Never thought I’d be a bun slave!

[rileymai]

Hey everyone here on BB!  I had a friend who is a bunny slave as well direct me to this website, and finally found the time to join and write a little introduction.  My name is Courtney, and I live currently in Denver, CO.  I have a small herd of “furry children”, but never thought I’d be adding a bunny to that number – that is, until my best friend and roommate mentioned that a coworker of hers had a baby bunny she had purchased from a couple children at a local fair, and was keeping him in a laundry basket!  The coworker bought the bunny because she had felt bad for it, but had no idea how to take care of it, and was more than relieved when we offered to take it for her.  I had fostered animals in the past (started out with cats and dogs, but most of my experience was with small animals like rodents, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc) and had fostered a few bunnies, so I thought ‘heck, I’ll just foster him and find him a good home, no worries!’

Now it’s three months later and the dang bun has taken over my heart and my room. <3

I’m not any sort of expert on rabbits, so I’m not sure on his mix of breeds.  My bun’s name is Mr. Tumnus, although his friends just call him Tumnus.   He’s a smallish guy, probably about 6 months old now (to everyone’s best guess).  I’m guessing he’s some sort of dwarf/lionhead/lop mix, and I believe (correct me if I’m wrong), his coloring looks a bit like some pictures I’ve seen of black otter color/markings.  He’s now neutered (a week ago) and thankfully is healing VERY well – also, I managed to find a wonderful low cost spay/neuter place that does rabbit fixin’s for only $75, whoohoo!

I don’t think Tumnus was socialized a whole lot as a baby bunny, as he doesn’t really enjoy being picked up or lifted off the ground at all.  He’s what the spay/neuter vet called “a kicker”, and although he’s not mean or anything like that, it’s easy to tell he’s uncomfortable with it and prefers to have solid ground under him.  He’ll stay pretty still in your arms when he’s picked up, but I’m not sure on how to get him more comfortable besides handling him more often.  He is pretty spunky and somewhat independent right now, and definitely enjoys his playtime – he LOVES to binky and basically fly through the air and run around at the speed of light.  He’ll come up to me without fear or anything like that, and loves to crawl and hop all over me when I’m on the ground with him.  Tumnus and my largest dog Milo, who is a Golden Retriever/Irish Setter mix and absolutely the most soft-hearted dog I’ve ever met, are such good buddies and the bun has great fun chasing Milo around and jumping all over him.

I’ve been wondering if some rabbits are bigger eaters than others, as I feel while he always eats and never has had any health concerns yet, I don’t feel like he’s a very big eater.  Also, what age should I be limiting his food?  Right now, he’s still getting as much pellets, veggies, and hay as he wants.  I know hay is one of things they can have as much as they want of, but when should he be considered an “adult” and only get so much pellets (and veggies?) a day?

I plan on showing pictures on the forum later of his current condo (built him a c&c condo type cage) and all that, but figured it’d be best to introduce me and my bun first.  Here’s some pictures of the little monster! He’s got some crazy hair happening lately – a mohawk turned into some weird type of mullet, lol!

 

eating some nommy greens

Bun Air, coming in for the landing!

[CinnabunMom]

Welcome to BB! He is so handsome!! Love the name too. Looks like he might have some lionhead in him, with his little mohawk. He’s also got the face of a mini lop.
7 month is considered “adult” and that is when you should begin reducing pellets to 1/4 cup per 4 lbs of bun. Some people–myself included–actually reduce further to 1/8 cup a day in order to give more veggies. Minimum amount of veggies is about 2 cups a day. Remember to reduce slowly in order to prevent tummy upset.
There is a October picture thread over in our Lounge area. Feel free to post more pics. We sorta demand it

[bullrider76543]

OMG he is ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I so want to bunnap him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and LOVE the binky picture!!! welcome to BB!

[Theresa]

Boy, Mr. Tumnus caught some serious air on that binky! That’s awesome that you were able to catch it on camera! Our digital camera is just too slow to catch my Roscoe in the middle of his binkies…. Welcome to BB!

About picking up your rabbit – I have learned since being on this site that most rabbits do not like to be picked up at all, regardless of how much or often you do it. They see it as being picked up by a predator – he may be so still while you are holding him cuz he is just scared. Put your head down and listen to his heartbeat – if it’s high, he’s scared.

It was hard for me to get used to the idea that this bun I got wasn’t really going to be a huge snuggler, cuz honestly that is what I was originally looking for when I got my bun. But I’ve gotten used to it and find out that he does love to snuggle as long as I’m on the floor with him….

[tanlover14]

Welcome to BB! And I have to agree – he DEFINITELY looks like he’s got some Lionhead in him with his little mohawk he’s got going on. I wish I could catch a picture like that Binky with my buns but all I get all blurry ones! Hmph..

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

I just wanted to say your rabbit is so handsome!

[hopsalot]

I only joined recently, but I can say welcome I guess!!

Just want to say – WHOAHHHHHHH that is an awesome binky!!! Super impressed!

I hope you enjoy your little guy sooo much!

[Almcv]

great pictures!
i love the binky one

[Bumble Fly]

Tumnus has got to be the cutest bun name ever. Actually wishing that I had thought of that for my new bun bun! Great pictures btw and welcome to BB!

[LittlePuffyTail]

What a handsome boy!!! I can certainly see how he stole your heart! A big BB Welcome to you both.

Love the Binky pic.

[IsabellaRobyn]

Welcome to BB!! He’s super adorable !

[FrankieFlash]

Welcome to BB. I LOVE the binky picture! He really does get some air. I also agree 100% with what Theresa said. Bunjamin loves to snuggle on the floor or even on the bed. But it has to be his terms. He coming up on the bed and there always has to be an escape route. He tolerates being held now for vet visits and nail trims but he still tries to escape over my shoulder occassionally. He used to do that kicking thing though. If you have to hold him for any reason and he freaks out about going back down try a towel lightly over top of him and your hands. That helped Bunjamin when he was younger.

He’s adorable. How lucky are you!

[Deleted User]

Evel Knievel, just got some serious competition, from Mr. Tumnus.

[Memarie]

So cute! I love his little Mohawk!

[Author]

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