Best way to find homes for baby rabbits

[Barmy Bunny Broad]

Like a lot of folks, we adopted our bunnies as adults, and there was a misdiagnosis of gender. We now have five babies in addition to our two adults. When they are old enough and weaned, we will need to find homes for four of the five (we have decided that we can only keep one). Although it will be naother 4-8 weeks before they are ready to go, I am starting to worry about how to find them good homes. NAy advice on how to advertise, and or how to ensure that those who contact us will truly give them a good (and permanent) home woudl be greatly appreciated. I have heard so many horror stories of people taking baby rabbits, only to use them for experiments, as food or “training” for other animals. Just teh thought of it makes me sick. These babies have been handled since birth and will forever be a part of us. And as both our adults are now part of our family because other families need not want them once they were adults, I am concerned about that too.

[BinkyBunny]

This really is tough. I remember you saying that when you inquired about adopting one of your bunnies, the previous owner really spent alot of time with you on the phone. I’m sure she had the same concerns then that you have now. I know there have been a few members, in similar situations, to you that had to find homes for their bunnies. I do remember them developing an adoption contract and keeping the price up high enough so as to discourage people who want bunnies for snake food and other undesirable reasons.

I can tell you what I did when I was Fostering Jack, (who I ended up adopting). I went to my local vets offices, and local small mom and pop pet supply stores and asked if I could put up posters of Jack. And around here, our local Trader Joes Grocery, has bulletin boards and they allowed me to put up a Jack adoption poster. I just chose places that I knew would more likely attract people who were animal friendly and would not want to harm him. However, they still had to fill out the adoption form from “SaveABunny Rescue” which was who I was Fostering for at the time.

They had to answer a list of questions and fill out the form and the adoption fee was $85 (however, that paid for a vet exam and his neuter surgery so they would have gotten a  deal!) 

Hopefully other will have additional advice to help you find loving safe homes for the surprise litter.

[Beka27]

BB: Thank goodness Jack was adopted… by you! I couldn’t imagine not “knowing” him.

Have you contacted local rescues/shelters? The ideal scenario would be if you could work thru a rescue group to have the babies listed. They would have the babies put on their site as adoptable, but you would be the foster home and people would come see the babies at your house. People want babies and they typically get adopted rather quickly.

Whichever route you go… it is also your responsibility to ensure they will be spay/neutered. An adoption contract stating the babies will be altered is going to be a requirement. If this does not happen, are you willing to legally enforce the contract and take possession of the baby(ies)? You could also pay for the surgery yourself, ask a high adoption fee that is refundable upon proof of surgery, or have an arrangement with a rescue.

[Sarita]

I would also suggest you do a home visit – you can drop them off at their new home and make sure their housing (indoors) and family is to your approval. When I fostered rabbits for my rescue group, that’s what I would do. I wanted to see where my rabbits went and make sure the environment was to my liking. I think if someone doesn’t want you to do a home visit, you don’t want to adopt to them.

Also ask for an adoption fee – $25 to $35 at the least.

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By Beka27 on 05/15/2011 06:18 AM

 The ideal scenario would be if you could work thru a rescue group to have the babies listed. They would have the babies put on their site as adoptable, but you would be the foster home and people would come see the babies at your house. People want babies and they typically get adopted rather quickly.

I forgot about that—Since I was Fostering Jack, he was listed with SaveABunny while he was up for adoption.   And Beka, yes, it’s hard for me to even fathom that I was only Fostering him and trying to help find a new home for him.  I can’t imagine my life without him.

[Barmy Bunny Broad]

Thanks folks. Those are very good ideas. We have a few pet supply stores here that do not sell pets, so they might be willing to let us post there.
The same with rescues. I had not even thought of them.

[KatnipCrzy]

Barmy Bunny Broad- I agree with trying to work with a rescue group if possible. Rescues already have a system in place to check references and experienced people that make those decisions. I get furious about people that don’t properly care for their animals- but I think I am too trusting and it is so “ingrained” in me to be socially polite- I would be horrible for checking references and asking an adopter difficult questions.

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