Hello, I’m a Newbie!

[JamieM]

Hi!  I am new here and I just got my first pet rabbit on Thursday.  It seems as though I’ve become obsessed since then, cause all I do is read about bunnies and talk about bunnies. 

 

Anyway, she is 6 weeks old and her name is Layla.  She’s adorable and a real sweetie.  She even tolerates my incessant need to pet her constantly.  I’m just curious if anybody has any “new mommy” tips for me as I’m new to this!  Thanks! 

 

[bunnytowne]

welcome to the world of bunnies. oh theres lot of bunny talk here you have come to the right place. well no food with things in it. the seeds dried fruit etc. not good for them alfalfa til about 7 mos then start switching to timothy pellets and hay gradually. and any questions jsut ask we luv talking about our buns and experiences. and sharing pics too. awe she looks like a sweetie. ohh  no pine and cedar for litter. carefresh yesterdays news and aspen are ok the others have to strong an odor and poor bun can get problems from all that.

strong odors consistaet give me a headache anyway and I am allergic to pine and cedar so is good we have other options. tiny slivers of carrots are fine as a real special treat just not all the time. too much sugar and oh do they luv to beg hehehe

welcome I am sure you will like it here.

[JamieM]

Well I gave her a raisin I’d dropped on the floor and boy did she like that.  Is that ok? 

And when you say alfalfa…  where do I go about getting that?  Do you only give them fresh alfalfa?

[Sarita]

Oh she’s beautiful! It’s okay to give her timothy hay pellets with no extras in it though and a generous handful of fresh alfalfa hay every day. Seems like the best places to get hay and pellets are on-line at either American Pet Diner or Oxbow Hay. They may sell it locally for you too. Also unlimited timothy hay.

You can feed her small amounts of fresh greens too (parsley and cilantro are good ones to start with). Baby rabbits need greens too just like adults. I would start her out with one type of green at a time.

I wouldn’t give her carrots either – these are really a treat and should be used moderately. One raisin a day is fine – I’m sure she loves that.

Not sure what kind of bedding you are using – if it’s Aspen shavings those are perfectly fine but cedar and pine shavings are not good.

Pretty soon you will want to get her a litterbox and stop the bedding all together to get her to use the litter box.

And give her lots of kisses :~)

[Deleted User]

Those are all great tips! I wouldn’t let her have too much run of the house until she is potty trained. Pay attention to where she naturally goes and put a litter box in that corner. I reccomend romaine and broccoli, my bun loves those. one at a time though.

Oh and take lots of pics!! We love those!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

AWwwww sounds like you found the right place!! We are all obsessed with our little cuite-pies!!!!

Welcome here!! Raisins are an all time bunny treat for sure!! I’m waiting with baited breath for more pictures of your cutie patootie!!

[kimberleyanddarren]

aw she is adorable, u will find everything u need to know here make sure she has constant fresh hay and really buns shouldnt have treats till they are about 4 months however if u cant resist the best things are things which are mild like lettuce (anything but iceburg)

[Beka27]

 

welcome here!  she is bea-u-tiful!  what a sweetie pie!  i’m so happy you are taking the time to learn about your rabbit and i am very pleased you found this site.  please ask us anything at all, we are here to help you.  also, you can read older threads, they have excellent advice in them as well.  i’m not sure how far your research has taken you… but in my opinion, the House Rabbit Society  http://www.rabbit.org/index.html  is the ultimate authority on all things rabbit.  plus, many of the individual HRS chapters have their own websites that have great info.

here are a few articles to get you started…  take some time to review this info and ask questions if you are unsure about something.  rabbits are not an easy pet by any means.  people think there’s not much to them… but you will be pleasantly surprised as your bun starts to find her personality…  i might be wrong (and i apologize in advance if i am), but it sounds as if you are young.  you might want to have your parents read these links as well so they understand what is involved as they will need to take responsibility as well.

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/4-3/new-home.html  (1st two weeks)

http://www.rabbit.org/care/living-with-a-house-rabbit.html  (living with a rabbit)

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/diet.html  (diet-  rabbits have very delicate digestive systems so it is IMPERATIVE that you follow the diet guidelines to the LETTER!!!)

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/litter.html  (litter-training- this will make your life and your bun’s so much easier!)

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/spay-neuter.html  (spay/neuter-  yes.  it is necessary.)

http://www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html  (rabbit-savvy/experienced vets listed by state or region)

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/vet.html  (questions to ask a potential vet…. with the correct answers)

binkybunny.com also has an extensive house rabbit info section…  https://binkybunny.com/Default.aspx?tabid=53  read this as well.

for info on bunny behavior/language (and it’s a fun read…)  http://language.rabbitspeak.com/rabbittalk.html

[babybunsmum]

oh my she’s beautiful!  welcome here   you’ve come to the right spot to learn lots about being a new bunny slave!  i sure have learned a lot from binky bunny & the forum.

i highly recommend reading the diet page under bunny info.  there’s a great list of veggies - what’s good & what’s not – to refer to as you go.  i’d also recommend finding a rabbit-savvy vet as soon as possible so that you know where to bring layla if she has any health issues and for her spay when she’s a little older.  finding a great vet for rabbits can be tricky since they’re considered an exotic pet so it’s a whole lot easier to go thru the motions when you’re not in an emergency.

can’t wait to see more pics of the lovely layla

[JamieM]

Posted By Beka27 on 05/18/2008 8:13 AM

 

i might be wrong (and i apologize in advance if i am), but it sounds as if you are young.  you might want to have your parents read these links as well so they understand what is involved as they will need to take responsibility as well.

Ha.  I’m 26.  That’s funny, even online people think I’m younger than I am.   Well, I’d rather be thought of as way younger than I am than way older!  And thanks SO much for all the information.  I really appreciate it!  I’ve been wanting to get a pet bunny for a couple of years and when this opportunity came, I took it.  I specifically wanted an albino bunny, and was holding out for one and calling newspaper advertisements and the humane society every chance I got.  I wasn’t expecting to get one until later but this woman called ME, saying she’d heard I wanted a bunny, and said that she had a bunch of babies (which she did… not a liar was she, ha) and to my surprise she had an albino bunny that was also a FEMALE…exactly what I wanted.  I’m very excited about Layla, and I’m fascinating with learning all about her now.  She’s pretty much consumed all of my time off work (which, unforunately isn’t much right now cause I have about 3 weeks until school is out and I have the summer off from job number 2) and she’s so sweet, and just sits there as I pet her.  She’s very tolerant! 

 

I do have another question, however.  This is gonna sound weird, but do bunnies get the hiccups?  I think maybe she had them this morning, but I’m not sure they even get them!  Let me know if I should be worried or not!

[JamieM]

Posted By Sarita on 05/17/2008 8:55 PM

Not sure what kind of bedding you are using – if it’s Aspen shavings those are perfectly fine but cedar and pine shavings are not good.

Yeah those are aspen shavings.  I have a pet snake too, and I’ve been using those for the snake’s bedding since I got her.  Don’t worry, she’s just a little snake and can’t eat my bunny! 

[Princess*Smudge]

Hey,

I’m new here too! Welcome! I haven’t been around long but I can’t stop reading all the stories and tips on bunny care. I hope you enjoy the group too! Layla is adorable!

[JamieM]

Thanks so much!  I am pretty partial to her. 

[Beka27]

oh sorry! you’re older than i am… lol! i have no clue about hiccups. they can’t vomit, that i know… but hiccups…? i love snakes… but my husband is a-scared of them… so no snakes for me.

[kimberleyanddarren]

also there seems to be quite abit of carrot in the buns bowls? carrot is quite fattening and really she shouldnt be having anything like that till 4 months so this may be causing anything like tummy upset, has she had anything such as broccli which could be causing gas or anything?

[JamieM]

Posted By kimberleyanddarren on 05/18/2008 2:52 PM
also there seems to be quite abit of carrot in the buns bowls? carrot is quite fattening and really she shouldnt be having anything like that till 4 months so this may be causing anything like tummy upset, has she had anything such as broccli which could be causing gas or anything?

Yeah I know…  I didn’t realize when I’d first gotten her that I should stay away from it.  I gave her one carrot and she nibbled but didn’t seem too interested so I threw the rest out.  I’m learning a lot from all that I’ve read the past couple days so I’ll be more conscientious about it now.  I haven’t given her brocolli cause I read that she shouldn’t have anything other than hay and alfalfa till she’s about 12 weeks.  She just had this little twitch and when I put my hand on her back I could tell that it wasn’t a shake; it was coming from way in there.  After a little bit of play she seemed ok again and the motion had stopped.  Just curious if I should be concerned or not!

[JamieM]

Posted By Beka27 on 05/18/2008 2:32 PM
oh sorry! you’re older than i am… lol! i have no clue about hiccups. they can’t vomit, that i know… but hiccups…? i love snakes… but my husband is a-scared of them… so no snakes for me.

Ha.  Yeah, well I’d be lying if I said I were a huge fan, but my ex fiance bred snakes and he gave me one so that I could get used to them.  That ended, but Beatrice grew on me, so I’ve kept her.  She’s pretty amiable, and has never bitten me (knock on wood) so I’ll keep her around. 

 

 

[Liza]

Welcome to this wonderful forum! I am new here too.

Your little baby surely is very cute!!!

I had no idea that baby bunnies were so complicated when it comes to food! I’m lucky I got mine all grown up…

I love her name! Sounds very sophisticated! Congratulations!

[JamieM]

Aw thanks and welcome yourself!  Of course, I have to admit that I stole the name from Eric Clapton, though I don’t think he’d mind

[JodiM]

WELCOME Davita!!

I’m similar to you where people think that i’m younger than I am. I’m 32! YiKeS!  There is soo much to learn about rabbits. I had a few growing up and never knew half of what I know now. Mind you there was no such thing as the internet in those days either! And rabbits were pretty much outdoors or caged pets!  I recently adopted two bunnies from a local rescue in my area and I as well have become bunny obsessed. 

Everyone here has given you great advice! My suggestions to you would be to check into building her a larger cage and definetly start litter training!! Huge difference in smell!!   I  am still working on litter training one of mine Carmel, who lived in a small cage with shavings for bedding for his first 10 months of life.  He’s pretty good with pee’s but has trouble with the pooping!! Could be the male territorial thing though as he’s only been neutered for less than or maybe a month now.  I would also strongly recommend getting her spayed as soon as you can and find a vet in your area that you trust can do the operation! Again, Huge difference in behaviour, toileting and smell. Good luck and looking forward to helping out any way I can with my new found knowledge of bunnies!!

15181941071.jpg

[JodiM]

WELCOME Davita!!

I’m similar to you where people think that i’m younger than I am. I’m 32! YiKeS!  There is soo much to learn about rabbits. I had a few growing up and never knew half of what I know now. Mind you there was no such thing as the internet in those days either! And rabbits were pretty much outdoors or caged pets!  I recently adopted two bunnies from a local rescue in my area and I as well have become bunny obsessed. 

Everyone here has given you great advice! My suggestions to you would be to check into building her a larger cage and definetly start litter training!! Huge difference in smell!!   I  am still working on litter training one of mine Carmel, who lived in a small cage with shavings for bedding for his first 10 months of life.  He’s pretty good with pee’s but has trouble with the pooping!! Could be the male territorial thing though as he’s only been neutered for less than or maybe a month now.  I would also strongly recommend getting her spayed as soon as you can and find a vet in your area that you trust can do the operation! Again, Huge difference in behaviour, toileting and smell. Good luck and looking forward to helping out any way I can with my new found knowledge of bunnies!!

[JodiM]

WELCOME Davita!!

I’m similar to you where people think that i’m younger than I am. I’m 32! YiKeS!  There is soo much to learn about rabbits. I had a few growing up and never knew half of what I know now. Mind you there was no such thing as the internet in those days either! And rabbits were pretty much outdoors or caged pets!  I recently adopted two bunnies from a local rescue in my area and I as well have become bunny obsessed. 

Everyone here has given you great advice! My suggestions to you would be to check into building her a larger cage and definetly start litter training!! Huge difference in smell!!   I  am still working on litter training one of mine Carmel, who lived in a small cage with shavings for bedding for his first 10 months of life.  He’s pretty good with pee’s but has trouble with the pooping!! Could be the male territorial thing though as he’s only been neutered for less than or maybe a month now.  I would also strongly recommend getting her spayed as soon as you can and find a vet in your area that you trust can do the operation! Again, Huge difference in behaviour, toileting and smell. Good luck and looking forward to helping out any way I can with my new found knowledge of bunnies!!

1518195456371.jpg

[JamieM]

Thanks!  Yeah I’m actually thinking of making one of those awesome bunny condos…  I’ll just have to collect the materials (first I’ll try thrift shops, then if I get desperate, spend more elsewhere) and then have the time to make it.

We have made an attempt at litter training and she’s doing pretty good with the pees.  I put the box where she had been going, and since then I’ve noticed 2, maybe 3, accidents.  Poopies, however, are harder and they seem to be everywhere.  I was pleased when I noticed there were more in the box than anywhere else though! 

I’m working 2 jobs right now (only for 3 more weeks, then I’m just at my full time) so I don’t have a TON of spare time.  I’ve been letting her out and blocking a small section of my bedroom to run in when I’m home and I just sit on the floor and watch her go.  It’s pretty peaceful, really!  She’s an interesting little thing, that’s for sure.  She’s pretty well behaved so far, but the newness hasn’t worn off yet, so I guess time will tell! 

I looked at the link another member gave me for finding a vet in the area and it seems that the closest one is an hour and a half away.  I’ll probably call around either this week or next to see if there is anybody locally, just so I know where to go when the time comes, and maybe to bring her in to be checked out since she came from a farm and I worry about what can happen in those situations.  All the bunnies seemed very well cared for, though, and the woman who owned the farm spoke very affectionately about all of her adult bunnies. 

[Jyka]

Welcome! It’s great you got an albino, becuase I think sometimes they get passed over – some people don’t like their red eyes. Me – I like any bun!
As she grows – you’ll prob need to look at your cage set up. This is heaps of fun! Nothin like designing a new home for your bunny. Will she be a house bun? Free range? Have fun with her. Buns are lovely animals and greatly misunderstood.

[Beka27]

yes, definitely do a search for other (exotic) vets in your area. you live in a good size city, i would think there would be some. the HRS list is not all-inclusive… but it’s a starting point.

[Sage Cat]

Hi Davita,

I have noticed my buns DO get the HICCUPS! My vet said it is okay as long as it is occasional.

I got my first 2 buns in February. I have had a great time learning about bunny’s over the last few months. I’m sure you will too!

Layla is adorable.

[JamieM]

Thanks!  Yeah she’s going to be a house bunny and eventually I”d like her to have free range, if she trains well.  I made the mistake of saying she was training well and then when I got home last night, BAM!, pee and poop EVERYWHERE!  Ha.  Oh well…  she’s so  young, I didn’t expect it to happen so fast.

I had a minor in biology and loved learning about albinoism.  Interesting stuff!  I am planning a shopping spree for Layla tomorrow, and I’m very excited!  Here are some new pictures too!

 

Layla, just hangin’ out… so comfy!

 

Layla LOVES her new Jellyfish toy!

Devious little thing…

“Why must you take pictures of me when I’m eating?”

My Pretty Girl

[Beka27]

can i make a suggestion? it doesn’t have to be right now, altho it can be, but soon try taking out the litter from the cage and give her a towel or rag rug to lay on. having bedding in the cage and in the litterbox is confusing, they don’t know where to go potty b/c every place is the same. you’ll go thru much less litter that way.

[JamieM]

Ok.  I will give that a try!  A towel is good?  I have a few that I’ve been thinking of getting rid of (due to sloppy hair dying adventures ) so I can try that tomorrow.  Thanks! 

 

This is maybe a weird question, but should I give her a pillow or stuffed animal to snuggle on? I feel like a towel isn’t soft enough.  Ha.

[JodiM]

Ah yes, good suggestion from Beka27! I agree it is probably really confusing for her to  have the shavings in the cage bottom and in her litter box!

[Beka27]

my bunny loves laying on the plastic bottom of her cage or the wood roof of her hidey box. if i put a towel in there, she shoves it out of her way. i’d give her something soft, but don’t be surprised if she doesn’t even use it. buns are weird… lol. if you take out teh litter from the bottom, you’ll need to be esp. diligent in cleaning up any pee accidents. soak up the pee with a paper towel and drop it in the litterbox so she can pick up the scent.

did we tell you where to find litterbox training tips? go to Bunny Info at the top of the page and click on Litterbox Training it’s a process, and spaying will really be the best solution, but you can definitely give it a try before hand. many buns do get the hang of it even before altering.

[Scarlet_Rose]

I know I am a little late here….but hi and welcome Davita!!!!

[JamieM]

Posted By Beka27 on 05/19/2008 2:42 PM
can i make a suggestion? it doesn’t have to be right now, altho it can be, but soon try taking out the litter from the cage and give her a towel or rag rug to lay on. having bedding in the cage and in the litterbox is confusing, they don’t know where to go potty b/c every place is the same. you’ll go thru much less litter that way.

Great suggestion Beka…  I’ve put towels down in the bottom and she’s doing great with litter training.  The poos are harder for her but she is doing awesome with the pees!    She even went in the litter box I’d set down in the living room (where her cage is) when I was letting her frolic…all on her own!  I was a proud mama! 

 

Also Layla’s well-bunny check up is in June.  And she’s eating the alfalfa and timothy hay well.  She’s doing great!

[Author]

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