Anyone got a rabbit?

[Jaysmonkey]

Originally Posted by shay

Hi Cheryl

I have 2 rabbits so can give a little advice! Also check out Rabbit Rehome forum and RWAF for a lot of very knowledgeable advice. The forum layout for Rabbit Rehome is very similar to SW. I don't often post on the forum but 'lurk', same for SW really

Your hutch should ideally be a minimum of 6ft, and 24hour access to a run is ideal too. My two have a 6ft x 9ft enclosure with roof, 2 hutches with the doors removed and 24hour access to 'free-range'.

Please try to rescue/adopt a rabbit rather than buying from a pet store. Rescued rabbits will normally be neutered / spayed already and should have had at least one of their injections, (myxi / vhd). A spayed girlie will be at less risk from uterine cancer and neutered boys are less 'frisky' and more settled.

Some rescues have quite strict adoption procedures and requirements though, but please don't let that put you off. There are approx. 35,000 rabbits needing homes.

Ideally, you should look to get 2 as they are very social animals and like company, a boy / girl mix is best (but neutered!!). I have Pebbles and Barnaby. Pebbles is 3 years old and came from a lady who runs a very small rescue. I've known her since she was 3 weeks old and have had her from 8 weeks. Barnaby came from a large all-animal rescue. He was around 3/4 when I got him in 2010. His history is largely unknown but I believe he was 'abused' in some way as he isn't fond of men and some smells (dog / bbq) leave him terrified.

Some people assume rabbits are an easy pet to look after, but they aren't. I lost my first rabbit Tinker to something called gut stasis. I was in-experienced and losing him devastated me as it was my fault as I'd fed him incorrectly and didn't know the warning signs. I'm now slightly neurotic and look for the slightest little health issue!

I keep the buns and Tilly apart though. Tilly did walk up to their gate last year and they were slightly scared! Plus they could injure Tilly and Tilly may (did last year) have parasites which could infect the buns.

Sorry for the long post but as I'm sure you will understand, they are my passion a little!! I even have a rabbit tattoo

Sharon

Sharon it's actually over 60,000 rabbits in rescue in the UK alone.

I'm also on rabbits united forum - I'm jaysmonkey there too and a very active poster.

I understand and agree with your post completely

I have 4 house rabbits and rabbits are incredibly under estimated pets.

My soul bunny Lola, now sadly no longer with us - cost in just 5.5years over £10,000 at the vets alone.

The third most popular pet in the UK, but one of the most neglected.

[Jaysmonkey]

Originally Posted by cherylahutch

Just got back from picking up the hutch it looks to be nearer 4 foot took a bit of getting in the car lol not looked properly but looks to have a ramp and pen with it. Will investigate later on and update :0)

I highly recommend you hack up this hutch and rid of it. It's merely a coffin at that size and would be incredibly cruel to consider keeping a bunny in there

My rabbits have their own bedroom and free range the house!

3foot or 4 foot it needs burning. It's only use would be a bolt hole so remove the door.

I'm sorry but I really can;t advocate this size hutch even with a run attached, it's purely insane.

A hutch is not enough. Please have a look into this first.

Rabbits are one of the most neglected animals in the country

[shay]

Hi Jaysmonkey, as soon as I saw your name I recognised it. I don't often post on Rabbits united, just lurk a lot, same here really! I feel like I might jinx my two when I go on there and they'll get ill, stupid I know but there you go

Sometimes our suggestions are ignored, but I recently gave advice to a chap I work with, since then he's had his daughters male rabbit neutered, got a girlie friend who he'll get spayed when she's old enough, 2 indoor cages, outdoor runs, insurance, vaccs etc. Sadly, they weren't rescue buns but it's satisfying when you're listened too a little, other times you hope the message gets through eventually

[cherylahutch]

Originally Posted by Jaysmonkey

I highly recommend you hack up this hutch and rid of it. It's merely a coffin at that size and would be incredibly cruel to consider keeping a bunny in there

My rabbits have their own bedroom and free range the house!

3foot or 4 foot it needs burning. It's only use would be a bolt hole so remove the door.

I'm sorry but I really can;t advocate this size hutch even with a run attached, it's purely insane.

A hutch is not enough. Please have a look into this first.

Rabbits are one of the most neglected animals in the country

Bunny went back to the breeder within a week. My dog would not settle at all with it there so I sent it back to her. It was terrified of he dog and the dog was not happy so I didn't keep him. It would have been cruel to both of them.

[Catwoman63]

Cheryl, sorry to go off of thread but how is Bella and Edward? X

[cherylahutch]

They are doing ok cheers Bella can open her eyes today which I got very excited about :0) Edward was fine and didn't need treatment. I've got good at getting the medicine into Bella without stressing her. They are still not eating and are sleeping a lot still but in thinking that will get better soon. I got some wormer for there baths and have done that twice a week apart so I'm hoping that helps as well.

[emma_mcraf]

Good luck with them Cheryl.