A New Adventure

[bunquest19]

Hello everyone!

I am very excited to join this fantastic community- not only on the forum but in house rabbit ownership! I do not own a bun yet, but the man and I have been interested in getting one for quite some time. I’ve been researching online and we’ve been discussing it. We’re going to look at our local animal shelter and browse the pet stores tomorrow!

I just wanted to let everyone know that all of your advice and knowledge is more than welcome. The last time I owned a rabbit I was very young and she was my parents responsibility. So this will be an exciting and new adventure!

[Monkeybun]

I would advise against the pet stores. Check shelters and rescues first, there are plenty of bunnies out there that are in need of homes without promoting breeders 2 of my buns are rescues, and I couldn’t be happier with them! Plus, often at shelters they are spayed or neutered already, so you can save a couple hundred dollars easy on that

Welcome to BB

[brittbritt]

I would advise a rescue or shelter too. Most rabbit rescues have already worked on getting their rabbits litter trained and spay/neutered. Plus they know more about what their personalities are like already.

[bunquest19]

A rescue or shelter is definitely my first choice- both of my cats are rescues and they are fantastic! We’re visiting the pet stores to mainly buy supplies. Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

P.S. I’m thinking after Easter there will be lots of buns in shelters to choose from. As sad as that is…

[brittbritt]

You’re exactly right about after Easter. It’s so sad to think of. There will be alot on craigslist I’m sure too.

[bunquest19]

Looked around at some pet stores today. Was surprised at the lack of bunny appropriate toys and/or supplies though. However, I found the rabbit food I’ve decided on. Any of you guys use Oxbow? Judging by the nutritional facts it seems pretty decent. And I own a horse so I know where I’ll be getting my hay from!

[peppypoo]

Oxbow is great, it’s one of the most highly recommended/used foods around here!

[bunquest19]

Oh, that’s fantastic! I’m glad all my research seems to be correct so far!

[Monkeybun]

Oxbow is the pellets my buns eat They love them

[Huckleberry]

Its so refreshing to see someone do their research!!!
So, since you seem to be on the ball, let’s talk bunny proofing!
Have you worked on that yet? I would really focus on protecting your furniture and making sure that all cords are either blocked off, guarded, or up and away. Also, make sure you dont have any house plants that could poison your new family member. If you do not have any carpet, you will need to get rugs because your bunny needs to have some traction and padding for his/her delicate little feet.
Welcome! I cant wait to see pictures of your new baby!!!!

[bunquest19]

Good to know Monkeybun!

And I’d say bunny proofing is the one area where I’ll be needing to ask you guys a lot of questions! I live in an apartment and the hallway, kitchen, and bathrooms are tile. The living room and all of the bedrooms are carpet. The living room and bedroom was where I planned to let the bun have most of it’s exercise. However, some buns have the tendency to dig. Should I be worried about my carpet? Would lots of destroy toys be enough to distract the bun from my flooring and furniture? How do your buns handle being turned loose on carpet?

The carpet is really my main concern. The cords are going to be blocked off and if the bun is particularly persistent they will be lifted up and away. I have no plants where he/she could reach.

I’m getting excited! The local shelter doesn’t have any buns right now, but I’m going to wait until after Easter. However, there are two buns not from around here that have caught my eye! A Mini Lop on Craigslist (owner doesn’t “want” anymore) and a Holland Lop that’s at the Toronto Humane Society. Both are female, not spayed, and described as friendly. Pretty lengthy drives to get to them though! I guess I’ll just have to be patient and wait and see!

[Beka27]

Carpet is a favorite pastime of many rabbits. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to know how a bun will behave in certain situations. If you live in an apartment, I assume you have paid a security deposit, so if the carpet has to be replaced, that can go to cover that cost. I would try to prevent the carpet from being destroyed of course, but sometimes these things cannot be avoided.

Rabbits who are spayed/neutered and over 1-2 years old tend to be less destructive, but there are always exceptions to the rule. If you go through a rescue, they may be able to tell you some background on the rabbit’s behavior.

[bunquest19]

Thanks Beka27! This is all great information!

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