Bunny Rabbit?

[Amie Noakes]

HI Everyone!

My name is Amie. I’m just finishing school and I’ve researched pet rabbits for about half the year. But researching isn’t going to give me much leeway on acctually HAVING one.

I’ve always loved rabbits, and I’m getting ready to work two jobs over the summer ((babysitting and dog walking)) it’ll be alot of work, but I think a little rabbit will be worth it. I’ll be working for a wile since I want the very best stuff out there, I’ve looked at some pretty nice cages, one I really like ((nice and BIG)). I also want to get the best litter boxes, hygene products, water bottle, littler, food, EVERYTHING. I know its easier said then done but I’m determined!I’ve been leaning towards the Dutch, and my second favorite is the Neatherland dwarf, but I’ve only had one rabbit and it was a wile ago so i don’t quite remember what it was like. I assume everyone here has a rabbit except me, so if there is anybody who wants to give me WARNING or any information I might not have heard already, I’d LOVE that!!

         Thanks for any help!!!

              ~Amie

[Deleted User]

You can’t really separate behavior by breed, you really have to go by personality. Just like humans they have their own quirks and habits. Although, smaller rabbits do have a tendancy to be a bit jumpier from my experience, but then there have been some great loveable & snuggly dwarfs & dutch’s. Have you heard of a Rex? They are sooo cuddly soft, their fur is like velvet. When you do get a bunny are you going to go to a shelter? Do you plan on litter training and keeping them indoors? Where are you going to put the cage? I know it’s a lot of questions, but there is a lot involved in bringing a bunny into the home. DO you have any other pets in the house?

[Amie Noakes]

Thanks for the tip on breeds! I just heard that Dutch’s were a good starter rabbit. I dont know if I will get a rabbit from a shelter because last time our first and only rabbit, Snickers was abused before he came to us. I was alot younger then but he didnt want to be touched at all, after about a month he escaped when we were cleaning his cage, we were never able to catch him and he lived under our shed until winter. We left him food, water, and bedding materials in hope that he’d grow to trust us, but he ended up freezing to death.
I’m thinking of going to a breeder because Im’ hoping he/she might have a rabbit who will be easyer to bond with (it sounds shallow, but I want to start off with something like this)
I’ve heard that when rabbits are indoors they are happier and closer to the family, so yes indoors. I have two rooms I am considering putting a cage in.
Yes I have other pets, a Dog, and two cats, which I have been taking full care of for the past 5 months (to show responcability to my parents)
whats a good enviroment to keep the cage in? is having a dog bad? do rabbits get aalong with cats?

[BinkyBunny]

Hello and welcome again!  Though that is quite a sad story for the bunny, it seems like you have been very responsible in researching and really want to get it right.  You sound like a great 13 year old! So since I am not sure what you know and what you don’t, I’ll try to cover what I can  and you can ask questions from there.  It also might be a good idea to print this out and go over it with your parents.

First – a bunny that is spayed or neutered can live to be 10 years old.  That means you’ll be 23, so I just want to make sure you and your folks are aware of the long commitment. 

2nd:  I can understand why you would be cautious of adopting another bunny from a shelter. But let me offer you some things to think about. 

• If the bunny you got was completely unsociable already, and didn’t trust humans because it had been abused, it would have been hard for a bunny learn to trust when part of the time he was outside in hutch away from humans.  (even if part of the time he was inside)
• I have volunteered at a rabbit rescue group for years, and I must say MOST of the bunnies are loving.   The ones that have been abused, are given extra TLC, and worked with, and are only adopted out by experienced people.   So, maybe what you need to look for is a rabbit rescue group. (unless the shelter is has a lot of knowledge about rabbits)
• I am bonded to my rescue rabbits and vice versa.   So try and not let one experience determine your whole outlook on rabbits who have been rescued. 
• The bunnies are usually already spayed or neutered, so that is one big expense you won’t have to worry about, and if you want a clean, nice smelling home, with a calmer bunny, you’ll want to have your bunny altered. 
• I’m not sure if you have one in your area, but type in “rabbit rescue”, and your city name in google and see what comes up.  You can also see if there is a House Rabbit Society near you.  http://rabbit.org/chapters/index.html

Breeders:

Most likely, you will get a baby bunny? They are cute, but they are VERY messy. It takes longer for them to be litterbox trained.  And their real characteristics/personalities don’t fully show until they reach maturity, so it’s hard to tell what kind of bunny it will be. Babies don’t mind being held, but that is usually temporary, so don’t be swooned into that part of it too.  Most bunnies are happiest on the ground.

When they do reach maturity, around 3 – 4 months, they can get a little grumpy, their hormones are going crazy, they begin marking up the place with smelly pee and poo.  This is when most people actually turn their bunny into a shelter or rabbit rescue (no abuse, they just didn’t know that neutering the bunny could fix most of the behavioral and litterbox problems.) 

Note on breeds:  Netherland Dwarfs can be skittish.  They are smaller, so it’s understandable.  If you have other animals, you want to be careful with a breed that could literally be scared to death.  I agree with HoppyBunny, that a rex is really a wonderful breed to consider. 

Rabbits and other animals can get along, but it really depends on the rabbit, the dog, and the cat.  Some get along, some don’t.  Cats can stalk and scare a bunny, or try and scratch it through the cage.  A bunny can intimidate the cat and attack it, or they can get along fine.   A dog always will have to be carefully supervised too.   Sometimes when a rabbit is running around, it brings out the hunting instincts in the dog, while other dogs will just sit there.  So there will be no way I can tell you if your bunny will get along with your other fuzzy crew.  But here are some links to articles about bonding your bunny with other animals (by the House Rabbit Society)

http://rabbit.org/journal/2-11/cats-and-rabbits.html

http://rabbit.org/journal/1/dogs.html

Now for some other basics:

Check out  BUNNYINFO/FAQ/tabid/81/Default.aspx    This will take you to the faqs section on this site, and has breakdown of all the things you will need, not just one time, but ongoing so you can calculate how much it will cost.

Housing:   There are some great housing plans that you can actually make with cube shelving from Neat Idea cubes, Organize it cubes.  Check out the “Cool Habitats” section on this site, as well as at http://www.cavycages.com/rabbits.htm  (scroll down to see the rabbit layout.

The easiest plan is an x-pen.   It’ allows the bunny room to stand up, binky, run etc.

Exercise:  A bunny really needs lots of exercise, at least 3 hours.  So that means, he will be part of  your human and animal family too.  How do your folks feel about this? Do they know it won’t be able to just be confined to a cage away or pen all day?  

Vet bills:   I know you’ll be working two jobs, but will your folks help you out if your new bunny gets sick and needs to go to the vet?  It can really be expensive!  Rabbits definitely are not inexpensive.  

Litter:  Be sure to stay clear of pine and aspen shavings.  Over time they can cause liver damage.  Also no clumping litters, and corn based.   Good options are carefresh, yesterday’s news, even woodstove pine PELLETS, not shavings.

Diet: Hay, a good pellet, dark fresh leafy greens, small amount of fruit.  This REALLY changes depending on if your getting a baby or an adult. So I’ll wait on this.

You can also check out http://www.rabbit.org.   (House Rabbit Society) It is the most comprehensive site around.  It goes beyond the basics.

Okay, so I know I have thrown a lot of stuff at you.   I think no matter what happens, whether you and your family decide that a bunny is right or not, that you have shown your smarts!  Just continue to research and be open to what is truly best for you and your family.  

[Amie Noakes]

A lot of this stuff sounds familiar!

Actually, almost all the rabbit information I know comes from the House Rabbit Society’s website, I nearly read the whole thing! -thank you for the compliments, I enjoy researching rabbits, they’re so interesting! Hearing your views on a rescue is making me reconsider, an adult rabbit sounds wonderful! and getting a rabbit already spayed is also good news.

Regarding my other pets, I’m not too worried about my dog (he’s an angel) but I’m not sure about my cats, they have a history of being competitive for dominance (spraying and marking territory) I’ve read the articals, and they sound like good ideas, but my cats will probably mark territory if the rabbit is more dominant or not. I will most definitely try the cage, water bottle idea if my cats do show more dominants, but I’m sure my mom wont be happy if she finds the laundry in the laundry basket soild by an upset cat. Do you have any tips for that stuff?

My parents agree  to pay the vet bills as long as I clean the cage, feed, play (you get the idea) with the rabbit. We have a big family, 7 people, so attention wont be a huge problem.

Our garage is more like a hang-out area, with a rug flooring, and a couch. The garage is still fairly bunny proofed from our last rabbit, and a little spiffing up is all it will need to be a full time rabbit play area (rabbit room) where the rabbit can get most of its exersize, I dont really want to have a house rabbit outside, I’m a little paranoid, and I think its a health risk for an indoor rabbit.

Would the care-fresh recycled paper bedding be good? I feel that the wood chips are uncomfortable and  might be hard on bunny feet, and the fact that most are cedar and pine isn’t good either. Some people call me a geek, but I have a feeding chart made up that I created, this website helped alot with that poopybutt story, and other information I found

About how much do rabbits cost at a rescue?

 

[Amie Noakes]

http://www.smallanimal-kingdom.com/tommy82t.htm
-this is the cage I was looking at (when I thought I was getting a small dutch rabbit ) would this be a good cage? or do you still recomend the cubicals?

[BinkyBunny]

Care- fresh is great for the litter box especially
if you get a rex, as their feet have less fur and so they have less padding.
  But if you also use it as bedding as well as in the litterbox,  it
could confuse the bunny about where the litterbox is.  It may be better to
get a few soft pieces of fabric for bedding – like fleece and just throw them
in the wash.

I do prefer yesterday’s news for the litterbox because it is great at odor absorption.  
I put hay in the box, and that gives them the softness, as well as something to
munch on. (since bunnies poop and eat at the same time).  The reason I
said pine wood stove pellets (not shavings!) is because the have been dried and
processed –  the oils  that cause liver damage have been taken
out.  They are  they are about a 1/3rd of the cost.  And I know
you will be on a budget with all your hard work. You can still put hay on top
to make it soft.  The pine wood stove pellets you can’t find in a pet
store, they are usually at a home supply store like Orchard Hardware Supply.

Regarding  the adoption fee:    The average I have
seen is anywhere from $40 – $80.   It depends on where you
live.  Now a breeder and a pet store may be cheaper.  But the neuter
surgery from a qualified vet is anywhere from $100 – $300.   Also,
most rescues include a free exam credit with a vet.   Otherwise you’d
be paying another $40 – $70 dollars for the exam.    So even if
you take the lowest of all the estimates, you save $60 dollars right off.

Also, you save TWO bunnies lives.   The one you adopt, AND the one that
will take its place at the rabbit rescue – to be adopted by someone else.
 

Just get in contact with your local rescue groups and ask questions. Let them
know what you are looking for, and what your expectations are in having a
rabbit companion, and they can help find you the right match.  Since most
rabbits are adults there, their personalities are developed and so you can
say…”I want an easy going bunny, one that trust humans already, is
affectionate, etc”  

Regarding having a bunny indoors. I absolutely agree with you. I  am
an advocate for having a bunny safely inside, as part of the family.

Regarding the garage for his living and running area:  I know you
said it was more of a hang out area, so that’s good that your bunny won’t be
isolated.  Is it heated?  Are cars parked in there too?  

Regarding more tips regarding cats and rabbits. I know quite a few people who
have both, and I do know that you have to be very careful.  Even with a
cage, if the cat gets access, he can stick his paw in and scratch a
bunny.  One bunny even lost his eye.   I will around regarding
cat and rabbits and whole dominance spraying thing and see if I can find
any more information.  And maybe some members here can help out too.

[BinkyBunny]

CAGE:  Depends on how long he will be in the cage?  If s/he will be spending more than three hours outside of it (once he’s litter-trained) then it’s okay.  My personal preference is an x-pen, but if you have other animals, like cats, that could jump inside, then that wouldn’t work. 

I like the cubes because they offer a huge cage at a fraction of the price, plus it’s flexible and gives the bunny room to get exercise even while still inside.

The cubes are inexpensive,(check out my condo on cool habitats – cost me $80 dollars (cheaper than most premade cages, and a whole lot bigger) 

I even had tons of cube pieces left over.(I think I bought 4 sets around $16 each), then I put in flooring.  And with one bunny, you wouldn’t need one as big as mine was. Check out Reeses basic set-up on the cool habitats page.  And  with a family of seven, I bet you guys could set up an awesome place.

So those are just my preferences, but you have to do what is best for you and your bunny.  

Good questions, great research.  Good job Amie!

[Amie Noakes]

so far the only rescue I found near me is about a half an hour to an hour away, and they dont just focus on rabbits, but I’ll keep looking, because now I am fixated on getting a rabbit from a shelter

My garage is heated, and we don’t put cars in it because it has a rug floor, it has a fridge (which I am planning on blocking off the back) and a big book shelf that we put rollerblades and boxes of games and leggos on, stuff like that, is that not safe? [other then the rabbits desire to chew] is it a hazard for a rabbit?, could a rabbit be strong enough to push it over and get crushed?

[BinkyBunny]

Blocking off the back of the fridge is great!   And as long as the book shelf is secure and sturdy it should be fine. If it’s just wobbly and flimsy, then that’s another story. Even then it would be hard for the rabbit to knock it over, but it could if it’s easily knocked over by adults or something else, then of course that’s a danger for anyone animal and human alike.

Of course, here in California, we anchor even some our sturdy stuff down due to earthquakes.   Eeek!

[Amie Noakes]

WHOA!!! I’VE NEVER BEEN THROUGH AN EARTH QUAKE!!! I’m far away, on Long Island, so lifes kinda regular

The bookshelf is sturdy so it should be OK. I could nearly die from excitement All this info is GREAT! Thank you sooooo much so far!

[BinkyBunny]

No problem!  That’s what we’re here for!

[Gravehearted]

hurrah for you wanting to adopt and doing so much research beforehand!

I’d recommend looking on petfinder.com – many shelters and rescues list available bunnies for adoption on there 🙂

[Amie Noakes]

=O THANKS!

[Amie Noakes]

This little guy almost instantly poped up, he’s so perfect! http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=6211484 

Such a perfect bunny will probably be gone by the time I have the money and everything set up though 

there are more fish in the sea though right?

[BinkyBunny]

I understand that anxious feeling of  “uh oh, I’m going to miss my perfect chance!”   But don’t worry! Like you said there will be others. I promise.

Believe me there is definitely not a shortage of nice rabbits, and that means there is another one that will be perfect for someone like you and your family.

Oh, and I forgot to tell you, that when you talk to someone at a rabbit rescue, be sure to let them know that you have dogs and cats, because then they make sure to not pick a rabbit that they already know is terrified of them.

Doesn’t mean the rabbit that they choose won’t be as they may not know it’s full  history, but many times they’ll have information if the rabbit has lived with other animals, or is terrified of them.

Just helps you and your folks have a better chance at finding the right match.

[Amie Noakes]

what was most convinient about petfinder was that they showed if the rabbit was ok with dogs, kids, and cats -this one was ok with all of them  

I showed my mother and she started going bonkers saying “E-MAIL THEM!! C’MON!! he’s a handsome boy, how perfect!” I’m thinking she’s excited too, unfortunatly I’ll have to wait until I have everything ready and waiting for a hearty welcome

[Lucy]

the other thing you might want to look into for adopting a bunny is craigslist.org I know that sounds odd- but that is where I got my bunny. I did have to get him fixed, so it cost a lot, but I have to pay a $20 aption fee and I got the bunny- litter, food, hay, the cage and all of his toys. So in the end it was all the same. You know though, I did all of my research on rabbits, and well, you might get one (like me) who just is crazy. I love him to bits, but even though you bunny proof he’ll get into something completely new! I’m very glad I apoted a little bit of an older bunny also. Good luck on your search!!

and don’t be scared of missing the right rabbit- it’s true, you’ll find another one that you will fall head over heels in love with.

[Amie Noakes]

Thank you! your dutch is a beauty, he likes to chew the floorboard right? I read your message, good idea with the ivory soap!

we would be keeping our rabbit it the garage (its more like a den, heat and all) theres lots of room, and its not the most expensive room in the house, if you know what I mean. We found it most suitible for a rabbit because it is spacey, and theres not alot of wires or crud the rabbit could get into and possibly hurt itself; Of course it will be in the rest of the house, but not as much, and he/she would always be watched outside the garage(1 dog 2 cats)

Hope Fujoe gets even better with the floor!

[Amie Noakes]

So what is having a rabbit really like, I’ve heard how to pick one out and how to care for them but I’m yet to fully understand how having a rabbit changes your life (I know it does, I just dont know how) I’ll have pretty much a free summer once I’ve finished my jobs and own a little tyker, so what should I be expecting daily, weekly, and monthly?(I read the health checkup thing your supposed to do every month) but otherwise I’m sort of clueless

[Amie Noakes]

P.S. what is the formal name for the cube cages?

[BinkyBunny]

I don’t know if you have Target stores where you are, but if you do.   The cubes are called “ORGANIZE IT” cubes.   

There are other very similar brands.  “Neat Idea Cubes”

Check out this link.  It has all the different types and where you can get them.   You even might be able to order them online, but I would imagine because they can be heavy, it may cost a lot to have them shipped.

http://www.cavycages.com/cubes.htm (Scroll down to the bottom)  And yes, this is a site for guinea pigs, but rabbits use the same cubes – just make bigger cages.

Also be sure to get some zip ties, because the connectors that come with these squares aren’t sturdy enough.

This next link is a great one for options and actual layouts of this type of cage system.
http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/NIC.shtml  (it has lots of links towards the bottom too for more examples)

[BinkyBunny]

Well, I am sure others can pipe in too. 

Daily – Like anything, at first, it can be really exciting, but in time, sometimes you may not feel like giving your bunny the attention it needs for as long as it needs.  (I guess try to imagine something you got years ago, that you so wanted, but in time, of course, it may not be as thrilling as it once was) 

 So, with a living thing,  you have to care for it even when you’re tired, or if you have something else fun to do. (and even the most intelligent, responsible mature people/kids, like you, sometimes just don’t want to do it!)  But ya just have to.

 If you stay over at a friends house or go on a trip, you have to make sure someone is going to do what you would do.  Food, water, and love every day, and litterbox every other day.

I mean think about when you get old enough to get a car, and MAYBE  you’ll want to spend more time with friends, or co-workers.  There will be clubs, sports, dances, whatever.  High School is coming up, and talk about changing your life!!  So you may get pulled in many directions.

This is when many bunnies are also given away because high school happens, and friends and activities really become a priority.  So that’s why I always suggest the rabbit to be a family pet, because many times it ends up being this way.  I’ve talked to so many parents, and their “child’s” pet has become theirs or it ends up going to a shelter. 

So just know that this bunny will need your time every single day for the next ten years (depending on how old the bunny is)  And as excited as you are now,  and it may be hard to imagine that you won’t be about it, but there will be times that you’ll really really want to do something else, or won’t have so much time, so you have to be prepared to make  a sacrifice in the future for the commitment you make today.   

Weekly:  Usually litterboxes need changing at least a couple of times a week.  If it’s warm, and there are flies, you’ll need to change everyday to avoid them laying eggs in the bunnies poop (which in some cases can lead to flystrike – not good for your bunny)

Monthly:  You mentioned the list – that’s great.  Just keep that.

So, I am not trying to discourage you, but as you are discovering through research, rabbits are not low maintenance as many believe, and so in regards of changing your life, it can be wonderful, fun, loving, but also time-consuming, work, and not always fun or fulfilling.  

[Anita Stark]

Hi
I’d just like to chime in with my 2 cents on builiding a cage or playpen and recommend using the coated closet racks identified as an alternative on the cavy cage site.  

We tried the cubes first because we already had some in the house, and they were great for about a day and a half, but with our bunny he was quick to find he could climb at the corners.  It was really quite amazing, we didn’t expect to see him climb but he just stuck his little feet in one square at a time on each side of the corner and up he went!!  Too bad I didn’t have a video camera. 

We couldn’t put him in the play pen until we had a solution because he would go straight back to the same corner and climb again.  We didn’t want to have to put a lid on so we went out and got some of the enamel coated closet shelves.  Now he’s well contained when we need him to be because there aren’t crossbars close enough together for him to make use of (and don’t think he hasn’t tried!).  Also, we put the lip of the shelf at the top and it makes for a bit of a visual barrier that seems to help discourage his attempts.  A bonus is that he can’t chew the enamel off like he was starting to do with the vinyl covered cubes.

These might be a bit more expensive than the cubes, but they were worth it for our little rascal. 

[Amie Noakes]

That sounds great! I’ll keep that in mind wile building.

The cubes seem kind of confusing, but I’m trying to figure it out

[Amie Noakes]

can you have a litterbox with a cover?

[BinkyBunny]

I used a covered box for a few years – more of  homemade one. It was made to look like a piece of furniture – like a storage/sitting bench, but the only way they would use it was if we cut a second hole.   Bunnies don’t like to feel trapped, and some bunnies feel that way if they only have one escape.

So once we cut a 2nd hole in, they were fine.

Also, I have heard that some bunnies end up using the box as a lounging area more than a poo area.

But then again, I have heard some bunnies have no problems with using a covered litterbox. 

Just shows how individual each bunny really is.  

I guess, all you can do is try and see what your bunny prefers.

How are things going by the way in your process.  Are you getting close?  When do you think you’ll be ready?

[Amie Noakes]

I’ve gotten a few jobs, not too many, I’m going to take a babysitting course at the library (CPR, how to prevent infections and burns, excetra) so I might get more jobs, I’m also going to be a teacher at my church (VBS-Vacation Bible School) and maybe I’ll get some more babysitting jobs there. I wouldn’t say I’m close though, the only things I’ve gotten so far are the hard plastic covers for our pillars and corners, theres alot I need to get, the cubes are my next step, then somethink to put on the cage bottoms, what would be a good shopping list? Maybe you can put together a shopping list of rabbit things I should buy (please, I’m sorry if its asking too much) so it won’t be so hectic.

Thanks so much for the help!

[BinkyBunny]

Actually,  a list already exists.   It’s in the FAQ section under how much does a bunny cost, and in there is a full list of one and ongoing things:

site/BUNNYINFO/FAQ/tabid/81/Default.aspx

[Deleted User]

I would like to add a few things on how your life is going to change.

Cleaning – You need to do this every other day religiously for the rest of their lives. You’ll come home dead-tired and not want to do this, but you’ve got to for their health, safety & the smell.

Hay – Hay is an absolute must for them. It can cost a lot of $$ too for a teeny bag. They need lots of it, unlimited, all the time.

Mess – Hay will be a huge mess and storage is going to be something to think about if you don’t have a place to store it. Also a pet store that will supply the right things that you need like an excellent quality pellet (not the Fiesta or ones with colorful junk & seeds which can cause a blockage).

Vaccuuming – Hay will clog lots of vaccums so you need to clean most of it up by hand or get one of the manual ones they use in restaurants before you use a regular vaccuum. You will also use a lot of vaccuum cleaner bags and/or empty it a lot.

Allergies – You may not be allergic to bunnies but you may be to the hay. Be sure to have an allergy test with your Dr. before adopting a bunny rather than finding out you can’t keep them.

Dust & fur – It will be EVERYWHERE, it’s a lot of cleanup. In your nose, in the air, in your hair etc. You may want to consider an air purifier.

Vet – It is going to cost a lot of $$$ to see a bunny savvy vet. They are not like cats or dogs where an illness can wait a day or two or you can go to the pet store and just buy something for it and dose them. Doing this will make things worse and likely kill a rabbit. A sick rabbit is very serious. Pet insurance is a good idea.

Smell – No matter how much you clean there will be an odor. Be careful what you use to deoderize. I use a plug in that is in a different room is a natural oil and not overpowering. Bunnies are very senstive to cleaners & smells.

Vacations – This can and will be a “pain” to new owners. There are not many places that will accept them and flying with them is out of the question. It’s very hard & very strict. You will need to find reliable places to keep your bunny while you are away. It can also be very expensive to board them.

Responsiblilty & long term – Bunnies are great when you first get them, but will that feeling wear off when you get a drivers license and become mobile and want to spend your time out all night (or even spend the night)  with your friends and your bunny is waiting at home for you, wanting dinner, attention and some love? Bunnies need a schedule that is not interrupted. If it is, they will worry and they will worry themselves sick (literally).

I must admit that I am concerned that your last bunny got out & froze to death. What will you do differently to make sure it won’t happen ever again?

Work – Are you going to be too busy with your jobs to spend time with your bunny during the school year? Or are you planning on working during this time? What about when you are in high school and would likely want a steady job? Car insurance, payments etc. are pricey and likely you’ll have a late night job and no bunny time.

Please don’t think ill of me, but these are all things to take into consideration before finally making move to get a bunny or not. Take your time and really consider every aspect. I know it’s hard when you’re so young but I know when I was your age and I finally got my license I was hardly ever at home. I was out with friends, out at the movies, at work etc. Talk to your parents to make it clear what you have in mind for thier part in all of this and ask them what they expect of you. Let them know if you will anticipate needing them to clean, feed etc. That way, arguments are avoided.  Bunnies are a 10 year investment and you’re about to venture into the most important time of your life. Now is the time to carefully plan so you can have a wonderful life too.

[Amie Noakes]

I’ll think this over some more, talk with my parents, and be a little more seriouse befor I go any further. Maybe I should wait until I’m older, maybe smarter, more risponcable. I’ll let everyone know when I’ve made my decision then

[BinkyBunny]

I know it’s a hard decision – Whatever you decide is best, you are welcome to come back here.  I bet you have learned a lot about rabbits and can even help some other newcomers out when they arrive.   If you decide to get a rabbit, you’ll be able to let them know all the changes that happened.  IF you decided not to get  a rabbit right now, again, you can say that after researching and learning, this is why…. and those will be just as valuable.

I’m not sure what the volunteer age is as some of your local rescues are. I know some here are 14, while others are 16.   There might even be summer camp, workshops or class type of stuff that involve animals. 

 We look forward to hearing your update.   No hurries, take your time.  We’re not going anywhere.

[Deleted User]

Hey sweetie, it’s a lot to swallow, I know and I’m sorry if it seemed a bit overwhelming. Most of us with bunnies are out of school and have our regular 9-5 jobs and “ahem” boring lives. LOL So we’re home at regular times and can prvoide a steady pattern that makes most animals more comfy and at ease. Bunnies are funny that way, plus they are senstive to and pick up on emotions quite easily.

I’m the last person that doesn’t want to see a bunny adopted but it is a huge step and one worth mulling over before taking the leap. Please let us know, and you are more than welcome to to keep posting here whether you get a bunny or not.

[Amie Noakes]

I’ll stay posted, even though we made our decision not to get a bunny, I still love learning more and helping out in any way I can. In VBS I am teaching a class of 16 fourth-fifth graders. I was chatting with a girl who broke her ankle, and she had a mini rex; I was estatic and started babling on about rabbit stuff, and she ended up learning alot. I told her about the Neat Idea cubes, and then I told her parents, now they are going to ease the bunny into this cage so its habits arn’t so suddenly moved (I told her about how rabbits are animals of habit) I felt good about it, and I got another babysitting job with another child (Alexchristopher) so all’s well!

[BinkyBunny]

Wow! I knew all all of your hard work and research wouldn’t go to waste.  You should definitely should feel very good about it.  Because the more people know about how to care for bunnies, the less likely a bunny will end up being homeless.   So kudos to you!!!

Congratulations on your booming babysitting business too.

[Deleted User]

That is really cool you spread the word about bunnies. : ) Every little bit helps!

[Author]

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