New Rabbit Owner

[CharlotteC.]

Hi guys!

I’m new on here but I have read the other forums that are on here and had a question myself. I am a sophomore in college and will be staying home for the next 2 semesters doing virtual classes and then commuting from my school. My family and I currently own 1 cat and 2 dogs (Labernese & Bernedoodle), no kids only 4 adults, in a 2 story house. My family is very spontaneous and we do tend to go on trips that may last longer than 1 day but not as often due to COVID.

I have done my research on all things related to taking care of one rabbit and have been thinking of adopting one from a rescue shelter or a breeder but I wasn’t sure if I would be able to provide all my attention to one even though I really want to. I thought it would be a good idea due to the circumstances we are all in and I have been wanting a new companion to keep me company during classes in my bedroom during the day.

But seeing as though I am a newbie to taking care of a rabbit, I was wondering if you guys would think it is a good idea since most of you on here have had experience with rabbits a lot longer than me? And because I have been going back and forth with deciding on getting one or not.

[Bu20055]

If you go on trips often a rabbit might not be for you. Rabbits need consistent meals, and lots of out of pen time. They can’t be left alone for long, as their health can go downhill real fast. They are definitely not like cats, who are fine alone for a weekend.
Most rabbits will get along with cats and well-trained respectful dogs. If you might not have the time when you are actually in school again, you could foster buns instead, then decide if you are actually prepared to adopt when things are more normal.

[DanaNM]

I think it would be most important to consider what will happen to the rabbit once you return to in-person classes (and beyond). I think it’s normal to want to get a rabbit when you are home all the time, but rabbits can live 9-12 years, so thinking about care for the rabbit for its entire life is very important.

Being in college is not always ideal for bunnies, because you might have to move often, be dealing with roommates, or having land lords that don’t allow rabbits.

Even though it feels like covid is lasting forever, eventually things will be returning to some sort of normalcy and you won’t be spending as much time in your room. Having 2 dogs and a cat might also limit where your bun could exercise and live, depending on the dogs behavior and training.

I don’t intend to fully discourage, I just encourage you to think about what your life might look like in 2, 3, 5, or 10 years, and whether you would still be committed to providing great care for the bunny.

. . . 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.  

[CharlotteC.]

I agree with everything you guys are saying! I have been thinking more about it and what the long-term plan might look like. Due to the circumstances we are in, I plan to commute to school for the next 3 years when and if we go back to in-person classes (the commute is not long max 39 mins and I would be picking classes that do not run late into the afternoon/evening). I then believe I will be living with my parents until I get enough money from a job (I would find a part time job that would not make me work long hours for the rabbit’s sake) so I can land on my feet and find a place of my own that would allow pets.

Though my family and I go on long trips, I have other family members that would be able to take care of the rabbit if I were to go on long trips, but if those family members fall through, I have found boarding houses nearby that would gladly take in the rabbit if I needed.

My house is a bit hectic with my dogs kind of play fighting sometimes but most of the time they are just laying around and sleeping. I live on the East Coast so I do get all 4 seasons but until it would get super cold, the rabbit would be living in my large bedroom with me, while it would be running around my room 24/7 I would also take the rabbit outside on their own on a harness (I do not have a backyard because there is a river) and let it jump and run around with me. Plus, I live in a very quiet neighborhood that does not get traffic coming in or out.

[I agree with everything you guys are saying! I have been thinking more about it and what the long-term plan might look like. Due to the circumstances we are in, I plan to commute to school for the next 3 years when and if we go back to in-person classes (the commute is not long max 39 mins and I would be picking classes that do not run late into the afternoon/evening). I then believe I will be living with my parents until I get enough money from a job (I would find a part time job that would not make me work long hours for the rabbit’s sake) so I can land on my feet and find a place of my own that would allow pets.]

Though my family and I go on long trips, I have other family members that would be able to take care of the rabbit if I were to go on long trips, but if those family members fall through, I have found boarding houses nearby that would gladly take in the rabbit if I needed.

My house is a bit hectic with my dogs kind of play fighting sometimes but most of the time they are just laying around and sleeping. I live on the East Coast so I do get all 4 seasons but until it would get super cold, the rabbit would be living in my large bedroom with me, while it would be running around my room 24/7 I would also take the rabbit outside on their own on a harness (I do not have a backyard because there is a river) and let it jump and run around with me. Plus, I live in a very quiet neighborhood that does not get traffic coming in or out.

[LBJ10]

Hmm… I think a bunny would actually be a good companion for you while you’re doing virtual classes. I guess the real question is, do you have a plan for when you go back to in-person classes or when you graduate. A bunny is a long-term commitment, so you would need to have a plan in place. Otherwise, I don’t really see why you couldn’t get a bunny to keep you company.

As for the trips, I assume you have someone that watches the other pets? Can they watch the bunny too?

[CharlotteC.]

I agree with everything you guys are saying! I have been thinking more about it and what the long-term plan might look like. Due to the circumstances we are in, I plan to commute to school for the next 3 years when and if we go back to in-person classes (the commute is not long max 39 mins and I would be picking classes that do not run late into the afternoon/evening). I then believe I will be living with my parents until I get enough money from a job (I would find a part time job that would not make me work long hours for the rabbit’s sake) so I can land on my feet and find a place of my own that would allow pets.

Though my family and I go on long trips, I have other family members that would be able to take care of the rabbit if I were to go on long trips, but if those family members fall through, I have found boarding houses nearby that would gladly take in the rabbit if I needed.

My house is a bit hectic with my dogs kind of play fighting sometimes but most of the time they are just laying around and sleeping. I live on the East Coast so I do get all 4 seasons but until it would get super cold, the rabbit would be living in my large bedroom with me, while it would be running around my room 24/7 I would also take the rabbit outside on their own on a harness (I do not have a backyard because there is a river) and let it jump and run around with me. Plus, I live in a very quiet neighborhood that does not get traffic coming in or out.

I also wanted to say thank you to you guys for answering me so quickly, I really appreciate it! 🙂

[HipHopBunny]

You sound like a responsible owner, considering how much research you are doing, and the precautions you are willing to take! 😉 A lot of the things you described sound wonderful, too! 🙂

About the dogs – I have cats that will sometimes fight or growl at each other; and sometimes my ladies will lift their heads to listen. Or other times there might be another loud noise, such as me coming home. They might jump, or thump at that, if I have a noisy entrance! 😉  It all really boils down to the personality of the bun you are adopting. Some are sensitive to noise, and others are fine with it. 🙂 Do you have a rescue in your area that would allow you to foster? That way you could try out each bun and see which one works best for you? 🙂

You did mention though, taking it out on a harness. Rabbits do tend to get frightened in harnesses and will try to get out of them; which could result in them injuring themselves. 🙁

That all that being said; I do agree, rabbits are very worthy companions, and having one during this crazy time could really help you, and allow you to meditate so that your mind is fresher when you go back to studying. 🙂 You sound calm, mature, and responsible; three things that rabbits love from their pet “hoomins”! 😉 I’m sure you’ll do great! 🙂

[DanaNM]

That sounds like you have thought things through pretty thoroughly!

The only other concern I think is vet expenses. Bunnies can be very cheap or very expensive, if you end up with a bun that has some chronic issues (such as dental problems, stasis treatment, etc.). Are your parents on board to help with vet care if needed? Often the older generation’s ideas about rabbit care are not as up to date, so they might not even realize the types of veterinary care available to rabbits. Sadly we often have younger members here on the forum in battles with their parents over vet care.

Since the plan would be to keep the bun in your room away from the dogs (but also away from most of the family activity), you might consider adopting an already bonded pair. That way they could keep each other company while you are away at classes.

. . . 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.  

[sgtsnuggles]

I’m a senior in college and just bought a bunny! Whew where to start- they’re a lot more commitment than people make it out to seem. Beware you need to clean their litter everyday, give them hay, clean up their poop, etc. Many rabbits chew wires (not mine thankfully) and you need to bunny proof your home. I think all rabbits should be house rabbits and free roam as my little guy hates being in his cage and has expressed that a lot. He’s really like a dog + cat and just hangs out with me all day and loves attention. If you leave a lot it can be hard to have someone watch your bunny and provide the care he needs, I miss Appa when I’m just out for a night 🙁

For training Appa was a huge pain in the ass. I probably trained him wrong because I let him become free roam really early and he just peed on EVERYTHING and had to be watched 24/7. They’re really curious explorers and want to get into anything they can. He’s finally chilled out at 6 months old. Also neutering can range from $50-$500! Bedding and hay cost me around $30-$40 a month. I buy him all sorts of toys (that he won’t play with) and beds and stuff which has cost about $200. I bought him a really nice cage for $150. They are generally low price pets compared to cats and dogs though.

For other pets, I read that rabbits bond and it’s cruel and wrong to separate a pet that has bonded to another pet. I believe this was referring to bonded rabbits but it might apply to them bonding to your other pets as well.

Just some food for thought! A great step is research, I’ve wanted a bunny for five years and now was finally the right time. I would wait if you’re having doubts because as I stated they are quite a bit more care than people make it seem, at least if you want to give your bunny the best care and love and freedom possible. I would wait on it and give it time, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to adopt a bunny 🙂

[CharlotteC.]

That’s very helpful thank you! I agree that it does sound like it would be a lot of work, though not that this is the best explanation or reason to get one but, other than the fact that I genuinely want to put in the effort that it would take, but I also hope to be working with a lot of animals once I graduate from college.

My family has had SO many pets since I was born and considering the research I have done and making a future plan that would be oriented around having a rabbit I feel 90% confident that I could give a rabbit the best life it could want haha. Honestly I would feel very disappointed with myself if I EVER had to give up one of my pets because I am unable to care for it the way it needs to be cared for.

Plus I am a huge introvert so having a rabbit would bring me a lot happiness everyday while I live at home for the next 4 or so years, especially now 🙂

[HipHopBunny]

You sound like a very responsible person, and a wonderful owner! I’m sure you could give a bun their dream home! 😉 Whoever you chose will be very lucky to have you! 😉

 

 

[CharlotteC.]

Aw thank you so much! I can’t wait!! 😀

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