Urban Bunny! (Youtube Video)

[jackikal]

Hey there!

I just thought I’d share a video of my rabbit walking around an area known as Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland Oregon.

She absolutely loves the urban scene just like her daddy. 

I remember before I got a rabbit, I would look for videos of rabbits in the city to see how they would get on, but I didn’t find any. Hopefully someone will find this a bit interesting. There’s a few more bunny videos on my channel, so feel free to check them out!

My Evelyn is such a sweet little girl, with beautiful blue fur. I truly believe she is the best thing that’s ever happened to me!

Please share your videos too. I can’t get enough of these little angels/demons!

---

Evelyn in the City

---

Enjoy, and have a great day!

[CinnabunMom]

Awww. She’s adorable.

[jackikal]

Thanks!

[SuperCheesetastic]

I took Penelope to the beach but my video isn’t as clear as yours…

[jackikal]

Please share it! I love my fellow bunny walkers, lol. 

I was actually stopped by a security guard there, which made me a bit nervous, but he started telling me about his rabbit and I was ecstatic. Cool guy!

[Monkeybun]

All I can say is Eek! Downtown Portland isn’t exactly safe for bunnies

[SuperCheesetastic]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx6gsfb8JBk
^Here is mine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNKxTr6XuMs
^another blurry video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI7R28mSJVo
^off-leash

[jackikal]

@Monkeybun

It’s actually perfect for her. I carry her in a bunny bag (great investment – I highly recommend) and let her run around in areas like Pioneer Courthouse Square. Never on the sidewalk or anything. There’s another video of her at a park downtown on my channel. She’s an extremely tough bunny, lol.

She sure catches some stares!

[jackikal]

@SuperCheesetastic

Those were great. I plan on taking Evelyn to Seaside, OR for some beach adventures. Though, it’s kind of dreary and on sunny days there’s not much shade. :/

That corridor was perfect for running! I could see Evelyn dashing back and forth.

Thanks for sharing.

[SuperCheesetastic]

I’m wondering if I can take Penelope to Walmart…

[jackikal]

@SuperCheesetastic

Unfortunately, no. Walmart sells produce and it is a Health and Safety Code violation to allow any animal that’s not a registered service animal. Which doesn’t make much sense, seeing as they pose the same Health risks. But, I bring Evelyn pretty much everywhere I go (and I’ve been to Walmart) and I’ve never had any problems. It’s a company policy, so it’s not illegal, and you can only be asked to leave by a manager. The bag I have is ASPCA certified and has darkened screening so you can’t see her, but she can see you. 

I, personally, think that everyone should have a good bag to carry their bunny in. It’s the easiest, safest, and most fun way to transport your furry little friends, lol!

[SuperCheesetastic]

I see people who bring their pets to Walmart all the time…
One lady even brought her cat in a stroller.

[Monkeybun]

It depends on the walmart. not all of them have groceries

[BinkyBunny]

I have to say, I’m in the “Eek” camp with Monkeybun.  I’d be worried about a dog breaking loose from their owner.  Have you had to deal with that yet? Maybe my “eek” alert goes up because downtowns around here (San Francisco and Oakland) are much too busy (and icky) for me to even imagine.

Your bunny definitely looks comfortable and is happy to explore. The leash part of the harness is definitely better. I also think it’s important to note that it’s obvoius your bunny is used to this leash, as she seems to know to pause before the leash becomes completely taut.Though your bunny is very cute, confident and is having fun, it would be irresponsible of me if I didn’t caution others to not just try this out out of the blue. Not everyone’s bunny will react the way Evelyn does. Something like this would have to be really thought through properly,including understanding the potential dangers. After that, the decision is completely up to each person.

One of my past rabbits, Forrest, loved going on romps on a similar harness – I took him to a large grassy area that was fenced in and dogs were not allowed there. However, there was a small playground nearby and sometimes I would have to watch out as every once in awhile a child would see Forrest and lose their mind, then run full blast toward him, which would freak him out completely.

So really, I think this all definitely depends, not just on training, but on bunny temperament. And each person will need to make that decision for themselves based on their bunny, and their situation – on what they believe is safe. 

[SuperCheesetastic]

A child randomly came towards Penelope once.
She was a toddler and I could barely make out what she was telling me.
Her dad was there with a baby stroller, as well.
I let her pet Penelope and Penelope allowed it for a few minutes, then lost interest and began to ignore the girl and explore the food under the stroller.
That was the only bad thing that happened. O_O
…. Oh, and the toddler tried to feed Penelope a cookie (bad), but the father had her give it to me, instead. xD

[Monkeybun]

Yeah, downtown Portland can get very busy and icky too. Thus my Eek

[jackikal]

@BB

That is some very good information that should not be taken lightly. Evelyn has been trained very well to walk on her harness, and her easy-going personality is the only thing that has allowed me to take her downtown. I haven’t had to deal with dogs getting loose, but Evelyn has met many friendly dogs. I’m actually more comfortable walking her around areas (like downtown) where the dogs are always on leashes and near their owners.

Downtown Portland is a very clean and safe area for rabbits. I’ve lived here my entire life. It is definitely more suitable for rabbits than Downtown SF or Oakland. Dogs are rare to see in Pioneer Square, and the leash laws are very strict here. Also note, this was on a Tuesday, so hardly anyone was around. 

I definitely agree that others shouldn’t try this without proper preparation. Also, as I stated above, I have a bag that she is carried in. It’s sort of her little portable nest, and she really likes it! I never take her on a walk (short or long) without it.

I would highly discourage anyone from walking their rabbit around an area with high traffic. Noise is also another issue, but Evelyn doesn’t seem to mind, and she loves the sound of the trains (quiet light-rail cars). She is anything but typical. She goes just about everywhere with me, and I have learned to avoid any hazardous situations. It comes quite naturally after a while.

EDIT: Just to add to this, there is another danger to look out for…… CROWS! I took Evelyn to a little park downtown, and while she was walking around there was a crow that sat up on the limb of a tree crowing at her incessantly. I put her in her bag and told the crow, “we don’t want any trouble, man…” Apparently that wasn’t enough. He was in it to win it. So as we were walking away, I heard the leaves of the tree shake and the crow scream. He swooped right over my shoulder and if I hadn’t used ultra-ninja skills and ducked, he would have taken my ear off!

[SuperCheesetastic]

Penelope and I met a crow, as well.
Or was it a mocking bird?

The bird was a bit funny.
He imitated a hawk, machine gun, siren, etc. right in front of Pen and I.
He wasn’t scary to me at all. He was miniscule compared to Penelope!

There was also a smaller song bird (finch-sized) that followed and chirped at Penelope, as well.
I haven’t a clue why it followed us.

I’m guessing that the birds saw Penelope as a threat. It is mating season…

[jackikal]

That’s too funny! Crows are surprisingly smart. The crow that attacked me was HUGE and ugly. Much bigger than Evelyn, though she’s pretty big for a dwarf. 

[Monkeybun]

Yeah, the birds here can be scary. Out a bit west of PDX the hawks and falcons are abundant as well. Still not safe for a bun outside in my opinion My 4 will keep their tails inside where its safe. If they want grass and fresh air, ill open a window, and plant grass in a big tub for them lol.

[jackikal]

Yeah, the hawks are scary! My sister and I took our rabbits outside for a bit, and we heard a little bird calling out. My sister said, “is that a baby hawk?” It just so happens it was! I looked up and waaaaaaaaay up in the sky, there was mama bird circling around looking for dinner… it was time to go inside!

[Monkeybun]

saw an eagle the other day too, sitting on a fence near a friends house. that guy was BIG. Could have eaten my little Monkey with barely a second thought

[jackikal]

Oh wow! I’ve only seen one eagle in my life (live too close to the city). I was at Oxbow Park (East of Portland) and it flew right over our heads while we were swimming in the Sandy River. He must have been looking for some sushi!

[Furface]

just a word of warning – I had the same type harness for my Bug & she could escape very easily.
It was like she could fold back her front legs & just dive out of it. It was when she got startled & she just made a run for the house but in unfamiliar territory… who knows

[jackikal]

@Furface

Yes, I’ve had this problem as well. Luckily, Evelyn only does it when she’s comfortable. When she’s scared she flattens down to the ground like Kirby. She’s never been one to run away, surprisingly. She has been in the harness so many times that she doesn’t even remember she’s wearing it! Practice makes perfect. 

[Furface]

@ jackikal

OK, I just wanted to be sure you knew.

I loved the harness for Bug & did continue to use it after her escape. I just watched even more carefully. I also used it for car trips – to let her explore without getting near the drivers feet ect. I found this to be easier on her for long trips. She has been to Algonquin Provicial Park & that’s a 5-6 hour trip from here. She was a great traveller.

[jackikal]

@Furface

Thanks! I love it too. It’s just perfect (other than that one problem). It’s the only one that Evelyn seems comfortable in.

I have to watch her in it too, but it’s not that bad. I have to watch her anyway!

[bullrider76543]

I have two videos on youtube, I have one of Mr. Hopper walking on his hind legs and one of Nibbles and him when we were visiting a friend in Texas and they were both trying to drink at the same time. lol

http://youtu.be/h9pgv5FLdSc

http://youtu.be/fomyWoloz3E

[jackikal]

That’s too funny. He walks pretty fast!

[Buzz]

Thanks for sharing the videos, it’s great to watch other bunnies out and about! My rabbit Watson really enjoys his walks – in fact if I don’t walk him he gets antsy, like an unwalked dog. If you keep certain things in mind, a walk can be a really fun activity for a rabbit. Watson’s terrified of dogs but he loves exploring and going to new places. Normally I take him round the block and he meets our neighbours and does super-twisty-flying-binkies. My flatmates’ blind bunny doesn’t even need a lead, as he’s never been known to run, and he enjoys it so much being outside. The best time was when it snowed and we took him out – he really enjoyed being in the snow.

Some of you mentioned hawks – in the US, some hawks will see rabbits as prey – mainly redtails and eagles but also goshawks and harris’ hawks. If it’s bigger than a crow and has broad wings, be wary. It is worth noting however that wild hawks are usually shy and won’t harm your bunny if you’re on the other end of the lead. Most hawks will not chase a rabbit unless it’s running away from them (especially short-winged ones, like goshawks – they get confused if they don’t see the white tail bobbing up and down!). Most will also be too confused by a non wild-type bunny’s colouration to chase it. However it’s always good to be wary as an unattended rabbit or one on a long lead, or a grey one that goes near a starving goshawk is at risk from hawk attack. Luckily hawk-caught bunnies usually only have superficial injuries – they put one foot on the head and the other along the back, and your rabbit has a pretty good chance of kicking them off even when it’s been caught (indeed, falconry has been explored as a method of catching rabbits for mark and recapture studies – it stresses them out less than trapping and doesn’t kill them). A vet visit is in order after that though. Eagles are a different matter, golden eagles can quite easily crush a rabbit’s skull.

Falcons (hawks with pointy wings) aren’t a threat to a rabbit – they catch aerial prey. Exceptions are the desert falcons – gyrfalcons and prairies are the only ones I know of in the States but in Europe and the UAE, saker falcons also are able to catch ground prey. In the UK the only ones I would worry about would be goshawks and eagles in the right places, common buzzards (UK’s answer to the redtail) are too shy. I also know their aggressive territorial call which works for have-a-go juveniles that used to chase my hawk. In New Zealand I don’t worry about anything – both NZ falcons and harriers are known to catch rabbits in the wild but neither would catch an odd-looking captive bunny in an urban area unless they were desperate.

[jackikal]

@Buzz

That’s some good information. You seem to know your birds! Here in Oregon, we have hawks patrolling the sky constantly, and the odds of finding a hungry one are higher. I’ve never had an intimidating encounter with one, and I think what you said about one not attacking with a human companion near by still applies. Evelyn is a blue gray color, which is similar to the rodents we have around here, so I worry for her. I never leave her unattended.

Even with the number of hawks here, my biggest worry is still raccoons. Those things are pure evil!

Thanks for the info!

[SuperCheesetastic]

Eagles are so pretty. I see them up-close every week when I go to volunteer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVZNuelKXwk

 

EDIT: Oh, and i’ve fed them, too. They can tear the head off a dead rat in a heartbeat. I find it cool to watch. The other volunteer that was there last time did not.

[jackikal]

They are. I love all birds. 

Nice videos, lol. The watermelon looks good! Evelyn had her first taste a few days ago. She fell in love. 

[Author]

Messages