Adopting un-neutered bunny

[BunVader]

Hello all!

I am considering adopting a 1yo male bunny from a household that can no longer keep him. To get him to his new home, I will need to transport him by car for 30 minutes, stay at that house for 1 day, then take the train for 45 minutes and car for 20 minutes to our home. So after we get him, he’d have 1 day to calm down in a new environment before being moved again.

I know I need to neuter him, but my question is, how difficult will it be for him to bond with me if I take him to surgery the first day(s)? Should I give him a week or so before taking him to the vet?

Thanks,

Shannon

[Bam]

I doubt it would affect your bonding very much, but the stress from travel could potentially put a bit of strain on him. A rabbit neuter is a pretty simple affair though, if the rabbit is healthy and reasonably young. (With an older rabbit you might have to warm the bun up post surgery with a heating pad, sock with rice, hand warmers or a warm water bottle, and also syringe feed Critical Care or soaked pellets the first night back home. One year is still young though, but it’s good to be prepared).

To help his tummy during the travels, you could give him a probiotic. The most bunny appropriate ones that have  been scientifically shown to make a difference contain saccahomyces cereviciae (brewer’s yeast) and/or enterococcus  faecium.

Most buns won’t eat hay during travel, and water could also be a problem. Fresh herbs can be served in the carrier as an appealing alternative.

How quick a bun warms up to its human varies a lot with the bun’s personality. Rabbits are wary by nature, but more or less so. To make him get used to your voice you can read aloud to him. I read Brideshead Revisited to my current bun Vilde when he was new with me. (That made him demand I supplement his wardrobe with a formal dinner jacket and he also craves champagne with his meals, so maybe I should’ve chosen something less extravagant to read 🤣)

[DanaNM]

I agree with Bam. The bonding with you wouldn’t be an issue, but it would be good to wait at least a few days after bringing him home to make sure he is healthy and allow him to settle into his new environment.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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