Adopting my first bunny tommorrow!!!

[Little]

Any info. on things to look for (like charecter traits) that make an adopted bunny sweet and friendly…please let me know!

[peppypoo]

Welcome to the forums! Where are you adopting from (pet store, rescue, shelter, etc) and are you looking for baby bunnies or older ones? Babies don’t have very developed personalities yet, so even if a baby seems super cuddly and sweet they may grow up to be a more skittish and nervous adult. The best way to find out the personality of a bunny is to spend some time with them in an area where they can hop around…it’s pretty much impossible to tell what a bunny’s personality will be like just from looking at them in a cage. Just sit on the ground and see if they come up to you, if they’ll let you pet them, etc. Of course, because of stress and unfamiliar environments they may behave differently than they would once they are more familiar with you, but you might be able to get some idea of their character. If you are adopting from a shelter or rescue you can also ask the people that work there.

I’m going to move this to the behavior section. If you do get a bunny, definitely tell us how it went!

[Bee]

I just adopted my bun this week so I can definitely relate to what you are going through!

I second what Peppy said about asking the people who work there. I luckily adopted a bunny that was with a foster family first; therefore, they really knew his personality. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions regarding his behavior, his likes/dislikes, etc. I’m sure I asked a million questions, both before I went to the shelter and while I was there meeting him.

Finally, if you do bring one home tomorrow, don’t be discouraged whenever the sweet/cuddly bun you brought home isn’t exactly the one you met. I’m learning that the stress of being in a new home can change the mood of a normally sweet/charismatic bun. It’s a little discouraging, but I’m sure that time will make all the difference. For instance, when I first met him in the shelter, he had no problem sitting on my lap and being affectionate. Tonight I attempted to hold/pet him while watching TV and it ended up with him going on a scratching/nipping frenzy on my legs. It was my fault though…I rushed things a little too quickly so it’s not his fault.

Anyway, back to the point, just take your time in meeting them. Depending on the place where you are adopting, they will let you take your time. It’s a big commitment and they will completely understand.

Let us know how it goes!

[RexEnabler]

When I got my bunn, I was looking for a mellow bunny who would be good for a first-time owner. Since I don’t have children or other pets in the house, I was also OK with having a bunn who might be “shy” or need some quieter time to get adjusted.

The very knowledgable people at the shelter had me sit in an X-Pen and were prepared to bring potential bunns one at a time to see how we got along together and to give me the full run-down on bunny-basics 101. I had a specific bunny in mind from the shelter’s web-site and so, he was first to be brought in. I was told he was a very mellow and shy rabbit, which I was perfectly fine with. After he hopped around, sniffing the new area and me, he mellowed-out and apparently approved of me, eventually flopping next to me…only to be disturbed by the outburst of cheers from the shelter staff.

Definitely ask lots of questions and hang out with the bunn to find out if not only you like the candidate, but they like you and are able to possibly be comfy with you.

[Author]

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