Thinking of getting a bun

[Faithlovesrabbits<3]

I have done extensive research over weather I should get a rabbit or not, I am prepared for all of the care and attention they need but I am concerned if they are affectionate or not. I’m wondering weather they want to cuddle and have your attention or if they are similar to cats and wont care weather your there, just that they get some veggies. I’m also wondering if they tend to fight with their cage mate. I used to own rats and they fought like crazy it was a very awful experience for me and I do not want to got through that agian. I’m really wanting to get a bunnie but I just want to make sure I’m not makeing the wrong choice since getting a rabbit is a BIG commitment!

[BB8]

Hello! Each bunny is different some are affectionate and some aren’t, it just depends on the bunny. The two buns I have now are very affectionate but the two I had a few years ago were not. A good way to insure the bunny you’re getting is affectionate is to get an adult one from a shelter. Baby bunnies are very affectionate but their personalities can change when they get older. With adults you know what you’re getting and the people from the shelter can tell you the bunnies’ personalities.
Bunnies can’t be put together without bonding them or else they will fight. If you want two bunnies you can look for an already bonded pair at your local shelter. A good website to look for pets is petfinder. If you want more information on the bonding process you can look at the bonding forums on this website. They have a lot of info on pre bonding and a lot of great tips!
Good luck with whatever you decide! I hope I was of some help!

[sarahthegemini]

Bunnies can definitely be affectionate animals but of course it varies from bun to bun. They can seek out human attention too. My rabbits have only ever licked me twice but I know I’m more to them than just someone who brings them food because both of them – especially Peanut – will seek me out to be pet. It’s not a guarantee of course but it never is when you bring an animal into your life. I will say this though – bunnies are often perceived as being snuggly and wanting to be physically cuddled but this is more often than not false so don’t expect it to be the case (and if they are – nice surprise! )

In terms of cage mates, you should read up on bonding as rabbits need to be properly bonded and not just put together – another aspect that most people are misinformed on. It’s a very tiring stressful process altho in my opinion, totally worth it. So do read up on it before you make any decisions so you are fully prepared (I had no idea about bonding when I got my two so it was incredibly overwhelming)

You’re right that rabbits are a huge commitment so not something to take on if you’re not prepared to care for them for the next 10 years. Having said that, it’s wonderful knowing you are going to have these interesting and complex fluffballs for a significant period of your life.

Keep in mind, they are not cheap and they are not low maintenance. They need good quality grass hay at all times, quality pellets and a variety of veggies daily. They need to be spayed or neutered and they need vaccinations. If they get poorly, they need vet treatment quickly which can be very costly (I have mine insured) They need a large area to run about in. Allowing your bun to free roam is the best (just be sure you bunny proof your house and litter train them) but if that’s not possible, a lot of people make large enclosures out of nice cube/grid thingys. They need a lot more space than pet shops will lead you to believe. They are very inquisitive little creatures so need mental stimulation, plenty of toys and things to keep them occupied. In terms of litter training – many bunnies are difficult to train til they’ve been spayed/neutered so be prepared to clean up pee and get very up close and personal with bunny poo!

I hope I haven’t scared you off the idea but it’s important to know all aspects of bunny care. In fact, member Wick recently made a thread that I think will be useful to read. I’ll find the link for you.

[sarahthegemini]

Here’s the thread by Wick. It’s worth a read!

https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aft/164986/Default.aspx

Again, I’m not trying to scare you but a lot of rabbits are given up because people just don’t understand what is involved with caring for a bunny. It’s best to know all aspects of rabbit ownership and make an informed decision as they are such a large commitment. Having said that, I’m sure all of us here would agree that even tho rabbits are complex, expensive and hard at times – they are completely worth it

[diggityd77]

I am a fairly new bunny owner however I had the same questions you do about affection from rabbits.  And it is said often, each rabbit is different.  My Oreo is somewhere in between – he doesn’t “cuddle” in the traditional way that I may have wanted/expected, but he LOVES to be petted and kissed and will hop over to me and nudge me for affection, he’s super sweet.  While he is on the floor, I lay next to him and put my arm around him and cuddle with him that way.  

A friend of mine has a lop eared rabbit and she can hold it, cuddle it, and it is not phased at all!  

Something I learned too is that it takes time for the rabbit’s personality to come out – it took Oreo a while to come into his true personality – and he is sweet and adorable. 

[MountainBuns]

I agree, bunnies have unique personalities and some may be complete cuddle bugs but others are more independent.You should try and get one of the cuddlier breeds and I would recommend an adult. My bunny is a Netherland Dwarf mix, she is pretty shy and independent but likes to lie down next to me and give me lots of bunny kisses on my hands and face!

[Azerane]

While cats can certainly be independent, I would consider them one of the cuddlier animals by far. Our current little girl always cares where I am, she follows me around the house if I leave a room. Of course all cats are different and in this way all rabbits are different too.

Some rabbits love affection, love to be cuddled, enjoy lap time and being held. This would be a minority. Most rabbits enjoy being petted, but not held or cuddled. My boy Apollo hates being held and wants nothing to do with my lap, but he will come up and beg to be petted and will sit still for a long time if I’m petting his head. There is also the other end of the spectrum with rabbits that aren’t a fan of being touched at all, this is not uncommon as rabbits are prey animals and being wary comes naturally to them. They can be independent much like cats but as I said, most enjoy being petted.

As mentioned, if you want to know what you are getting in terms of personality, and especially if you are new to rabbit ownership and want a pair, then adopting an adult bonded pair from a rescue is really the best way to go about it. The people at the rescue will be able to tell you about their personality and it will be much easier for you to make a decision based on that. Rather than getting a young rabbit that hasn’t grown into its personality yet. You also won’t have to worry about bonding which can be an extremely long and stressful process.

[Bubbles 'n Finley]

I’m not too experienced, but you may want to get a single bunny to start. Many place suggest pairing or getting a pre-paired couple. I think this may make the bunnies less motivated to cuddle and socialize with you, since they have each other. Some rescues (like those exclusive to rabbits) offer pairing services you can return to have done later, so don’t think if you just get 1 you can’t get them a mate, but if you do make sure to go through the proper process, since it won’t work like getting another dog when you already have one.

Since Rabbits are prey animals they don’t have the same reactions as cats and dogs. As a result very few like to be held / carried. Also they don’t always enjoy cuddling with a person, I believe I was told that is in part due to their body temperature and the extended closeness to a person’s body makes them uncomfortable.

As bunnies are all different at a rescue you may to to sit with them in a safe location to see how they react to you. I started with a pair, one its perfectly fine with head rubs and gives kisses the other hunkers down and is praying for the experience to be over. One thing not to trust is touching them through the cage. I know at my local rescue they hand them treats through the cage, so if you put your finger in and try to pet them they may bit you, not out of fear but because they think you’re a treat.

Some other things to be prepared for with rabbits is their destructive nature. One thing websites I looked at didn’t mention was the potential for them to pull up the carpet, which one of mine does.

Of all though, Adopt, don’t shop, it breaks my heart at the local rescue to see so many rabbits without homes.

[Bunlady]

I think it’s a risk you take getting any animal… what if I don’t like their personality and I’m stuck with them.

I got my rabbit as a baby and she is such a spoiled brat and not affectionate at all. I wish she was but it is what it is. I will love and spoil her until she leaves this earth though.

I wish I took the advice that was given to me… do NOT buy a baby rabbit. Go to rabbit shelters and hang out with different rabbits and get the one that wins your heart. I, like many people wanted a “cute” rabbit. I wish I paid more attention to the personality and not the looks because personality is way more important.

My rabbits hates everyone. Runs away when anyone but me comes in the room and people don’t get why I got her, or why I love her so much. I get their opinion, she is super indepdent of me. But that’s the risk I took and I wish I did things differently but I believe all animals should be loved and cherished.

[MountainBuns]

Yes, I would recommend to get an adult rabbit. You can tell what your getting and their personality this way. I got my bunny not to long ago and she is pretty much what I expected. I know this because I was in contact with the previous owners.

[MountainBuns]

Yes, I would recommend to get an adult rabbit. You can tell what your getting and their personality this way. I got my bunny not to long ago and she is pretty much what I expected. I know this because I was in contact with the previous owners.

[Deleted User]

Adult Rabbits are by far the best. I have always taken old older bunnies and for a change I got a couple of baby bunnies. But I still prefer adult bunnies that have a personality. 

Rabbits are a sort of cross over between a cat and a dog. They are not as independent as a cat, and prefer more attention like a dog. Again, this would all depend on the personality. Rabbits are pray animals so you will find that those with a less domesticated personality will be more shy and act more rabbit like. You would also need to get your bunny neutered if you want that attention you crave (and a friendly bunny). Even more reason to head to a rescue as rabbits are normally already neutered from a rescue. 

[MountainBuns]

Yes, definitely go for a spayed/neutered rabbit if you want a less territorial and more friendly companion.

[OverthinkingBun]

That’s great that you are thinking about this so much in advance! I found my rabbit as a frightened stray, and had similar fears as you: that if I decided to keep her, she would never like me or become comfortable in my home. It kind of seems weird to remember that, because she has blossomed into such a sweet little pet, and I’m so happy with her. I guess I’m lucky, but she is pretty affectionate, and will bounce over in excitement to see me, and beg for pets. She can be a bit of a brat if she doesn’t get enough attention, actually. She likes lap time, but only when she chooses it (like most rabbits, she hates being picked up).

I think it’s a great idea to go meet some bunnies at the shelter, and see what personality appeals to you. It’s possible you will realize that rabbits aren’t for you, or possible you will fall in love and never look back Best of luck!

[Faithlovesrabbits<3]

Thank you guys sooo much! Your insight has been such a help, I’m going to wait a little and see how I feel later on, just to make sure this is the right decision

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