Rabbit questions

lbt_2

Hi BJ

I can't wait to be tidying up after mine - I love their little characters. My friend's rabbit used to throw it's bowl around!!

I spoke to another rescue centre this afternoon and I am going to go and see them on Monday. The person I spoke to was really nice but not an expert on rabbits, but she said that someone would be able to help when I come in. I'd really like to get them as young as I can so that we can see them grow (my girls are as excited as I am!), but if I want them both neutered I think I will have to get them around six months old?

Anyway, I don't want to have too much of a set idea. I'll see what cuties they have when I visit.

How did you litter train them? Just the same as Linda mentioned? Keep moving the soiled straw into the litter tray?

Thanks BJ, I really appreciate your help

BridgetJones_2

lbt wrote: »

Hi BJ

I can't wait to be tidying up after mine - I love their little characters. My friend's rabbit used to throw it's bowl around!!

I spoke to another rescue centre this afternoon and I am going to go and see them on Monday. The person I spoke to was really nice but not an expert on rabbits, but she said that someone would be able to help when I come in. I'd really like to get them as young as I can so that we can see them grow (my girls are as excited as I am!), but if I want them both neutered I think I will have to get them around six months old?

Anyway, I don't want to have too much of a set idea. I'll see what cuties they have when I visit.

How did you litter train them? Just the same as Linda mentioned? Keep moving the soiled straw into the litter tray?

Thanks BJ, I really appreciate your help

Yay! I'm glad you're taking a look as some rescue rabbits.

I got my boy (paddy) first, he was baby when we got him from the RSPCA so he wasn't neutered. He was the only surviving rabbit from his litter. We have him neutered at 5 months but it really depends on how quickly they develop, he's incredibly laid back for a rabbit and he loves people, constantly running around our feet and jumping up! He's so relaxed he sleeps on his back most of time! We only got Poppy (who's a around a year old) a month ago once we decided to keep Paddy as an outside rabbit and she was neutered by the RSPCA before we picked her up. She had an awful start in life, she was kept in a cat carrier and they never let her out :mad: :mad: Luckily the RSPCA handled her everyday so by the time she came home she had built up some confidence in humans and just loves running around in the garden.

As disgusting as it sounds rabbits like to eat whilst going to the loo so I put some pellets in the corner of their tray and some of their poos. They got the gist very quickly. It's basically got to be a really comfortable, nice place to be.

Loopy_Girl

shhh....don't tell anyone but since my daughter got her rabbit I am smitten - I love love love looking after him so when the better weather comes in (I know, it's a while away) and since Max is now knackerless I am going to get him a rescue girlfriend:D

lbt_2

BridgetJones wrote: »

She had an awful start in life, she was kept in a cat carrier and they never let her out :mad: :mad: Luckily the RSPCA handled her everyday so by the time she came home she had built up some confidence in humans and just loves running around in the garden.

Some people are disgusting aren't they? I hate to hear things like that.

BridgetJones wrote: »

As disgusting as it sounds rabbits like to eat whilst going to the loo so I put some pellets in the corner of their tray and some of their poos. They got the gist very quickly. It's basically got to be a really comfortable, nice place to be.

Glad you mentioned that! I would never have thought of that

I have also thought about getting a boy first, then a girl later on. Apparently it is better that way round because girls are very territorial. Did you find it okay introducing your two? That is the only thing that worries me about doing it that way, but I do really want two.

Someone on freecycle has offered me a hutch, and I am going to buy one as well, so if I do get them together and they aren't neutered I will be able to separate them, then pass the hutch on once they are in together.

Oooohhh, I just can't decide the best way to do it

wickatre65

Over the years we have introduced lots of buns to new partners, would def suggest boy first in your circumstances unless you can have two hutches next to one another so that they can get used to smell. It is possible to introduce the other way around (having the girl first) it just needs a bit more patience. Only ever had one bunny who wouldnt bond and she was a ex lab bun we had her 8 years, grumpy with anything else furry , used to chase the cat, but was super cuddly with humans (odd really after beng in a lab cage)

feelinggood_2

Wick - The RSPCA told me that my Bunny wouldn't be able to be bonded with other rabbits. Do you think thats true? Is she missing out being a solo bun? She gets plenty of attention (I'm home all day).

lbt_2

I am soooo cross! I was passing a pet shop today so I thought I'd pop in and see how much they charged for their rabbit stuff. I got talking to the owner, and he was going on about how much nonsense the RSPCA spout! I told him I had to the RSPCA care book so that I could be prepared when our rabbits came home, and he basically said it was all a load of rubbish. I know everyone has different views on rabbits and associated issues, but I have a lot of respect for the RSPCA and everything they stand for.

Plus the hutches he sold were tiny. I wouldn't keep a mouse in them. He sells rabbits but when I asked if they had been handled he said no, it is unlikely that any rabbits sold in pet shops would have been handled at all. How sad

Sorry everyone.... rant over ....

lbt_2

Thanks Wick, that doesn't sound too difficult. I think I might get a boy first, then a girl once the boy has been neutered.

I looked at a hutch today which was offered on freecycle - thought it might be a good way of getting a second hutch as I will only need it for a few months, then I could pass it. I could buy two hutches, but it seems a bit of a waste of money when I would only use it for such a short time. The hutch I saw was too small though, and to be honest, not in very good condition. Definitely not good enough for my bunnies.

BridgetJones_2

lbt wrote: »

I am soooo cross! I was passing a pet shop today so I thought I'd pop in and see how much they charged for their rabbit stuff. I got talking to the owner, and he was going on about how much nonsense the RSPCA spout! I told him I had to the RSPCA care book so that I could be prepared when our rabbits came home, and he basically said it was all a load of rubbish. I know everyone has different views on rabbits and associated issues, but I have a lot of respect for the RSPCA and everything they stand for.

Plus the hutches he sold were tiny. I wouldn't keep a mouse in them. He sells rabbits but when I asked if they had been handled he said no, it is unlikely that any rabbits sold in pet shops would have been handled at all. How sad

Sorry everyone.... rant over ....

I've had many heated debates with owners of pet shops! And now I just vote with my feet. I don't think any animals should be sold in shops, it's completely barmy. I went to a garden centre yesterday and they had blooming puppies for sale!! I left straight away and reported them to the RSPCA because they had no water. Looked like a nice place from the outside...you never can tell I guess!

Regarding your previous post, my rabbits got on brilliantly immediately. The chap at the rescue centre said it's one of the easiest pairings he's had. I do think it's quite nice to get to know one then introduce another but it's more convenient to get an already bonded pair if they're available.

feelinggood - Is she neutered or was she from the RSPCA originally? There was one rabbits at the centre I went to that hated other rabbits, they tried bonding her with 8 others (at different times) and it just stressed her out. I ended up talking my best friend into homing her and she's very happy being an indoor very fussed upon solo rabbit.

feelinggood_2

BridgetJones wrote: »

feelinggood - Is she neutered or was she from the RSPCA originally? There was one rabbits at the centre I went to that hated other rabbits, they tried bonding her with 8 others (at different times) and it just stressed her out. I ended up talking my best friend into homing her and she's very happy being an indoor very fussed upon solo rabbit.

She was neutered when the RSPCA got her. She was with them for 6 months I think, and they tried bonding her with a few other rabbits. She is fine with people, just not other fluffy things! She gets very annoyed when the cat comes in the house.