First Bunny

[BellaRabbit]

Hello everyone, my name is Alex and I am a new bunny owner. I have been reading the site for bunny tips since I got my bunny. I’d just like to say your advice and tips have really helped someone who had no clue at all!

I have had my bunny, Bella, for 2 months now. She is a Netherlands Dwarf rabbit (I’m actually not entirely sure on that, due to how much she has grown!) who is about 6 months old. If I could describe her in 1 word it would be mischievous.

The way I came round to owning a rabbit wasn’t straight forward. I have always owned pets (mostly dogs, but as a family pet), but have always wanted a pet to call my own. I wanted a pet that was challenging, social and rewarding. I did a lot of research and a bunny seemed my best bet! I set off to my local garden centre to look at prices for rabbit supplies, but ended up coming home with my bunny! I had intended to rehome a bunny, but the way she sat in her cramped cage, looking sad and lonely, I had to rescue her! Obviously, a garden centre is the least helpful place in the world for pets, so I had to get her vaccinated and spayed myself (which all went fine!)

During the first month, Bella was very timid and scared. All your helpful advice has got her to where she is now! Where she used to hide from me, she now greets me when I am home from work, and most recently starting eating treats from my hand (Which was one of the most satisfying achievements I have ever had ha-ha!).

She currently has a cage which is constantly open in my room, with free-run of my room whilst I am at work. There are lots of places she can hide and tunnels to run through. I have never litter trained her, but she always wee’s in her litter tray, and hardly ever poops outside her cage. When I am home from work, she is granted access to my whole house – She loves to investigate all the rooms and I have found her asleep in my washing basket a couple of times!

I never realised that a bunny would be such a loving and rewarding pet, one I look forward to seeing whenever I come home from work! I also now have a personal alarm clock, who wakes me at 7 am everyday as it is breakfast time

I only have one question. I really don’t try and pick my bunny up a lot, as she really doesn’t like it. But sometimes I need to pick her up (Going to the vets, put her outside for fresh air, check health and nails). What is the best way to pick her up, as she struggles when I try and it really isn’t nice for her or me 

Thanks for all the help again, have attached a picture 

[litheandgraphic]

Welcome!! She is absolutely beautiful. Picking up rabbits can be fairly tricky – the one thing that you want to absolutely make sure of is that their back legs are supported. This video is quite a good one: http://youtu.be/ke8XCOJjMp8

[BellaRabbit]

Thanks for the advise, will remember that. It’s the winter in the UK at the moment so it gets dark very early. I want to put her outside for some time when I get back from work but she is very difficult to catch, once you try pick her up once she catches on very quickly!
Ps your rabbit is lovely too

[Sindri]

Welcome! Your bunny is very pretty! I hope the video Funny looking rabbit shared with you helps. Also my vet showed me how to pick up my rabbits by using a towel. She always wants to see my rabbits on the floor just in case one jumps they cant get hurt. She covers them with the towel and gathers it around them then scoops them up making sure that she has the back legs supported. That is how I pick my bunnies up when I need to. Covering them with the towel helps also with the anxiety of being picked up. Its not perfect but its what has worked for me.

[JackRabbit]

Welcome! I did a double-take on your picture (I’m on BB on my phone so everything us small) — I thought at first it was a baby tiger! Your bunny’s coloring is gorgeous! You absolutely must post LOTS of pics!

[Deleted User]

WOW JR, your were right, look that those stripes! He he he he…..

Hi Alex, your Bella is beautiful, but you already know that, lol! Welcome to BB, and just letting you know it took me over a year to pick my bunny up – I do the ‘pat and grab’! I don’t do it often, only for nail cuts and the ever important photo, ha ha ha! Naughty me! But I have to be honest, even if Henry let me pick him up, I don’t want tooooo! He is a constant moulter and I end up covered in fur – yuck!

Good luck and cheers!

[LongEaredLions]

She is GORGEOUS, and I love her name (although I might be rather biased-my first bun was named Bella).
Welcome welcome welcome!

[BellaRabbit]

Everyone is so friendly!  Sindriona, after Funny Looking Rabbit showed me the video I went on a youtube spree, and I saw the towel tip, works better for me thank you!

I just want to pick her up safely, I knew they didn’t like being picked up before I got her – I’m sure I’ll find what works best for me in time.  However she really likes being petted – she is turning into a right diva. I was petting her before work this morning and when I stopped she ran to sit on my feet and say ‘You aren’t finished, now pet me more slave’ 

Thanks for all your comments, she is beautiful, but I find all of your rabbits beautiful too. I’ll try to take lots of pictures with her 

[Sindri]

I am glad you found something that will work for you in regards to picking up your bunny. She sure has gorgeous markings. I definitely would love to see more pictures of her.

[Diamond]

Everyone’s being directed to this thread to admire Bella’s markings. She’s lovely.

[BellaRabbit]

Thanks for all your nice comments, her markings are one of the main reasons I had to get her, she’s my tiger cub haha.

I’d be more than happy to share a few pictures with everyone. I’ve uploaded 2 into my album and put them in here for everyone to have a look. The one of her poking her head out is my favourite as she made that rabbit sized door herself and is halfway to making the exit  I do love a good photo edit, it brings out all the colours so nicely!

[LongEaredLions]

Ooh, Ahh…..
What a beautiful girl! Love your pics!

[BellaRabbit]

Thanks really enjoy taking them and editing as well. I love your pics too your rabbits are gorgeous

[LongEaredLions]

Thank you!

[Author]

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