Hello everyone, my name is Alex and I am a new bunny owner. I have been reading the site for bunny tips since I got my bunny. I’d just like to say your advice and tips have really helped someone who had no clue at all!

I have had my bunny, Bella, for 2 months now. She is a Netherlands Dwarf rabbit (I’m actually not entirely sure on that, due to how much she has grown!) who is about 6 months old. If I could describe her in 1 word it would be mischievous.

The way I came round to owning a rabbit wasn’t straight forward. I have always owned pets (mostly dogs, but as a family pet), but have always wanted a pet to call my own. I wanted a pet that was challenging, social and rewarding. I did a lot of research and a bunny seemed my best bet! I set off to my local garden centre to look at prices for rabbit supplies, but ended up coming home with my bunny! I had intended to rehome a bunny, but the way she sat in her cramped cage, looking sad and lonely, I had to rescue her! Obviously, a garden centre is the least helpful place in the world for pets, so I had to get her vaccinated and spayed myself (which all went fine!)

During the first month, Bella was very timid and scared. All your helpful advice has got her to where she is now! Where she used to hide from me, she now greets me when I am home from work, and most recently starting eating treats from my hand (Which was one of the most satisfying achievements I have ever had ha-ha!).

She currently has a cage which is constantly open in my room, with free-run of my room whilst I am at work. There are lots of places she can hide and tunnels to run through. I have never litter trained her, but she always wee’s in her litter tray, and hardly ever poops outside her cage. When I am home from work, she is granted access to my whole house – She loves to investigate all the rooms and I have found her asleep in my washing basket a couple of times!

I never realised that a bunny would be such a loving and rewarding pet, one I look forward to seeing whenever I come home from work! I also now have a personal alarm clock, who wakes me at 7 am everyday as it is breakfast time

I only have one question. I really don’t try and pick my bunny up a lot, as she really doesn’t like it. But sometimes I need to pick her up (Going to the vets, put her outside for fresh air, check health and nails). What is the best way to pick her up, as she struggles when I try and it really isn’t nice for her or me 

Thanks for all the help again, have attached a picture