Saved a bunny, Happy Valentine’s Day. I have some questions

[Deleted User]

 So I went to my friends house today and I noticed a cage in someone’s parking spot (she lives in an apartment). The cage was covered with boxes, bags, anything they could possibly find to cover the cage. I looked inside and saw a little (not really) black bunny with no food, no water, no hay…nothing. Just some cardboard for him to sleep on. I told my friend to tell me who owns that rabbit so that I could give the owners some bunny 101. Guess what their response was?? “Yeah, we know. We don’t want it anymore so let it just die.” WHAT? not in my book. So I took this little one home.

 

The home is now complete with some hay, food, water, and a bed.

 

BUT, I have a question.

Besides my rabbit being super curious about whats in the box, he also hasn’t left my side. He keeps looking at the box then jumping on my bed and laying nex to me. Is he jealous? Scared? Confused? Do you guys know what this behavior means?

Also, I think the new bunny might have mites (small dandruff white flakes). I want to let him out and explore, but will this spread the mites? Should I wait until I’ve taken him to the vet? I don’t want my current rabbit to have mites also, will it spread if I pet one then pet the other?

Thanks for all the help.

[bunnyfriend]

How could anyone do that poor innocent rabbit??? They were just going to let him starve to death? That’s horribly cruel. I am so glad you noticed and decided to take him in! He looks very handsome. I love otter coloring.

Hmm yeah you definitely don’t want to spread mites to your other rabbit, someone here hopefully will know what to do. I think it would be best to wash your hands first between interacting with the bunnies. I would definitely wait no matter what until after the vet appointment to start bonding him with your other rabbit, you want to make sure that the new bunny is a boy and is neutered. Your rabbit can sense that another rabbit is around so he probably is a little curious and/or nervous.

[emkvet]

Oh my goodness. I can’t believe people; that treatment of such an innocent creature is disgusting and hurts my heart. I am so happy and proud that you saved him. Good for you – it truly is a very happy Valentine’s Day!

He might be feeling insecure and scared, and feeling like he needs your company. Take that as a good sign, because a lot of buns would just run and hide until they get more comfortable. Keep comforting him, but don’t force anything. It sounds like you’re doing a good job though!

What food are you feeding? Veggies and pellets?

I’m not sure about the dandruff, but if you’re concerned I would get him in to the vet ASAP. Wash your hands between petting buns, for sure. Also, make sure to get that vet appointment soon, because you don’t know what state the poor little guy could be in from such poor care. A health check is definitely in order, and also to see if he’s neutered.

Thank you again for doing such an amazing thing. Sending good vibes to you and your new bun!

[Deleted User]

Thanks guys, I couldn’t just leave him in the cold garage with all those exhaust fumes.

He’s on pellets and hay right now. I gave him a carrot but I took the fruit away because I’m not too sure about its age. Plus, I’m sure it hadn’t eaten in days so I didn’t want the acid to be harsh on his stomach.

It’s not really dandruff. It’s a couple of white specs on his face but I haven’t found anything wrong with his skin. I haven’t found any spots of flaky skin so I’m not sure :/

[emkvet]

Probably a good idea to start with more neutral foods to get him back on his feet.

I can’t offer you much advice past bringing him to the vet and exercising caution around your other rabbit. Definitely get that little sweetie into the vet and keep us updated.

[Binx86]

I would’ve called the humane society or the police or something on those cruel jerks! They could get in serious trouble for what they did. He’s an adorable bunny and deserves so much better than what they were offering.

If at all possible I think I would wait a couple weeks on bonding them even if there’s nothing immediately wrong with him health wise. Poor little bun has probably been traumatized and that last thing that he needs would be more stress if your current bun and him don’t get along.

You’re an amazing person for taking him in and caring so much. A lot of people would just look the other way, I think shows like Animal Cops on Animal Planet has proved that humanity isn’t so humane.

[longhairmike]

Posted By Bunsies on 02/14/2012 10:18 PM

Besides my rabbit being super curious about whats in the box, he also hasn’t left my side. He keeps looking at the box then jumping on my bed and laying nex to me. Is he jealous? Scared? Confused? Do you guys know what this behavior means?

 

i think its just his brad pitt detective mills impression…

that’s awesome that you get to be the hero for your new bun. it makes having him/her all the more special.

[longhairmike]

Posted By Binx86 on 02/14/2012 11:22 PM
I would’ve called the humane society or the police or something on those cruel jerks! They could get in serious trouble for what they did. He’s an adorable bunny and deserves so much better than what they were offering.

 

if they also have a kid,, you could make an anonymous call to DCFS to express your concern over parents who are also initiating cruelty to animals.

[peppypoo]

Oh goodness, that is absolutely TERRIBLE. Not to mention that it’s probably illegal!! People never fail to disgust me . But thank you so much for saving this little bun’s life!

That being said, agreed on the extra precautions between this bunny and your own. Your bunny probably can smell the other bunny on your clothes, and is just really curious about the scent, hence the following. You could cordon off a small area for the new bunny to explore and get exercise, but don’t let them share anything just yet, until further confirmation from the vet.

[Deleted User]

So I gave in and let the bunny explore. I’ve checked as much as I can and don’t really find any flaky skin..I’m guessing the white spots on his face was just dust because his skin looks okay. He’s starting to rub his chin on everything and did his first binky

[Deleted User]

It’s amazing how this bunnys life has changed in a matter of 3 hours.. 3 hours ago he was in a tiny cage with nothing..now he’s binkying, running, and flopping for rubs

[LoveChaCha]

Hi and welcome!!

Thank you for your kind act!

As with the others, I have to stress that keeping the new bunny away from your current one is a good idea. Even the new one being in the current ones territory can set off a reaction, or even by having new bunny’s smell on your clothing can make your current bunny react in a different way.

I hope you can find a rabbit savvy vet, get him checked up, fixed and hopefully bonded with your current one

BTW, I am sad (those peole!), but so happy that you took the little one in!! HE LOOKS just like my little girl, but bigger!! I’m in love with the otter coloring

[Deleted User]

I HAVE A NEW PROBLEM!

so i put him in a box (big box) but he managed to jump out of it. It’s past midnight by me and I don’t know where to put him so that I can sleep. I’m not to comfy with the idea of him being free in my room…what should i do? lol

[KytKattin]

I know this is going to sound odd, but I am going to assume that you don’t have a crate or another cage…

Do you have a laundry basket you could flip upside down over him? Otherwise, maybe just cut some holes in the big box and close it up.

[Deleted User]

The other cage that I have is too small. He’s a big guy and i wasnt too sure about closing up the box. I guess i’ll do that for the night until I get a cage tomorrow. Thanks

[KytKattin]

As long as there is one or two holes it should work. It is certainly less terrible than whatever he was in before, and it is just for one night. It is no worse than him traveling in a small enclosure for a few hours.

My only suggestion is to not get another cage, but instead maybe an expen. They cost about the same, but the expen provides a lot more space and is more versatile!

[Deleted User]

After I get him fixed and bonded I was planning on moving them to a pen. I guess I’ll just invest in one now.

[Sarita]

Welcome! You are wonderful for saving this bunny! I really don’t understand people – the least they could have done was taken him to the humane society or a shelter….I guess in the end though, he got very very lucky :~)

[Beka27]

Thank you so much for taking that beautiful bunny in. The cruelty exhibited by some people just amazes me. I would agree with contacting someone to report their improper treatment of the bunny, and careless attitude towards his welfare… BUT… honestly it probably won’t make a stick of difference. The rabbit has been removed so at this point it’s just “he said/she said” and that can’t really be prosecuted.

He is certainly a lucky bunny. He would have survived awhile in that cage, but who knows how long? He’s fortunate to have been found by a rabbit lover, and not just some random person who would have ended up being just as bad as the previous “owners”.

***I would DEFINITELY quarantine him from your other rabbit. I’d suggest an xpen in an easily disinfected and washable space (like in the kitchen over linoleum/tile). He may have intestinal parasites, mites, or something else undetectable by the naked eye.***

[Stickerbunny]

He’s really cute, glad someone found him who could save him – what a cruel way to treat a poor little animal.

[Deleted User]

He’s such a sweet guy, I’m glad I took him in before a raccoon got to him.

I’ve set up an appointment for Saturday to have him and my current bun neutered. I’ll keep you all updated

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so glad you were able to rescue him! I can’t understand how anyone can be so cruel to such a helpless and innocent (and adorable) creature. It really makes me angry!

He’s so sweet! Big Bunny Hugs to you for helping out a bun in need.

[Deleted User]

Thanks guys, I’m thinking about taking him to a local no-kill bunny rescue center. I love him and I’m already attached but I don’t think I can afford to take care of two bunnies. I just feel like a hypocrite because I told them I’d take their rabbit and take care of it yet I’m taking it somewhere else. I want my rabbit to have a friend yet I don’t want to invest all this time and money if they will end up hating each other. I wanted to go on those rabbit speed dates before I brought in another one, so I know this is a risk. I just feel bad that the new rabbit has just adapted so well to his new cage, he’s eating well, etc.. and now he’s going to change his environment again. It’s hard to describe what I’m feeling, I’m just lost :/

[Sarita]

You are absolutely not a hypocrite! You could take the new cage with you to the no-kill shelter for him.

You have rescued this little guy and that was the kindness thing you could do. You have no obligation to keep every rabbit, (dog, cat, etc…) that you rescue. You should never feel guilt for doing the best thing for you. If I were in your same position I would do the same thing and know that it was the right thing for me and I still saved a life and put him in good hands with a rescue who had the resources to care for him in the way I could not.

[Stickerbunny]

It’s not hypocritical, you saved his life and I am sure he’ll be grateful no matter what you do. Bonding two buns though who haven’t dated is possible and plenty of people have done it. So it depends on what you want to do. With enough patience, most rabbits can be bonded, as long as both are altered. You could even maybe take him to a rescue but offer to continue fostering him, that way if it doesn’t work out, he’s been in the system ready to be adopted and can get a new home. Don’t keep him if you are not ready for another bun though, it wouldn’t be fair to him, you or your current little furball. And don’t feel bad if you have to give him up for adoption, you took him from a HORRIBLE place and they will find him a good home.

[Beka27]

I agree with what Sarita and Stickerbunny said! It was an emergency situation and you did the best possible thing getting him into a safe environment, but your first priority is caring for your existing rabbit. Contact a local rescue and speak with them. Explain the situation, and see if they’d have space for him. If not, you could look for a new home for him with someone else. With many of our rabbits, we don’t know their history, they could be in their 2nd, 3rd, 4th home… What matters is that in the end, he is cared for properly, whether by you or someone else. Please keep us updated on what you decide to do.

[Deleted User]

I called a few rescue places today, no one has any space. A shelter isn’t even an option, so he’s staying with me both of the buns are getting fixed Saturday so hopefully everything works out. Thanks for all the support

[Beka27]

Most buns can bond if given time. We’d be happy to help answer any questions you might have.

[emkvet]

I think you’re doing an amazing thing, and also making truly informed, thoughtful decisions. We support you and are here to help! You’re doing great, and I for one am thankful for people like you in this world.

[lashkay]

Thanks for saving him and being willing to get him an expen, he’s cute! Best wishes with your two, you’re a great bunny owner.

[bunnnnnnie!]

I’m not gonna lie, I’m glad you’re keeping the cutie.   I think you’ll be a great owner for him. .

I also just wanted to offer a bit of support too, I was in a kind of similar situation.  I had Zeus, who was a single bun.  Then West basically fell into my lap, she was a shelter bun who was not doing well in that environment and desperately needed a home.  So I brought her home, having no idea if she’d get along with Zeus or not.  So for right now, I have two unbonded buns in a tiny studio apartment.  It is a little tougher to alternate out of cage time, etc, but I don’t regret it for a minute.  I do like the idea that neither bun is ever alone now, even if it’s just looking over and seeing the other bun in the neighboring cage while I’m at work.

[LBJ10]

I am glad you’re keeping him too. I think it was meant to be.

[Deleted User]

Aww thanks guys <3 Your support is awesome. I'm happy I'm keeping him also, I'd hate to switch his environment again. I can't wait till they're bonded. For a while I had been considering getting another bunny for my current rabbit, then I saved Vinny (named after Valentine's Day) . I think it was meant to be also.

[Pandorachik]

You are an amazing person! And VInny is adorable! Thankyou so much for being a nice person. Givesd me a sigh of relief when I know there are people like you in the insane world!!

[LittlePuffyTail]

I like the name.

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