be easier for you if you take your time? Give up a pair, make sure they get into a good home, then work on giving up another pair? It would be less of a shock to you, while still lightening your load…
- 05/31/2009 at 1:50 PM
  bunnytowne
  Participant
  7538 posts
  That many bunnies are a LOT of work. It hurts to let them go I know. You can keep in touch with their new parents. Once you find some good families to put them with.
  
  Lets send out some good new home vibes.
  
  I know you are so attached to them. It isn’t your fault that it is too much work for you. I have learned my limit the hard way. Talking to the rescue group should really help you with investigating and interviewing a new group of bunny parents.
- 06/02/2009 at 5:09 AM
  Lisa_43
  Participant
  1499 posts
  Thanks for the support, giving up a pair at a time sounds like a good idea Beka, I have three that are bonded and wish they could all go together but don’t think that would happen. I have an odd number that is why I was just going to keep mum so maybe the rest could go as pairs.
  
  Thanks Bunnytowne for the vibes, let’s hope it works.
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