Hello out there in bunny land! Recently, tragically, I lost my amazing rabbit, Solzhenitsyn (yes, after the Russian writer – somehow it just seemed to fit and stick). He was “quite smart” and loved to bound around in his outdoor pen (supervise – it was originally a dog pen/run but I converted it, and added some fun things for him) and hang out with me inside the house. He was predominantly an outdoor rabbit and it seemed to suit him. He could watch the wild rabbits from his sturdy home, lounge, receive pets and treats, be taken inside often, and get a lot of fresh air and exercise. I have read that rabbits should not be outside, but he never acted in a “cranky” or “ill-mannered” way when I would reach in to pet him or pick him up to play or head in the house. Granted, he got handled all the time, and got out of his house A LOT. He was litterbox trained too, which I had no idea rabbits could be.
When I first purchased Solzhenitsyn, I knew nothing about rabbit care (and I mean NOTHING). I was 29, and had always wanted a rabbit since I was cognizant of their existence. My parents had always declined my pleading, however, because we had several dogs (hunting breeds), and my parents didn’t think it would be a good life for a bunny living at our house. They were responsible and I hope they have passed that trait on to me. I went to the local pet store (I live in a rural part of New Mexico now, so shelters are roughly 4-5 hours away) and saw they had both male and female rabbits – New Zealand/Dutch crosses. I fell in love and bought a male. He was wonderful – full of spunk and personality from the first day. I began reading everything and anything I could about rabbits in rabbit magazines and tried to implement that advice in his life.
I would like to get another rabbit now, however I am clueless of where to begin breed-wise. I know I do not want a lop rabbit, because we live in a very hot climate in the summer and I have read because of their ears it is hard for them to radiate heat and cool off (I’ve also read they’re a more delicate breed – don’t know if this is true or not).
Any advice on breeds would be appreciated. Personally, I don’t like the look of “red eyed” rabbits, but everything else I’ve seen I like. I read larger rabbits tend to be more mild-mannered or docile. I’m looking for a playful, friendly, curious, easy to manage rabbit. I would be happy to adopt, but I don’t know if adopting a rabbit is possible for me as I live 5 hours from the nearest adoption shelter and the rabbit would have its permanent home outside, not inside. I probably would get another male, but that’s only because I’m biased with the one I had before.
What should I look for when picking a bunny out? Any tips?
My other question is: should he have a friend? If I get one male rabbit, should I get a female or male partner? Obviously spaying and neutering is a must when you have two or more, I read not only will you never have the chance for an unwanted litter, but often hormones aren’t as big of a problem (fighting, territorial, etc).
Thanks all and binky on!