my first pet, rabbit, please help

Peekaboo

I'm with the don't get a pet yet camp.

For one - you could have a bad experience and make things worse.

I had two mice from a friend who got bored of them and threatened to drown them - I took them in because just because they are small animals does not make their lives any less important.

I volunteered at a rescue centre - you can do it too, find a centre and ask to volunteer with small animals. You can talk to them about your fears and they can help you get better with it. You can also get an idea about how much work is involved with them. I worked with rabbits, I brushed them, cleaned out their runs etc. and it was very eye opening. I'd recommend that - they'll have small animals like hamsters and rats etc. too, so you have an opportunity to overcome your fear.

PLEASE don't get a hamster. They aren't as easy a pet as people feel - and can live for years when cared for properly. They are NOT disposable - it's not fair on the animal if you give it away or sell it.

I keep 7 rats, and mice (separately obviously). They take up an hour of my time a day to be played with, cleaned, fed, watered etc. No matter how small the animal, it is a huge committment.

I seriously suggest going to a rescue centre and seeing if they can help you overcome your fear

Good luck!

amy104

Firstly I think the OP needs to be commended. They have actually put some thought into researching the right pet for them and how to care for it. To me it seems like they have the right attitude to pet ownership, they could of just got a pet on impulse.

I do however agree that pets aren't disposable so perhaps a bit more thought may be in need before you take the plunge. Visiting a rescue is an excellent idea.

I also wonder how many of us experienced owners were a little nervous when we got our first pet. I know I was absolutely terrified of handling my hammy when I first got him, he was so dainty and fragile an I was terrified of hurting him. But after a few days I relaxed massively.

sock-knitter

i remember my kids wanting a pet, and i'd never had one before so i agreed, we got a hamster, small cute and furry. it slept all day and woke up wen kids was in bed, so boring to them. i was the one to feed it and clean it, and i was bitten several times, and i gave it to a neighbour who loved hammies, and had several all in seperate cages.
fast forward a few years to now, kids have left home, and i think a pet would make good company, did loads research, and decided on a pair of guinea pigs, pip and squeak, they are adorable, love been stroked and cuddled, and they are awake during day and sleep at night, and in my opinion much more suitable as a first pet

ilovemykitten

i have 2 rabbits, i am a member of golden bunnies forum, google it and join if you own or are considering getting a rabbit, its a great forum and especially good for getting advice

meritaten

OP - I think you have a fear of animals. Thats ok, a lot of people do. and to get over that fear you have decided to get a pet. thats ok too. you obviously realise that this may not work - you have mentioned having a pet loving friend who would take a pet on if you couldnt cope. doesnt this friend already have pets? have you handled them? have you ever been to a city farm or similar and touched the animals? gone to a 'Pets at Home' store and seen the animals - they have rabbits, rats, guinee pigs etc. and they will let you handle them if you are interested.
I think you arent ready for a pet yet. I think you should explore which pet would suit you a bit more. if you think that all rabbits are cuddly - you are wrong. my sis's rabbit was a little bu99er - mine (out of the same litter) was a cuddle bunny! and they were brought up the same way. I think the suggestions of volunteer work with a rescue centre (all animals perhaps) will give you an insight into which pet which may be right for you.
There is no shame in deciding you dont want a pet hun. being a pet owner is a vocation and its not right for everyone.

~Chameleon~

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

you might as well buy a stick. If you scream and squeal and squeak and act like you're scared of the hamster when you're in the shop; the only thing you'll be walking out with is a kick up the arse. Pet shops won't let somebody buy a pet if they're scared of it.

Unfortunately Pets at Home will sell to anyone and the OP has already mentioned this is where she'll be buying it from

Just hope she has plenty of money saved for the inevitable vet visit to treat wet tail if she's buying it from there!!

Malicia_Crass

Just had a look at previous posts - appears to be a TROLL.