What to Expect When Expecting (A Bunny)

[mochi]

Hello all!! This thursday I am finally bringing home my rescue bun! I am so very nervous and so excited. I bought a bunch of supplies and I just want to be sure I’m not forgetting anything.

So far, I built his cage with the C&C grids! I got him a litter box with the pine pellets and bedding plus a big bag of oxbow hay. I got him some oxbow treats and a water dish and food bowl. I got him an oxbow hay mat and a fleece little bed. I got him some stimulation toys as well. I am waiting to get veggies till the night before so they’ll be perfectly fresh!

If there’s any more things I should get or any advice I’m all ears!! Also if anyone has cute and funny bunny stories — Id love to hear them!

[DanaNM]

Very exciting!

You sound very well prepared! If you haven’t already, there’s lots of good info in the “Rabbit Info” tab at the top of the page. There are sections on diet, bunny proofing, etc. that you might find helpful.  Since he’s a new bun you will want to introduce new foods very slowly and make sure he’s eating lots of hay. Remember that treats do not equal love. 😉

It sounds like you have everything covered, the only thing I don’t see listed that he might appreciate is a hide. Most rabbits like to have a spot to hide. Cardboard boxes make great ones, just remove any tape and don’t use cardboard that’s coated in anything shiny, and cut two doors in the sides.  They can double as a toy, as most buns like to do some remodeling with them as well.

. . . 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.  

[mochi]

@DanaNM ah good idea! I will make a cardboard hidey for him! Also yes with the food! I bought the foods that I used with my bun who passed and also that his rescue worker recommended. I want to make his transition as easy as possible for him.

The treats are more just for something fun for him, not to gain love or overuse! It’ll be a road to gaining trust and I’m ready for the adventure — both the good and the hard parts c:

I will definitely check out that page as well! Thank you for your help!!

[DanaNM]

You definitely sound like you are ready! We can’t wait to see pictures once he’s settled in 🙂

 

. . . 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.  

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

This is so exciting! ^_^

Regarding expectations: it’s likely that your bun will be a bit busy during the first couple of days, and doesn’t want to be petted yet. That’s natural, but it can be a bit difficult because you’re so happy he’s finally here.

Bunnies need to make a mental map of the new space they’re in, and that can take a couple of days. Humans work with sight, and we can easily oversee a new place. But imagine having to explore a new place while blindfolded. You’ll be counting steps to find where the exits are, listening to sounds, and feeling where the walls and furniture are. That’s exactly what a bun will be doing when they’re in a new place. Oh, and they work with scents, so a bun may mark territory by leaving territorial poops/pee. That’ll stop once they feel at home and get the hang of the litter box.

Letting the rabbit come to you is always a good start to forming a bond. Using rabbit body language helps as well, this is a good site: language.rabbitspeak.com

I’m wishing you a very happy bond together and many years of cuddles! 🙂

 

[pinkiemarie]

Be prepared for the possibility that the new bun will be very scared and want to do nothing but hide for a few days. As long as he’s eating and pooping that will pass and it’s totally normal! Keep his territory small at first, especially if he’s scared so he feels safer. Don’t press your own desire for a relationship. Just sit by him and he’ll come to you when he feels comfortable!

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