getting some dwarf bunnies

[2old4rabbits]

I’m getting two dwarf bunnies for my kids today.  They have Holland lops and Netherland dwarfs.  Is it okay to get one of each, or do I need to get both of the same breed?  I suppose that a dwarf, flop-eared rabbit is gonna always be a Holland lop?  They are from a pet store, and I know that ain’t optimal.  Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Addy]

Hey ya! Welcome to the land of binkies!

The combination of breed doesn’t matter, I’ve seen netherlands with flemishes, etc. etc. What does matter is that you decide if you want babies or not–spaying/neutering can get expensive.

Make sure that you are willing to take full responsibility for their care; cleaning, feeding, watering, etc. Rabbits aren’t always too messy… I’d just wanna get them fixed before they start spraying everything. And with litter box training, they’re pretty easy, actually…it’s just kids don’t always want to do it. Of course, if you were planning on cleaning them all along…really no need for this paragraph.

Be prepared to house them separately if they happen to begin killing each other when they hit maturity. I’m guessing they’re babies right now since pet stores are most likely pushing easter bunnies. Dang bunnies are too cute. =D

Ummm….let’s see.

Well, depending on the age of your kids, I would be concerned about the size of the rabbits. If the kids don’t pick them up properly, something could go wrong. Since you are getting small breeds, they might be more energetic also. But they usually eat less…so that’s a bonus.

I think I just realized how scatterbrained I am…

[Ruffles&Daisy]

I’ve always said, I got my bunny for ME, not my kids. They enjoy them, but they also know not to pick them up and cuddle them. My 5 year old understand that very well and will get on the ground and properly interact with them. My son, who’s 2, needs some reminding but so far so good. We have a very patient rabbit which is good. How old are your kids? Who will be in charge of maintenance? Rabbits, while cute and oftentimes rewarding, are not low maintenance animals…. which I’ve learned pretty quickly.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Welcome to Binkybunny.

How old are your kids? If they are under twelve I would STRONGLY recommend not getting them bunnies! They are not going to stay interested in them, they require lots of attention,time and patience. They really really aren’t kids pets, they live 8-12 years, they need to be spay/neutered (which is generally pricey) and they need a vet exam every year. They need time out every day-every day for 8-12 years. Young kids just do not have the attention span for that, to stay interested in a rabbit. A dog, a hamster, a cat are genearlly MUCH better childrens pets!

Please read this -it will help you with your decision http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/children.html

IF however you want the bunnies and are going to take on their care, and the children get to enjoy them as a “Family Pet” then that’s certainly doable.

[2old4rabbits]

My kids are 8 and 5. I got them this morning after posting. I ended up getting a Dutch and a Holland lop (I think, but ears are “loppy”). Anyway, the owner of the store says they are females. I’ll have them checked out at the vet tomorrow or next week. They seem to be cohabitating well together thus far, and they had been together for two weeks prior to today. May have them spayed anyway. I take care of many animals already and I feel up to the challenge of these rabbits.

[Sarita]

That’s a good idea to get the vet to sex them and check them out. I agree with you about getting them spayed – I highly recommend this!

Let us know if you have any questions on litter, diet, etc…

[2old4rabbits]

They are getting timothy hay and pellets now. May give a little carrot tomorrow. I’m using pine litter. Sound okay?

[Ruffles&Daisy]

sounds good with the hay and pellets. Make sure you get the pellets without the nuts and seeds. Pine litter is good and I would highly recommend fixed them. When they are young they will get along, but once they mature (4-6 months), they can become aggressive and might start spraying. Good luck, post some pics. I love lopped bunnies, but I have two uppy eared buns.

[Sarita]

Is the litter pine shavings? Because pine shavings are not good.

[2old4rabbits]

The bag says pine litter and bedding.  Pet store guy had it in the cage they were in.  It is not very aromatic (no strong pine odor).  Bag says it is good for rabbits.

[MooBunnay]

There is a difference between the pelleted pine litter, and the actual shavings of pine. Its kind of confusing, but from what I understand the pelleted pine litter is baked or dried or something that gets whatever is bad out of it. Often the pine shavings do say safe for rabbits even though they really aren’t, does the stuff look like actual thin shavings of pine, or pellets of pine? If its the shavings of pine, I’d recommend finding an alternative. When I had baby bunnies I just lined their entire cage with newspaper. I also put newspaper into their little litterbox and then covered it in hay. They got the hang of peeing in the litterbox right away, and then it was really easy to put the poops into the litterbox because I would just pick up the newspaper and pour the poops into the litterbox. I found that easier (and cheaper!) than using bedding throughout the whole cage. It also helps them learn their litter training.

A very cheap alternative that I use is called “Lone Star Bedding” – it is a pelleted pine litter that is actually used to line horse stables, and its only like $6 for 50 lbs. You can usually find it at feed stores.

[2old4rabbits]

Well it looks like pine shavings. We have a horse store here so I’ll check for a pelleted pine litter.

[KatnipCrzy]

Wood stove pellets also make an excellent litter- they are about $5-6 for a 40 lb bag- just make sure there are no accelerants on the pellets (personally I have only ever found plain wood pellets).  I buy mine from home improvement stores- Lowe’s, Home Depot.  It really seems to depend on the area you live in if you can find these.

You will only want to put litter/pellets in the litterbox.  I know this is never the way it is at the pet store.  If you have litter in the litterbox, and other bedding that could seem like litter to the bunnies in the bottom of the cage also- it confuses them on littertraining.  They do not understand the difference between using the cage bottom and the litterbox.  But if you use rabbit safe litter in the box, and something else like newspaper on the bottom of the cage they really seem to catch on quicker.  I use fleece blankets to line my bunnies areas and they are quite good about keeping their areas clean- I mainly have to wash the blankets weekly to clean off the hay particles, etc.  With young bunnies it is possible to have mistakes at first- but you can use newspaper and then try introducing a length of bulk fleece, or other bunny safe resting spot.  I had terrible luck with most towels- if they have loop threads they get snagged and look terrible quickly.

How old are the bunnies? 

Eventually if you do not spay- you will most likely have to house them separately as they will fight- and they will lose the “bond” that they have now once hormones start kicking in.  The first time I heard my bunny growl at me for cleaning her cage (to her it equaled invading her territory) my jaw about dropped to the floor.  People always picture bunnies as fluffy and cute- but they can growl, bite and fight especially when influenced by hormones.  Out of the 3 times I have been bit by a bunny- twice was while trying to bond her to another rabbit (both fixed adults).

If you have not read the info on http://www.rabbit.org  it has some great info also!  plus the info under the “Bunny Info” tab at the top of the Binky Bunny page has necessary info also.  And we are here to try to answer any questions!

[BinkyBunny]

Welcome.  I agree to read over all the Bunny info Pages as well as visit Rabbit.org.  One thing to note is that rabbits, as babies, are usually easy to hold, but as they get older, even if they have been held as babies, they may only  tolerate being held, (which is good for nail trims, anal gland cleaning, monthly maintenance check stuff)  but most like to have all four on the floor, so a great way to make them feel safe is to spend time with them at their level.  Also rabbits have very fragile spines so it is important to be sure they are held correctly.  Also smaller rabbits do tend to be more nervous, high strung, so you will just want to be sure the girls learn a peaceful calm approach with them, especially as the rabbit’s age.  One mom here, (can’t remember who) had her kids read their favorite books to the bunnies on the floor.     That way the bunnies got used to the kids in a calm way instead of associating them with “hands that pick them up”

I also wanted to reiterate that it is true, things can change in a few months if they are babies now.  They will be reaching sexual maturity and can become territorial.  This is when most people think their bunny has gone crazy. (aggression and increased marking)    Just know that should get better once they are spayed, but you will want to be aware of this so that your girls don’t get bit and understand what is going on.

Rabbits with “families” are definitely okay with adult supervision.  They are definitely not low-maintenance as many parents here will tell ya.  So I wouldn’t recommend them being a “childs” pet either. One of our Forum Leaders here is a mommy too, and I know her two rabbits are under her direct care.

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