Bunny Boy or Bunny Girl?

[kimberleyanddarren]

Which sex of rabbit is easier to cope with (less destructive and more friendly) before they get neutered male or female?

Also do you think i will have problems letting my bunny out in the house as i have heard that if they get free to run without their own space they will wreck the place? I am buying a hutch but dont have any space to include a run on the side, i do hope to have the rabbit out in the house often but dont want him to go ‘space crazy’ and wreck the place because i have allowed him to have the whole house when for the night and when we are out he is only allowed in his hutch?

And finally is lettuce harmful to rabbits or is it just iceberg lettuce and should i avoid rabbit food with dried fruit or veg in it?

Thanks guys!

[Scarlet_Rose]

Hi welcome to Binky Bunny! Have you already bought a cage?  You can make some really nice ones of your own using NIC panels (wire cube shelving) and they are very versatile with many levels/floors that work great. Check out COOL HABITATS above under BUNNY INFO.

As for which sex is easier to cope with, I would say it is the same with both of them as they both are a pain when hormones kick in.  However, you can neuter boys sooner than you can spay girls. So you might base your decision on that, although I woudl really hate to see anyone make a choice based on that.  Have you thought about adopting a rabbit from a shelter or rabbit rescue that is already fixed?  I think that woudl be ideal, not only do you save a rabbit from euthanization, but you are also helping shelters overcrowded with animals PLUS you get to see what their real bunny personality is after being fixed. : )

That is great you are planning on giving your bun room to run, and you’ll want to limit the running space and gradually increase it to perfect litterbox habits and reduce the amount/occurence of territorial pee & poo which can be frustrating.  Definately check out BUNNY INFO above, it’s got some great tips, including BUNNY PROOFING.

A house rabbit is a definate lifestyle change and they can live up to 20 years.  Be sure to check for allergies to rabbits & hay and I know this sounds utterly silly, but sit or crawl around on your floor to check for tempting bunny naughtiness.  They really like to pee (mark) the bed and couch, as those are places that have your scent the strongest, so it is probably best you keep those places off limits unless the rabbit is fixed (sometimes that doesn’t help).

Lettuce is O.K. for rabbits except iceberg, it has very little nutrional value and it should be passed up for say romaine instead. You will want a good quality timothy-based pellet and you are right, pellets with dried veggies, colored bits and fruits are not good for your rabbit.  Besides, fresh is much better in moderation with the fruit too. Check out DIET under BUNNY INFO.  There is also a link to a complete list of bunny-safe veggies.

Also check out http://www.rabbithaven.org, http://www.rabbit.org, http://www.saveabunny.org for more info.

 

[kimberleyanddarren]

Do you know of any shelters in birmingham uk that i could look into as there isnt (to my knowledge) a rspca near here thanks

[Scarlet_Rose]

Oh O.K., I wan’t sure of your location.  We have several members here from the UK.  Let me take a look around, I know there aren’t many in your area.

Thre is the Rabbit Welfare Association;

http://www.houserabbit.co.uk/

Rabbit Rehome:

http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/

Here is a list of Rescue Centres:

http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/centres.asp

House rabbits aren’t too popular yet in your locale so it may be hard to find a bunny from a shelter or rescue group.  I really hope this helps you on your quest!

[kimberleyanddarren]

Thanks Scarlet rose! that is really helpful i would love to be able to help a needy bunny plus i dont agree with pet stores having rabbits so i didnt want to get one from there, although i was kinda in two minds because the bunnies in pet stores always look so sad too that i kinda wanted to rescue one of those, plus they always end up forgotten as they where like an easter present for some 6yr old or something so i wanted to rescue one from there, i didnt know what to do eeeeek!

[Scarlet_Rose]

You’re welcome! I know it is really a tough call, but you buying from the pet store increases their profits and encourages them to buy more from breeders which only proliferates the problem. The rescue is really the route to go and besides you can meet other bunny people! : ) Besides, a rabbit that you rescue from the shelter could very well have been a dumped Easter bunny.

[kimberleyanddarren]

very true.. i wish i was rich i would have my own rabbit house to help save the bunnies, hopefully some day i will! alot of hard graft in the meantime though hehe

[Scarlet_Rose]

I think a lot of us would love to do the same!

[Beka27]

it seems like Scarlet Rose answered all of your questions… i just wanted to say welcome here!  it’s great that you’re asking questions first.  this will help you get prepared and know a little bit of what to expect.  what made you decide on a rabbit?  do you know other people with house rabbits?  have you had rabbits in the past?

[kimberleyanddarren]

i decided i wanted to get a rabbit by accident really i was just browsing round the pet shop looking for something yummy to give to my gerbils and there was this rabbit sitting there in her cage looking so sad and lonely i felt so bad for her so decided to do some research into why they are allowed to be kept in such conditions then i found out about house rabbits and fell in love! i havent had a rabbit in the past and dont know anyone with one but after doing alot of research i have decided i want to help a poor bunny to have a good home!

[Scarlet_Rose]

That is very sweet & noble!

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