New Owner!

[Julia Beckler]

Hey everyone! When I return home from Europe I’m adopting this bun from the shelter I work at, I’ve done plenty of research so I know lots about rabbits but I still have a few questions if anyone could answer them for me.

1 – What is the best brand of rabbit hay? Is there one? Does it matter?

2 – What type of pellets do you use? I’m planning on getting the Oxbow pellets in bulk from Walmart and I’m hoping that that’s the best.

3 – Does anyone else use a large dog crate as a home for their babies? That’s what I’m planning on getting and I wanted to double check that that’s a good choice.

4 – What are some final facts that I should know about bringing my baby home and what can I do to help her feel most comfortable and adjusted?

Thanks a bunch in advance!

[Q8bunny]

Hello, and welcome to the floofy nuthouse!

There is no best brand. Hay should ideally be mostly green, and smell nice (sweet rather than moldy). Grass hays include Timothy, orchard, meadow, oat… Your bun will most likely have a preference which you will most likely notice in time.

I personally switched my little guy from Oxbow to Sherwood, because I don’t believe he needs to eat soy or grains or molasses etc. But he also gets pellets as a supplement/treat rather than as a meal, since he’s a remarkably good hay eater. So again, with time you too will develop an opinion on this

[Q8bunny]

Not sure about the dog crate. My bun has always been free range, so I have no experience with long term homes

As far as homecoming… give her lots of time to adjust. It is definitely beneficial to be near her, especially at floor level, not really doing anything, just perhaps talking calmly to her. But let her explore (or not). Buns are curious. She’ll check YOU out eventually. Also make sure she has a good hide. She’ll need to feel that there’s a getaway available to feel safe in the early days.

Others can pitch in too, I’m sure, with more ideas

So exciting! A new bun!

[kurottabun]

1 – What Q8 said Depending on the harvest, sometimes certain brands that have always had great quality hay may suddenly sell hay that is brown and less fresh, so it’s always good to look at a range of brands and decide which to get.

2 – I use Oxbow, and it’s pretty good.

3 – There are many people who use dog crates for bunnies. Make sure the bars aren’t big enough for the bunny to squeeze through though. Bunnies need run time as well so you will probably need to let the bunny out still

4 – I recommend checking out the BUNNY INFO section to learn more!

Have fun having a bun!

[Sonn]

1 – I agree there is no best brand. I personally buy local 1st or 2nd cut hay when I can otherwise I buy hay in bulk online.

2 – Oxbow is well known brand. I’ve used it for quite a long time. For my current bun I use Sherwood pellets and she does really well on them.

3 – I use an XL dog crate that has been modified with a shelf on one side for Joey to jump up and down from since the crate is so tall.

4 – Patience, patience, and more patience. Rabbits are an animal you definitely cannot force to be comfortable around you.

[Author]

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