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Message |
    
John Beltsos
Citizen
Username: Belts_boy
Post Number: 176
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 3:46 pm: | 
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We're getting a bunny rabbit for our 8-year old. It's our first pet EVER. What are the most important things to consider? What are the do-es and don't's?
Any experiences to share? |
mrmaplewood
Citizen
Username: Mrmaplewood
Post Number: 305
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 3:58 pm: |
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Believe it or not, I once litter box trained one. I had to bring it inside after stray dogs broke into the outdoor hutch one night. |
John Nance
Citizen
Username: Johnnance
Post Number: 7
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 4:04 pm: |
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We have a rabbit; it's pretty typical that they can be litter-trained. My one piece of advice would be that they are like cats, but more so. That is to say, they like to be around you, and are curious, but do not like to be picked up, carried, etc. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3155
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 4:28 pm: |
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It costs more money to bring a rabbit to a vet than a cat or dog, because they are considered "exotics" and not all vets are trained to treat them. |
snowmom
Citizen
Username: Snowmom
Post Number: 357
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 5:26 pm: |
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However, rabbits are relatively low maintanence, from the vets perspective, at least..no routine shots or check ups, usually no routine meds (ie monthly heartworm pills etc). We had a rabbit for almost 10 yrs and spent very little at the vet, until his terminal illness but that is another story, another thread...
We have recently adopted 2 more rabbits, so by now we are fairly knowledgeable on the subject of pet lagamorphs (contrary to common belief they are NOT rodents). Please feel free to PL me for any speciific stuff, but in the meantime HAVE FUN!! Rabbits can be great pets, very easily 'litter box' trainable, and there is a huge network of rabbit lovers. Check out the House Rabbit Society at http://www.rabbit.org/ for tons if info! |
Starletta8
Supporter
Username: Starletta8
Post Number: 141
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 5:27 pm: |
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As Meand said, finding a vet is hard. I ran into this with both of my beloved rabbits. Make sure you've got someone that you can see- even on the weekends. My beloved bunny actually went blind because the local vet on-call that weekend (another state) refused to see him-even though he was trained in exotics. When we finally got him to a vet who would see him on Monday morning, the infection in his eyes was too much. The second vet swore never to refer his patients to the first one again.
That said, rabbits are one of the best pets that you can have. They're intelligent, friendly, and curious. Both of my boys were litter-boxed trained. The latter lived to be 10 years old- unheard of. And he was going strong until aforementioned infection- then he just gave up in his old age.
When you bring the rabbit home, start handling it gently and lovingly from day one. That's the key. If your rabbit grows up trusting and used to people, he/she will be a fun ball of fur.
Make sure your bun has a lot of time out of the cage- you can train him/her to come when called. Remember that their eyesight isn't that great- wires are just hay to them. Keep all cords and things that could be dangerous out of bunny level.
John, I would disagree with you on the handling and carrying item. If you start working with a rabbit at a young age, he/she will love being toted around. My old guy used to actually snuggle in, cradled like a baby, with his back against your arm. Unreal. Then again, certain breeds are more laid back- I highly recommend Dutch rabbits (that's what the boys were).
Also, a small but very important thing: never ever ever feed your rabbit store-bought lettuce, especially the outer leaves of a head. Non-organic produce carries pesticide levels that can kill a rabbit.
Enjoy your new rabbit- they're great animals (although require a lot of time and patience if you want them to be trained right) and I recommend them. |
Maplewood27
Citizen
Username: Maplewood27
Post Number: 44
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 6:59 pm: |
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I have two mini lop rabbits. The female is going to be 8 years old this year and the male is going on 5. They are both house rabbits. They have hutches in the basement that they sleep in at nite and I have a play area set up for them during the day.
I take them to Dr Adhelson at community animal hospital in morris plains. She is on the list of recommended vets on the House Rabbit Society web site. I highly recommend her.
I feed my buns a mix of organic greens that I purchase at costco every week. Its prewashed and has all the 'good' greens they need and is so easy.
The two buns are great. They are both litter trained (most of the time) and i get a kick out of watching them play and snuggle.
They used to love being held but the more freedom they get the more squirmy they are. Honeslty they are just plain spoiled!
I highly recommend the new rabbit be taken for a vet check as soon as you pick it up - if possible.
Ive had rabbits for quite a few years now so if you have any questions feel free to pl me!
Good luck and have a blast with the new bunny! |
AntoninaKC
Citizen
Username: Antoninakc
Post Number: 187
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 7:36 pm: |
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John, Please dont take this the wrong way but I dont think a rabbit is a good first pet for an 8 year old. Basically, they require a lot of attention (adult supervision) and live for many years. Bunnies arent always cute and cuddly: they get bored easily, require toys/treats/fresh vegetables/hay/pellets every day, and can cost you a lot of money when they chew your wires and sweaters. They shed, need their nails clipped, and require lots of space to run and jump. But, when all goes well they can be great pets that make it all worth it. Good luck. |
Maplewood27
Citizen
Username: Maplewood27
Post Number: 45
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 8:03 pm: |
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I don't agree with that. Our first rabbit joined our family because my brother wanted one when he was little. He was definelty not old enough to take care of it, and could only hold it when he was sitting. But that rabbit was one of the best choices we made. A rabbit isnt like a dog or a cat but it can be just as much fun.
Based on experience choosing a New Zealand White rabbit is the way to go. They are very sociable and love to be with humans. Ours would lay on my brothers back while he watched tv and jump into your lap or flip on her back for belly rubs.
We have had 3 mini lops since and they are wonder ful also.
John just make sure your daughter understands that the bunny is delicate and her hugs cant be too tight and it'll be just fine!
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