New bunny mom

[bunniebun]

Hello! I’m Ella and I’m a new bunny mom, I do online school and plan on doing online college as well so I have plenty of time for my new bunny Luna who I rescued from a bad situation on craigslist, she’s a lionhead bun and is 13 weeks old she came in a small dog cage but I did some research and got her an ex pen thats 50 x 48 and 4 1/2 ft tall. I also got her alfalfa hay and baby bunny pellets as well as a big cat litter box and a food and water dish, I also gave her fleece blankets and lots of wooden chew toys from the pet store with untreated safe wood marketed as for just rabbits. I need some help with her any advice would help she’s very sweet and has never thumped or bitten me she isn’t scared of loud noises like my dogs (they stay downstairs and are gated out of the bunny’s area) I’ve done as much research as I can and continue to do that and watch many youtube videos daily but yeah any advice for a new bunny mom would be appreciated I love her and need as much information as possible also if there’s anything I am doing wrong pls lmk! Also she does go pee in her litter box but leaves droppings everywhere

(Edited by Wick – removed personal details)

[Wick & Fable]

Welcome to BinkyBunny, Ella! I removed a detail from your post just to protect your privacy and since it’s not necessarily needed for others to know. Our forums can be most helpful when you have specific questions and we are always happy to comment on set-up pictures as well! In terms of diet, things sound generally fine as well as ensuring she has engagement items too.

If you have not already, please check out the RABBIT INFO portion of our website: https://binkybunny.com/house-rabbit-information/

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Philippe.P]

Hi Ella and welcome to the nice bunny world! I’m also a new dad, only 2 weeks in, but from my experience and what I’ve seen on the web I can give you a few advice!

For the litter training, I suggest you to put her hay rack and hay inside the litter box. Since it’s a cat litter I don’t know if you’ll be able to hang a hay bag but that’s the best advice, bunnies basically eat hay and dump it right away …

For bonding with your bunny, I suggest you leave her a little time. From what I’ve seen with my Maui, they need time to adjust to you but also to the environment. New sound, new smell, etc. They have a gland under their chin and by rubbing it on surface they kinda make it their own and remember the place is safe.

Also, even though I was not the best at it, I suggest you hang outside her pen for the first 1-2 days. If she’s curious and come see you, you can maybe go inside the pen and listen to your course witouth trying to touch her. She has to know that your safe and that she can trust you.

Don’t be hard on yourself, I was and still am a bit but bonding takes time, could go from days to a few months, but since you seem like you’re going to take the time, you’ll have a nice relationship I’m sure.

Don’t try to pick her up, I do it cause I have no choice for medicine, but I’d build trust with my bunny before training for picking up. Instead you can teach her her name, or tricks. Treats is always the best. They say treats everywhere on internet but pellets and vegetables work just as well 🙂

 

Once you’ve spend maybe 1-2 days going to her pen, you can try to hand feed her, no petting, she’ll learn to trust your hand and the feeling of them.

As for petting, I think every bunny is different, I’m trying to understand when my bunny wants it. I found that when he kicks my face, or is sleeping next to me, or when he come and lower is head (that’s bunny langage), that’s when I can let him.

Mine grind his teeth when he likes it that an indicator! Don’t rub his belly, under his chin or tail, they hate that !

Finally try to have a routine, bunny are very routine oriented, they’ll know that it’s time to eat in the morning, and at noon 🙂

 

There you go, if you have any other question let me know !

[Cinnimon&Ollie]

Hi! I have two dwarf bunnies and I will admit I didn’t take the best care of one of them in the beginning when I first got her. I didn’t spay until almost two and didn’t get her a friend till around then too. Rabbits should be spayed for hormonal behaviors and cancer. Normally around 4-6 months. It takes time to bond to your bunny. You should be on their level when bonding. Give her treats and pellets, she is too young for veggies though, when she gets old enough ( 6 months ) carefully and slowly introduce them. Rabbits need lots of exercise and enrichment, she should be out for around 2-3 hours at least and have plenty of toys. Toys can be made at home if you don’t want to spend lots of money, bunnies don’t care! Some rabbits like petting and others don’t, remember to allow her to chose if she wants to be petted or not. If your home a lot and interact a ton then another bunny isn’t necessary but would be recommended. Rabbits are social animals and love to have a friend of their own kind. Only have been spayed/ neutered. And gone through and bonding course. Rabbits need at least one hide in their cage to feel safe. Also bunny proofing your room will save tons of your things, I have lost, two purses, carpet, chargers, stuffed animals, clothes, and lots more to their destructive behaviors. Rabbits need to be brushed, I recommend every 2 weeks at least. Be careful you don’t want to overgroom. Don’t worry about grooming until you are bonded to her. Don’t have her out for 24 hours after you brought her home, and don’t force her to come out after those 24 hours. As for the litter training make sure there is hay inside the litter box 24/7, remember rabbits will use the litter box better when spayed. Limit pellets, some people say that unlimited pellets are good for young bunnies but my bunny got overweight when I did that and it took months to get her to a healthy weight again. Lennon the bunny has great bunny vids on youtube. If you have any questions feel free to ask! Also, luna is adorable!

[Author]

Messages