Thinking of Getting a House Bunny

Time4Tea_2

Hi there,

My boyfriend and I really want to get a pet (we have a lot of love to give!) but want to make sure it's 100% right. We'd love a dog but since we live in a flat and work full time it wouldn't be fair for us to get one when we're not there all day and it can't run about at home in a garden of it's own. Neither of us are really cat people so we thought a house bunny would be good. We live in a ground floor flat with a balcony, so we have access to some outside space of our own and the communal garden. Would that be enough room? I thought a rabbit harness would do to give him a runabout outside?

Also we go home to see our parents roughly one weekend a month, would the bunny be ok to come with us (about an hour and half journey)? Or would that stress him out too much? Would he be ok at home on his own with food, water and litter tray in a hutch/room (where he wouldn't wreck everything!)? Or would he need someone to come in and check on him?

Any thoughts much appreciated!

Elmostreet

Hello I had rabbits for many years now and would say think carefully before you get one. You need a good sized indoor cage, toys ,and fleece covers for bedding. Good food also important as well as hay and fresh water everyday.Alitter tray will also be needed. Zooplus.co.uk has some good ones.
The rabbit also needs lots of time outside its cage when you are at home!
As for taking it outside maybe check your local freecycle for a rabbit run.Again you must be at home when the rabbit is in its run due to predators.
Visit https://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk for tips and advice .
Good Luck!

Elmostreet

also, another point please don't buy a rabbit from a pet shop or a garden centre. Please purchase from a breeder or adopt from a shelter. The rabbit welfare helpline is 0870 046 5249 Open from 10am daily.

Kelinik

We have considered a house bunny (and decided now is not the right time) and one thing that came up consistently is that buns need company of their own kind, apparently a neutered/spayed male/female pair works best. They also need regular vaccinations, the correct diet to prevent gut problems and can be very destructive, eating skirting boards, furniture and digging at carpets. We would still love buns at some point but these are all things to bear in mind.

Little_Chicken

Kelinik wrote: »

We have considered a house bunny (and decided now is not the right time) and one thing that came up consistently is that buns need company of their own kind, apparently a neutered/spayed male/female pair works best. They also need regular vaccinations, the correct diet to prevent gut problems and can be very destructive, eating skirting boards, furniture and digging at carpets. We would still love buns at some point but these are all things to bear in mind.

Although It's a shame that you can't get your bunny now. I'm really pleased you've made a sensible - rather than a selfish decision:A like so many people who then go on to abandon unwanted pets.

I'm sure when the time's right a bunny - or some other bundle of fur will come and join u.:beer::beer::beer:

Kelinik

Thank you, until recently we had rats and for the moment my mousies keep me busy enough (all unwanted pets/rescues) but we definitely plan on buns in the future. I'm friends with someone who runs a small animal rescue and acquainted with another and seeing all the animals they have waiting for homes breaks my heart.

Elmostreet

I wouldn't necessarily agree that buns need company of their own kind. Over the years I have only ever had one rabbit at a time. If you are at home alot then one is just fine. Only thing with two is they tend to just talk to each other and not you!

Elmostreet

I re-read your post time4tea and would say you could put the run on the balcony if it's wide enough. Running inside if often enough can be enough for bunnies though if they can do it everyday!

Time4Tea_2

Thanks for all the replies, they're really helpful. Elmostreet thanks for details of the welfare line, I'll look into that, I'd much rather give a good home to a bunny that needs it. We'd definately love one but we're going to think it over properly over the next couple of weeks instead of getting carried away

Elmostreet

Just to clarify time4tea, the helpline will be able to help you source a bunny from a breeder and a shelter plus give tips and general rabbit-rearing advice!

feelinggood_2

I adopted my first house bunny 6 weeks ago. I got her from a RSCPA centre, and they have been really helpful - from picking the right bunny for us, to advising on her care. Its great to know they are there on the phone if I'm unsure of anything! Our bunny is a solitary bunny - they tried to bond her with other rabbits, but she is aggressive with them. She will stay as an only bunny, but with lots of company from me! We took our bunny home to visit our parents last weekend, she was fine with the 250 mile trip. She has a 7ft indoor cage, but is itching to come out as soon as I get downstairs in the morning!