That’s great! I also feel prepared for most eventualities thanks to this forum. Though I must say – if I had been aware of all that could go wrong with bunnies before I adopted, I may have thought twice. I think it should be mandatory for prospective owners to spend a week reading these posts!

Dusky – I know how you feel. This forum is great. I’m glad your bunny is doing better.

Cheri – Definitely! A lot of people grow up learning how to take care of dogs or cats and a lot of rabbit owners get the “crash course” as adults. It can be overwhelming at first but it does get easier.

While becoming acquainted with all the information out there is definitely helpful, one in preventing a panic when something is happening, and two in being able to recognize symptoms and to deal with them appropriately; I think it is important to keep things in perspective. I kept a relatively happy rabbit in blissful ignorance of all that I was unaware of and doing wrong, for more then eight years. We had very few problems, and while I definitely would have dealt with his final illness differently if I’d have known then what I know now chances are it wouldn’t have made a really significant difference. If you do a lot of reading on all the illnesses cats and dogs can have you could be put off ever having one of them too. Our bodies are so different from rabbits, and they communicate so differently then most of our other companion animals, so their illnesses can seem more intimidating.

All I’m saying is that if learning before adopting would have stopped you from adopting then I’m really glad you are acquiring the knowledge now. Being prepared is always wise, but difficult as it can be at times its important to keep that balanced outlook and most of all not let the possibilities frighten you. Most often the biggest problem is not recognizing that something is wrong and waiting too long to have it looked after. If you know that you need to be alert and react promptly most conditions have a better chance of being treated successfully. So hope you enjoy your healthy rabbit’s companionship in peace and wellness for many years to come!

I have thanked this forum for more than one reason before – its a god send, and not just for Apollo loppybun!

Didn’t say it would have stopped me, just that I would have thought twice – I would, perhaps, have given deeper consideration to the physical and emotional needs of a bunny and made sure I could both afford to provide the proper housing and medical care, as well as enrichment and play opportunities. I know there are a lot of people out there who think bunnies are “happy” living in a tiny hutch outside alone. That you toss them a carrot and a handful of hay and visit them for 5 minutes a day and all is good.
I think if people considering getting a bunny “for the kids” or whatever would spend a few hours reading thid forum, some might say “Oh, I didn’t know rabbits needed that much attention” and they would choose not to get one, or they might read and say”Oh, I didn’t realize rabbits could be kept inside and be litterbox trained and be so much fun ” and they would then budget to purchase the appropriate housing, food and medical care.

Dusky2012, I know exactly how you feel because the exact same thing happened to my mini-lop Bam, and he pulled through thanks to this great forum. I too was SO happy when I finally saw poo =) Now I keep a bottle of simethicone in the fridge and I always will.

If I’d known about all dreadful health-issues that can afflict a bunny, I would still have had to take Bam in. But in general, I think people who buy random pets for their kids often are very ignorant about the needs these pets actually have. Rabbits look like toys but they aren’t. In my country (Sweden) there’s been a drop in the sale of bunnies and gunea-pigs from pet-shops these last few years. One pet-shop I went to to buy hay had the special-offer of a free bunny if you bought a cage! The drop in sales is both good and bad: Good because perhaps people realize they can’t just take on a pet and stick it in a cage and feed it a carrot now and then, bad because many children could benefit from spending time with a pet as excercises in empathy and responsibility.

I fell onto this forum too one day when I received a very ill bunny as a gift and I was in need of some advice. I honestly wasn’t planning on sticking around, just getting the advice I needed and leaving. But the kindness and knowledge I received from the people on this forum made me stay. I was expecting lots of judgement and rudeness but it was more caring, concern, and advice. I love it here and because of this forum my two bunnies are living like a king and queen

I love this forum not only for the great info I’ve received over the years but also for the friendly advice. Although, I must say the greatest thing about this forum is talking to like-minded people and the wonderful support when my bunny is unwell.

Hi All,

I’m new to BB but wanted to chime in as I am a first time brand new bunny mom. Almost 3 weeks of bun loving. I want to veggie back on Dusky2012’s much deserved thanks(no piggy backing from me I’m a vegetarian: ) This site/group has been wonderful and prepared me well for my new teen holland lop boy Thelonious.
I well understand how overwhelming all the information can be. Especially if you tend to be a worrier (like myself). I think i have overloaded on info to the point of stress and fear. Much like bringing a new baby…But that’s my own personal issue. I was the same way with my only son when I first brought him home. I read so much that I put a great deal of pressure on myself and forget to stop to smell the roses. I’m a little better now. He’s 21! and is so happy I have a bunny to love and worry about so I can stop focusing on him (He literally said this). I’m learning that its all about balance and I’m trying not to stress so much.

Its worth it to be prepared and I tell myself I’ve equipped myself with the knowledge—Now its time to chill and enjoy. If something comes up. It comes up, but I have to learn to stop being hyper vigilant and enjoy my bunny boy.
Thank you BB members. BB has by far been the best at preparing me for bunny ownership. I love how much support you give each other. As soon as I can figure out how to start a post I will officially introduce myself and my new sweetheart.

All the best to all the precious twinkle noses out there.

Theonious’ mom