Rabbit Rave

[llamaniac]

I think rabbits are wonderful, and I may soon get one as a pet. Probably 5+ months. Don't worry, I always do my research. Anything important people want to tell me about rabbits/rabbit care?

[Die Fledermaus]

Andrea is our rabbit expert.

As with all advice of that nature, there are so many possibilities it would take me pages to cover it all. Since you ARE doing research, I suggest you do it first, and then ask specific questions about anything unclear or that you do not understand. Otherwise, as I said, I'd be writing pages about everything.

The funny thing is when I rescued Poppy (see the old threads in this forum) at a young age I was told the bunny was a she. As guy's personalities supposedly change at adolescence - and Poppy's did not - I assumed I indeed had a female for months! To this day I often say "she"!

Did I forget to say Poppy really is a guy?! I discovered that when I flipped him over one day.

[pinky]

That's great that you want to get a rabbit! What kind of rabbit are you considering? If you're looking for ideas you could look at some of Andrea's threads--she loves to post pics of her bunnies, and they look just so lovable! She has a dog, Whizzer, who is best friends with some of her bunnies. The dog is in many of the photos because she likes to be where the bunnies are.

[Hamsters82]

Aw, rabbits are so cute! So are you going to get a bunny or a full grown rabbit? Male or female and what will you name him/her?

Sorry for all the questions; you'll find out that's just me. Lol.

[llamaniac]

To Hamsters82--- I will probably get a rescue rabbit from the shelter. So---- ?-Not sure, I'll get what comes to me!-?

[Die Fledermaus]

BTW, I forgot in my post above to tell you I later discovered Poppy is a guy! I edited the post. That was the punch line - Poppy being a surprise male!

[Andrea]

llamaniac where abouts are you located?
We have over 300 rabbits in Rescue with SARSBC.

My first comment to anyone who wants a rabbit.... They are not cuddly, all the cute wittle bunnies we see on TV are fakes LOL Every rabbit has a different personality, but 90% of bunnies do not like to be picked up.

I can also say i LOVE my bunnies! I have 4 of my own (soon to be 6 i'm sure) and then 9 more fosters right now and I just love them all. They are allot of work, but to me well worth it.
They can be littler trained quite easily (unless their name is Baby LOL).

Fostering a bunny is such an awesome way to get to know them, and help out a bunny in need. I totally recommend it because there are usually many wonderful volunteers at the rescue who can help you with questions and concerns. Makes learning allot less stressful.
I was pretty worried when I decided to foster, I researched rabbits and other critters for a few years before deciding on bunnies, but still found so many more questions once I had them.

Good luck with your research, and if you come across any questions you cannot find an answer for, or information that doesn't seem write feel free to ask and I will help you as best I can.

[llamaniac]

I am in NYS, Monroe County. Do rabbits make good pets?

[Andrea]

I think it's more of a question 'Would I make a good rabbit owner"
I think rabbits make wonderful pets... for my life style. But for others they make terrible pets.
They are kind of like keeping a cat, except more work. They are prone to gastric intestinal (GI Stasis) problems, which can kill them in 24 hours if not caught right away and treated. Another reason why they should be kept as indoor house pets.
Rabbit shed allot and need regular brushing, some need their teeth trimmed by the vet on a regular basis. they need fresh veggies and hay daily, plus their pellets.
Like other pets they need their nails trimmed, which can be a bit of a chore as, they arn't happy to be picked up and have their feet touched.
They love to chew, especially wires, so a house needs to be rabbit proofed.
They can bite, they can have attitude problems (meet Aniseed LOL) and tough don't talk can growl, grunt and hiss.
Also because they are predatory animals, they don't usually show that they are ill or sick, so it akes a keen eye to know if there is something wrong.

[Die Fledermaus]

>> Also because they are predatory animals <<

You mean prey.

>> Another reason why they should be kept as indoor house pets. <<

You mean why they should NOT be??

>> They love to chew, especially wires, so a house needs to be rabbit proofed. <<

Stuff that hangs down my Poppy goes after - wires, towels, and a now ruined winter coat. My fault for leaving it there, but nothing I can do about all the TV. VCR, and PC wires.

>> They can bite, they can have attitude problems (meet Aniseed LOL) and tough don't talk can growl, grunt and hiss. <<

Whoa. If Poppy ever did that I'd freak. I never heard anything like that. He is very gentle.

He never needed his teeth trimmed.

>> Like other pets they need their nails trimmed, which can be a bit of a chore as <<

Not really. I flip Poppy on his back, he trances out, and snip snip.

[Andrea]

You are lucky DF, Out of the 13 I have only Jackpot trances. Aniseed kicked my friend in the face when we were clipping nails. Oh and my chest right now looks aweful from bunny scratches. The 3 Chilliwack girls are not used to being handled at all.

And yes I ment prey LOL....

[Die Fledermaus]

I WAS wondering if you had a predatory bunny.

I have no idea what percentage of rabbits trance out on their back. I sing to Poppy; maybe that helps.

[Andrea]

Well you've seen the Monte Python bunny haven't you? LOL
I think that bunny is Ani's Granny LOL

[Die Fledermaus]

I already did a post on that rabbit on Rodent Retreat:

The Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog