agouti rabbit in garden centre

[BeckyLH]

I was so upset this afternoon, I went to my local garden centre to buy a few things and had a look at the bunnies as normal. There was only one, a beautiful agouti dwarf lop that has been there for what seems like ages. She's really big now and in a tiny little cage. I felt so sorry for her I almost brought her home, I can have three right? :roll: I have a thing for agouti lops since my lovely Dana, sadly now gone to the bridge. What do they do if they don't sell them?

Becky x

[Ben's mum]

As heartbreaking as it is to see an animal in a petshop for a long time, by buying them you're only giving the petshop/garden center the funds (and more importantly, motivation) to buy more to replace her. This article's about rats but applies equally as much to rabbits too:
http://www.fancy-rats.co.uk/information/guides.php?subject=buyingfrompetshops
If you do think you can fit another bun into your family why not check out local rescues? The majority of buns will likely have originated from petshops so you'll be helping out a bun just like the one in question, without encouraging the pet trade.

[BeckyLH]

I know that really, my Walt is a rescue bun and I'm going to get another rescue bun Martha tomorrow, I just felt so sorry for this poor bunny, and when they get their new stock of babies, this one will just get even more overlooked. It's so sad, I wish they'd just stop!

[parsnipbun]

I'll be flamed for saying this - but in this situation (where an older bun has become 'less attractive' to the general public - and will soon be destined for 'back of shop and return to breeder for . . . . ), then if you have lost your heart to her I would take her.

Make your reasons clear at the time (preferably after they have sold /her to you in case they refuse!) but don't let a bun down just for principles

I KNOW everything that can be said about 'continuing the endless cycle - but otherwise you will never get her out of your heart and soul and will always wonder if she was knocked on the head as 'too old to sell', or sold for 50p as 'unsellable' to who knows what future?

Its a hard call - but you may be saving her from a life of misery - or even 'short cutting' the eventual destination to a rescue (if he's lucky).

I know its against all the principles of not encouraging the breeders/pet shop for you to 'rescue' this little one: But I once stood out against buying an 'unwanted' lonesome one from a petshop and was later told it had been 'sent back to breeder as unwanted'. I never forgave myself for what probably happened to that bun that I had formed an instant soul-bond with.

I still well up when I think of him

[BeckyLH]

I'm glad you understand what I meant by posting this. I'm 100% for rescues, as I say I'm getting Walt's wifey bunny tomorrow (very excited), but my heart goes out to this one. It's so easy to fall for the baby bunnies when they come in but for whatever reason, no one wanted her.

I suppose it's a never ending cycle though, you could see a bunny you want to take home everytime you go in a pet shop. She just reminded me so much of my Dana and I adored her. I'm going to keep an eye on her over the next few weeks and maybe ask what happens to them if they're unsold.

The thing is I don't know how long she's been there, but she's what I would say is fully grown for a dwarf lop. How old is this?

Becky x

[IzzyTwig]

If you've got your heart set on her then perhaps try talking to the staff about the rabbit, ask how long she's been there, if there's any interest. Ask if they're getting any more buns in and need the space, perhaps you could take her off their hands for a reduced price or free, that way then won't be making a profit from her.

But truth be told, it's best to let her go and forget about her, being in a pet shop that long will mean she won't be very socialised and used to handling so she may be a difficult pet temperment wise. Plus you won't know about her health, I've found a lot of pet shop animals have varies health problems due to overcrowding and inadequate food and care, usually something along the lines of pasturella or dental problems. You dont want to introduce a potentially ill and contagious rabbit to your other buns do you?

[Jaypot]

Our gorgeous Elliot came from a pet shop in Birmingham :D We got him three years ago yesterday:D
The people who spotted him saw that he had a poorly leg and he had been there for a long time - I said that we would take him and they kindly went and paid for him and brought him up to us in Wales :D
I think you know what will happen to this bun if she goes back to the breeder:(
I don't believe in buying from pet stores but sometimes you have to - sometimes that bun is destined to be with you and you can't not follow your heart:D

[Victoria39]

I lost my heart to an agouti in a pet shop:oops: Same old story, went in for provisions, last bun left in a tiny cage. I went home, phoned hubby and within 20 minutes I went back for the bunny. Koo is such an affectionate, good natured rabbit.

I don't go to the pet shop for provisions now, I shop at the local tack shop - they don't sell rabbits thus easy on the heart strings :lol::lol:

[rabshan]

I would follow your heart and go for this Agouti lop (i love agouti,s too!:))as i see it, it is a "rescue" as if it is returned to breeder then who know,s what it,s fate will be:shock::cry:
I have bought rabbits from retail outlets that i just could not leave:cry:and have never regretted doing that:)
Go get your little bun:)you love her:)

[parsnipbun]

yes - agouti's are wonderful (I have 3) and are all too often overlooked. In fact they seem to rarely turn up at petshops because of that.

So pleased to find I am not the only one on the forum to feel that sometimes the soul has to win out and some things are meant to be (despite what appear on the face of things to be conflicts of principles).

So I would say 'follow your heart' on this one.

But find a rabbit food and hay seller that doesn't also sell rabbits for the future!!!

[BeckyLH]

I will definitely be seeking out a petshop that doesn't sell buns in the future! In all honesty, when I went back to the garden centre today I expected her to be gone, I kind of went in to set my mind to rest but she was still there :(

I'm getting the lovely Martha tomorrow, I'm hoping she will bond well to Walter. Do you think it would be possible to introduce the three? I do have space for them.

I'll definitely be going back there and talking to the people who work there. If she's not been there as long as I think then I'll leave it a while, I just felt so sorry for her and I know Agoutis tend to be overlooked, it's such a shame.

[blueboy]

But truth be told, it's best to let her go and forget about her, being in a pet shop that long will mean she won't be very socialised and used to handling so she may be a difficult pet temperment wise. Plus you won't know about her health, I've found a lot of pet shop animals have varies health problems due to overcrowding and inadequate food and care, usually something along the lines of pasturella or dental problems. You dont want to introduce a potentially ill and contagious rabbit to your other buns do you?


So this denies him/her a loving home then?

[parsnipbun]

If you want to bond three I would recommend it is best to do it 'all at once' rather than bond two then try and add - but others may say differently - thats just my experience.

[charlie82]

I wouldn't feel guilty for taking in a bun from a petshop. I understand not 'continuing the cycle etc' and all of my rabbits are rescues, but at the end of the day the bun in the petshop will probably end up in a rescue at some point itself. I won't buy from petshops but I also believe it's very unlikely that they will stop stocking animals any time soon, as much as we would love that to be the case, so if there is an animal that has been sitting there in a small cage for a certain length of time I would class that as a rescue itself...yes you may not know the rabbits history etc but most rescue rabbits are in the same position. Just because they have a health check doesn't mean they are screened for the rest of their lives. Three of mine were health checked at the rescue and given the all clear to then go on to develop dental disease due to poor breeding. It's something you can't predict or prevent in rescue rabbits so I don't see a petshop rabbit being any different. Goodluck, I hope you do decide to give her a home :)

[Carol X]

Any news on this bunny!

[BeckyLH]

Hi everyone,

I went to the garden centre yesterday and asked to have a look at the bunny, she was quite timid and the man couldn't pick her up very easily but once he did she was fine. He described her as "daft as a brush". He was just letting her out for her morning hop around the shop floor :( The only exercise the poor little thing gets I think!

He said she's been with them quite a while and they had some new babies in, all cute and fluffy, brightly coloured and about one third of her size.

I asked what would happen to her if she was unsold and he said the woman they get them from "usually" uses them to breed. He said he was pretty sure she would use her as she is such a big bunny.

I got the lovely Martha yesterday, she's adorable and I love her already :D

This bunny is still on my mind though. I spoke to my partner and he said we should leave it maybe a week and see if she's still there.

I don't know what to do now :roll:

It's open for another 45 minutes... :rolleyes:

Becky x

[BeckyLH]

I've got her :D and I'm officially never going there again, or any other pet shops that sell animals!

She is adorable and hasn't left my lap.

She was due to be returned to the breeder this week as they return them at 16 weeks old. Is this normal? I got £10 off the price.

The guy there asked not one single question, he just put her in a box with no food or hay and handed her over!

I'll post some pics but they won't be great quality, will ave to be on my phone as I broke my camera last night :rolleyes:

Becky x x x

[IzzyTwig]

So this denies him/her a loving home then?

Perhaps, life isn't fair I'm afraid and it never will be. If we all took in every unwanted petshop pun that pulled at our heart strings not only would be over run by rabbits but possibly endangering the rabbits we already own, plus the pet shops will only bring in more to replace those rabbits.
We can't rescue everyone or every rabbit.

Regardless, Becky I hope your new bun settles in well, at least she's one of the lucky ones.

[*lily*]

Awwww I'm so glad you got her, can't wait to see piccies :D

[BeckyLH]

Here she is :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/HerMajesty01/Image332.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/HerMajesty01/Image327.jpg


My trio is complete :D

Becky x

[petticoat74]

She is a hunny:D At last this gorgeous bunny will have a loving home, I don't believe in getting animals from pet shops now either, but sometimes fate lends a helping hand, she was meant to be;)

[jackiestone]

Well done you,what is her name and i am so pleased she didnt go back to the breeder

Jackie

[BeckyLH]

Her name is under debate :rolleyes: My OH wants Lene (pronounces lay-na) after a singer he likes (and fancies :lol: ) He thinks he deserves it because we agreed just to have two before and he didn't stop me getting her :roll: But I'm not so sure, lol.

Becky x

[joeyred]

Awwwww she's lovely, well done you

And for what its' worth I agree with your OH on Lene

[Gingypig]

Well done you!!! a bunny saved from an awful life.

Good luck with her and i wish you many happy years together xxx

[parsnipbun]

some things are meant to be . . . she looks just like one I 'adopted' from PAH (who had been 'returned to shop' 3 times!!!).

Agoutis are so lovely!

[Hugbut]

She is a beauty :love: i'm so pleased you decided to get her, you'dve never forgiven yourself if you'd left it too long & she'd been sent back to the breeder.

[Carol X]

Lucky bun. See looks gorgeous.

[lisa82]

She's gorgeous, I'm so glad you got her!! I would have done the same. You absolutely did the right thing :D

[blueboy]

Perhaps, life isn't fair I'm afraid and it never will be. If we all took in every unwanted petshop pun that pulled at our heart strings not only would be over run by rabbits but possibly endangering the rabbits we already own, plus the pet shops will only bring in more to replace those rabbits.
We can't rescue everyone or every rabbit.


They would replace them anyway, you don’t think by leaving the rabbit there that the pet shop in question would continue to look after it for the rest of its life do you? Of course not. It would either be returned to the breeder or be gotton rid of to a mum on an impulse sprint for free. It may even end up at a rescue. But if somebody experienced was to get the bun (and usually only the people who are willing to pay for an older rabbit in a shop is likely to keep it) then its not going to end up at a rescue or worse have an horrible life. No animal lover would say it was ok to forget about a poor helpless animal “in need”.

[maisydaisystar]

ahhhhh a happy ending, she looks like my Tilly who I have rehomed, had her 3 weeks now, and itching to get her a husband. Still working on my husband to let me.

[Ben's mum]

They would replace them anyway, you don’t think by leaving the rabbit there that the pet shop in question would continue to look after it for the rest of its life do you? Of course not. It would either be returned to the breeder or be gotton rid of to a mum on an impulse sprint for free. It may even end up at a rescue. But if somebody experienced was to get the bun (and usually only the people who are willing to pay for an older rabbit in a shop is likely to keep it) then its not going to end up at a rescue or worse have an horrible life. No animal lover would say it was ok to forget about a poor helpless animal “in need”.

But they'd just get another rabbit in to sell to a mum as an impulse buy and make twice the profit.
I always compare it to vegetarianisms - if you believe in a cause you follow it no matter how small a drop in the ocean it seems. Vegetarians don't say "Oh, we might as well buy that pack of mince then, the cow is already dead so what difference does it make?"

[blueboy]

But they'd just get another rabbit in to sell to a mum as an impulse buy and make twice the profit.
I always compare it to vegetarianisms - if you believe in a cause you follow it no matter how small a drop in the ocean it seems. Vegetarians don't say "Oh, we might as well buy that pack of mince then, the cow is already dead so what difference does it make?"


All I mean is, if the people (like the author of this thread) gets a rabbit that has been sat in a shop for ages is more likely to keep it then somebody who gets a cute baby one from the beginning. This lady would never buy a cute baby bun from a shop but she has homed an older one from a similar environment and it will stay in her home for the rest of its life. Inexperienced people who just want a cute bunny will probably lose interest by the time it’s the same age s this one. So I think if a rabbit has been sat in a shop for awhile I don’t think there is a problem to get it because chances are it will be removed for worse uses. Either way it will be replaced sold or not.

[Ben's mum]

All I mean is, if the people (like the author of this thread) gets a rabbit that has been sat in a shop for ages is more likely to keep it then somebody who gets a cute baby one from the beginning. This lady would never buy a cute baby bun from a shop but she has homed an older one from a similar environment and it will stay in her home for the rest of its life. Inexperienced people who just want a cute bunny will probably lose interest by the time it’s the same age s this one. So I think if a rabbit has been sat in a shop for awhile I don’t think there is a problem to get it because chances are it will be removed for worse uses. Either way it will be replaced sold or not.

Of course, there are some situations where if a petshop's had an animal sit in the shop for a while, they may decide that animal doesn't sell well enough and "discontinue" it after selling the last one, but from experience working in petshops and being friends with someone who is managerss of a petshop that until recently sold animals, that's not how the majority of them work. They'll continue to "stock" that animal regardless - and yes, it's not nice if they take the easy option and send the animal back to the 'supplier', BUT it will teach them more of a lesson in what we think of them selling animals than going and giving them money! By buying these heart-string cases it just proves that they can sell animals no matter what age they are, so why stop selling them?
One or two people speaking with their purse and not buying a rabbit might not make a huge difference but the saying "every little helps" is true and it soon adds up. It's not just forum members, but those that the members advice and influence too. Even when I worked in petshops selling animals, I managed to convice a fair few customers to adopt from rescues instead of buying from the petshop - I'd say I convinced about 5 people a month minimum, so working there for 6 months that's 30 people, if 10 other members of the forum on here did the same that's 300 people, etc. - OK, still not a huge amount compared to the amount of petshops etc. but it's still 300 less rabbits that will be bred to replace the ones we've bought out of pity - and I'm sure you've heard of the starfish story and how seemingly useless actions against a majority still make a difference to the minority involved.

[Teepee]

You know what Becky? I am a newbie here and as such read this thread from start to finish and by post number 2 by you I SO KNEW you'd get her!!!:lol: KNOW HOW I KNEW THAT??? Purely because I would have done EXACTLY THE SAME THING!!!;)

I am NOT one for pet store buys when it comes to animals as they are in it for profit. In fact, just the other day while my Mum was visiting me she insisted we visited a very well known pet store in order that she may purchase "goodies" for her 17 year old cats...in fairness the store kept their rabbits in large enclosures with one rabbit per enclosure BUT charged £26 per rabbit and advised buying 2 (desite the fact that they weren't housed together and goodness knows whether they'd get on!) for £35. They had a little note attatched to each enclosure too that stated "We try our best to give accurate information with regards to sex of rabbit"...SO that's "buy 2 and you try your best for £35 then?" TRANSLATED: NOT our fault if you end up with babies!!!...:rolleyes:

They are INDEED in it for profit but frankly, in your situation? - Damn right I would have dissed my principles if I couldn't get her out of my head!!!
I wish you the very best with her and your trio per say. She looks and sounds a LOVELY rabbit and I'm very glad that she found somebody that cared enough to give her a chance despite her unfortunate placement in a pet store. I personally would have maybe shown interest to staff and told them to contact me when ready to "send back to breeder" (or kept popping in with same message!) with a view of getting said rabbit for free or minimal price in a bid to minimise profit from selling animals in this manner - but all said and done, if my HEART was set? YUP! Would have done EXACTLY the same thing - Sorry Ben's mum. ;)

[nursecroft]

Yep i would have done the same thing too, sometimes you have to do what YOU feel is right, well done :) shes beautiful

[Wispa & Zola]

well done shes going to have a great life now!!!

i think you made the right choice, fair enough by buying a pet shop bun you are contributing to "the cycle" but in this case they were going to replace her anyway with babies that are more likely to sell.

plus in a few months time it would have been HER babies in that shop!

so technically you have taken a bun out of "the cycle" because they cant breed from her and add more buns to it!

[Nicola3]

She has such a cute little face...bless her.

I love agoutis and she is a real cutie pie. Looking forward to seeing more pics of your new addition.

Love,

Nicola and Harvey xxx

[nursecroft]

Oh have you bonded her yet? Are your other bunnies girl/boy?

[Lucy]

What a shame, when there are lots of agouti bunnies in rescue. You could have helped those that are trying to help rabbits rather than profit from them. You have encouraged them to carry on doing what many of us want to see stopped, which is for them to stop selling animals.

[charlie82]

What a shame, when there are lots of agouti bunnies in rescue. You could have helped those that are trying to help rabbits rather than profit from them. You have encouraged them to carry on doing what many of us want to see stopped, which is for them to stop selling animals.

I'm tired of coming on here and seeing people ostracized for doing something they think the right thing to do at the time. People come on here for advice, help and general chat, not to be made to feel like bad pet owners for choosing a pet shop rabbit over a rescue.

At the end of the day this rabbit exists regardless of where she came from..would you rather it went through the whole cycle of going back to the breeder, being poorly bred from until she was worn out and then ending up in a rescue or should we not be pleased that she now has a loving home where hopefully she will be well cared for and neutered thus ending another vicious cycle. Yes there are many agouti rabbits in rescue, as well as pure breeds etc...doesn't mean you have the right to make people feel incredibly guilty for choosing to 'buy' a rabbit.

Yes, all my rabbits are rescue rabbits and personally I would always adopt from a rescue, but I won't make others who clearly care about their pets and possible already have rescues feel bad about their choices. Would you choose to adopt a child over having your own? Yes, hardly the same situation but the same principal.

[nursecroft]

Well said Charlie, nice to see someone else standing up for themselves here

I'm tired of coming on here and seeing people ostracized for doing something they think the right thing to do at the time. People come on here for advice, help and general chat, not to be made to feel like bad pet owners for choosing a pet shop rabbit over a rescue.

At the end of the day this rabbit exists regardless of where she came from..would you rather it went through the whole cycle of going back to the breeder, being poorly bred from until she was worn out and then ending up in a rescue or should we not be pleased that she now has a loving home where hopefully she will be well cared for and neutered thus ending another vicious cycle. Yes there are many agouti rabbits in rescue, as well as pure breeds etc...doesn't mean you have the right to make people feel incredibly guilty for choosing to 'buy' a rabbit.

Yes, all my rabbits are rescue rabbits and personally I would always adopt from a rescue, but I won't make others who clearly care about their pets and possible already have rescues feel bad about their choices. Would you choose to adopt a child over having your own? Yes, hardly the same situation but the same principal.

[charlie82]

Well said Charlie, nice to see someone else standing up for themselves here

Thanks, I think these forums are great for advice etc, but I have to say of all this sometimes has to be the nastiest. :shock:

[charlie82]

hmmm... is it me or has my reply disappeared?

[*lily*]

Awww she is gorgeous and so lucky to have got a home with you!

[nursecroft]

Its not just your reply charlie, think its just to avoid an arguement which is good. :)

[Lucy]

hmmm... is it me or has my reply disappeared?

Mine did too. Maybe we are being censored if people don't agree with what we write? Lets just call this the big brother forum shall we? We all must agree on everything to avoid upsetting anyone.

[nursecroft]

Lucy charlie wasnt agreeing with you i think it was just to avoid an arguement, best left i think x

[Lucy]

nursecroft, wow, i didn't realise you'd been upgraded to a moderator!

[charlie82]

Its not just your reply charlie, think its just to avoid an arguement which is good. :)


Yes I agree... but I have seen regular forum members state their opinion openly and it be allowed... quite hypocritical as far as I am concerned.

Anyway, beautiful bunny and good on you!!! Good luck with her :D

[nursecroft]

christ what is your problem Lucy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was trying to nice, i said i think they've been deleted to stop any arguements!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Lucy]

I would rather have a post edited than it just vanish. I post when I feel I have a valid point to make and I don't appreciate being censored without even being told. This forum is starting to irritate me now with this excessive moderating.

[nursecroft]

How is that my fault?

[Lucy]

I just found another use for my ignore function!

[nursecroft]

:lol: there are alot of strange people around.

Anyway, i think im going to adopt an agouti eventually for my third bun, once ive convinced my OH its a good idea :lol: my dads building a huge outdoor run for them, although they are house rabbits and do have a big run outside already want one i can walk into so can sit in there with them when the weathers nice :) we used to have one for my other buns when i was younger

[sally1974]

Here she is :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/HerMajesty01/Image332.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/HerMajesty01/Image327.jpg


My trio is complete :D

Becky x

awww she is gorgeous, im so glad you got her:D
Sallyx

[loobie_lou]

Well Becki I think you've done a great thing, and you should be very pleased of yourself.

It's a no win situation, however. We'll always be over-run with rabbits, people who don't deem themselves suitable to rehome a rabbit from a rescue centre will go to a pet shop or a breeder and while there's demand rabbits will always be bred for that purpose.

I don't think this one rabbit would have made such a huge difference on the many that are homeless, and I think I'd have done the same - you saved this bun from suffering the misery of being bred constantly until it wasn't able to be used like that.

Well done Becki xx

[BeckyLH]

Wow, haven't looked on here for a while, guess things have heated up! I didn't intend to cause an arguement!

JUST TO CLARIFY

I own 2 rescue rabbits, both from excellent rescue centres and normally I would never have bought from a pet shop. I did not intend to get another rabbit, so no I could not have adopted one from a rescue, and wouldn;t have done anyway.

This bunny was due to be returned on FRIDAY, probably for the purposes of breeding as the man informed me, if she was lucky.

I explained my opinions and I had the price reduced by £10, cutting into their profits.

She is a lovely bunny and I have no regrets. I've done my bit for rescues, as I will continue to do. I've already convinced 3 other people I know to go to rescues instead of buying buns.

I won't take abuse for helping this little bun, I have no regrets whatsoever.

Becky x

[Lspacehopper]

You know what Becky? I am a newbie here and as such read this thread from start to finish and by post number 2 by you I SO KNEW you'd get her!!!:lol: KNOW HOW I KNEW THAT??? Purely because I would have done EXACTLY THE SAME THING!!!;)

I am NOT one for pet store buys when it comes to animals as they are in it for profit. In fact, just the other day while my Mum was visiting me she insisted we visited a very well known pet store in order that she may purchase "goodies" for her 17 year old cats...in fairness the store kept their rabbits in large enclosures with one rabbit per enclosure BUT charged £26 per rabbit and advised buying 2 (desite the fact that they weren't housed together and goodness knows whether they'd get on!) for £35. They had a little note attatched to each enclosure too that stated "We try our best to give accurate information with regards to sex of rabbit"...SO that's "buy 2 and you try your best for £35 then?" TRANSLATED: NOT our fault if you end up with babies!!!...:rolleyes:



Just so you are aware, if any sexing issues occur PAH will take responsibility and provide help. On the livestock scribes introduced last year the sex of the animal is written and recorded. It's in black and white and cannot be disputed.

[Olibobs]

Just wanted to say how beautiful she is Becky, and I am glad she is now safe and cared for - whatever her origins were :thumb:

[Lspacehopper]

Wow, haven't looked on here for a while, guess things have heated up! I didn't intend to cause an arguement!

JUST TO CLARIFY

I own 2 rescue rabbits, both from excellent rescue centres and normally I would never have bought from a pet shop. I did not intend to get another rabbit, so no I could not have adopted one from a rescue, and wouldn;t have done anyway.

This bunny was due to be returned on FRIDAY, probably for the purposes of breeding as the man informed me, if she was lucky.

I explained my opinions and I had the price reduced by £10, cutting into their profits.

She is a lovely bunny and I have no regrets. I've done my bit for rescues, as I will continue to do. I've already convinced 3 other people I know to go to rescues instead of buying buns.

I won't take abuse for helping this little bun, I have no regrets whatsoever.

Becky x


She's a proper stunner Becky and I think she's going to get some spoiling :) x

[clutterydrawer]

she is so cute becky :love: she has such an endearing expression. and while i was trying not to get sucked into this complicated argument I wanted to say that I think you did the right thing and I would have done the same myself.

[nursecroft]

Well said Becky she's so lovely, i want another one now!! :roll:

[BeckyLH]

It's strange having a young rabbit again, she's so nervous about everything! We put her on the bed earlier and she wouldn't move from my knee, then when she did she didn't move hardly at all, just snuggled in the covers. When we put her on the floor she hops around a bit but then runs off to the corner and thumps her foot, lol, she's so sweet.

Martha seems to like her although she's scared of Martha, she hasn't really had a good look at Walt yet, lol. I wanted to start the bonding asap but if she's only 16 weeks as the man said, I'll have to wait a while for her spay.

Do you think I should keep them all separate until then? Or try bonding Martha and Walt and then introduce her later? x

[rabswood]

I'll be flamed for saying this - but in this situation (where an older bun has become 'less attractive' to the general public - and will soon be destined for 'back of shop and return to breeder for . . . . ), then if you have lost your heart to her I would take her.

Make your reasons clear at the time (preferably after they have sold /her to you in case they refuse!) but don't let a bun down just for principles

I KNOW everything that can be said about 'continuing the endless cycle - but otherwise you will never get her out of your heart and soul and will always wonder if she was knocked on the head as 'too old to sell', or sold for 50p as 'unsellable' to who knows what future?

Its a hard call - but you may be saving her from a life of misery - or even 'short cutting' the eventual destination to a rescue (if he's lucky).

I know its against all the principles of not encouraging the breeders/pet shop for you to 'rescue' this little one: But I once stood out against buying an 'unwanted' lonesome one from a petshop and was later told it had been 'sent back to breeder as unwanted'. I never forgave myself for what probably happened to that bun that I had formed an instant soul-bond with.

I still well up when I think of him

I agree. I am totally against breeders of any kind and petsops etc selling animals. But the future doesn't look good for this little one so i say go for it.
Rabwood

[nursecroft]

Maybe keep them next to each but with wire in between so they cn sniff eachother and you can see their reaction, may have to be careful will bonding a 3rd bun with an established pair, id like to know how you get on though ive never done it before, theres lots of people who have on here sure they will advice you. :)

[Crystal butterfly]

awww just read this thread glad she finally found a good home id have prefered her to have gone home with you then being sent back to the breeder to create more rabbits. she is beautiful :love: :love:

i once bought a black lionhead from a garden centre when he'd been there 3 months i dont regret that decision one bit :)

[maisydaisystar]

I think she is lovely (she's just like my Tilly) and the way I look at it, you did rescue her, from becomming a breeding machine Well Done You x

[chloaster]

But they'd just get another rabbit in to sell to a mum as an impulse buy and make twice the profit.
I always compare it to vegetarianisms - if you believe in a cause you follow it no matter how small a drop in the ocean it seems. Vegetarians don't say "Oh, we might as well buy that pack of mince then, the cow is already dead so what difference does it make?"

I agree with Ben's mum on this one. I am glad this rabbit has found a safe home with a caring mummy but her place is now going to be filled with another rabbit and so the cycle goes on. Why is it ok for the cute fluffy 8week old babies to go and be squeezed by some 5year old, possibly bred to exhaustion by a 12year old (sorry personal rant) and yet not ok for a 16week old bun to go back to the breeder to be bred?

But we're not saying it's ok for the 8week old bunnies!!!! Why then do we see them in the pet shops and not "rescue" them???

It's also frustrating how the opinions of what people do vary so much. If I came on here upset because my friend had ignored my advice about going to a rescue and bought a bun she'd fallen for in a pet shop, everyone would agree it was the wrong choice ........ so why is this so different?

Sorry Becky this is not deliberately aimed at you and this situation but it does high light the inconsistant beliefs expressed sometimes.

[clutterydrawer]

I agree with Ben's mum on this one. I am glad this rabbit has found a safe home with a caring mummy but her place is now going to be filled with another rabbit and so the cycle goes on.

Her place would have been filled with another rabbit whether Becky had taken her on or not though. This is a really complicated subject and no one's ever going to agree on it but at least the bunny has a home and becky took her own for good reasons not just "i want a pet shop one cos its cuter than the ones ive seen in rescue" etc.

[Lucy]

It's so frustrating when there are lots and lots of desparate rabbits in rescue. What about our 5 year old Jessie who was removed by an Inspector. She's been in care since July last year, is she not a desparate case for a new loving home? I would much rather give a home to a rescue rather than keep the pet shop wheels turning. I can see why you feel you have done a good thing, but a better thing could have been done through rescue.

I actually feel the same about all the preloved and freeads rabbits. Is it not a valid point to say that if more people adopted from rescue, not these ads and pet shops, we would have more space created to take in rabbits that are eventually ending up on freeads? When coming out of rescue they are neutered, vaccinated, and very importantly health checked by a vet. Now considering the way Faye has been affected by myxi by taking a freeads bun for someone, I see this as a pretty strong argument for keeping rescue rabbits moving enabling us to cut back waiting lists and stop so many ending up being sold via the freeads system.

That is one of the reasons I get annoyed seeing people keep putting freeads up for adoption on here. We should be supporting and rehoming from rescue and helping rescues to take these rabbits and make sure they are of sound health.

[hooleyslops]

at the end of the day, everyone will have differing opinions on this subject. the chain of pet shop buns will continue regardless and yes, rescue buns are crying out for rehoming but, to this bun, this was a fantastic outcome. no one is right or wrong and everyone is entitled to their opinion and to have their say. this little lop will now have a fantastic life and becky should never feel that she was 'wrong' to rehome her. shes gorgeous by the way!!!!

[BeckyLH]

Thank you :D She is lovely and I'm not taking any notice of the criticisms I've had. I know there are thousands of bunnies in rescues, but I wasn't about to take on another. I wouldn't have freed up a space for another bun because I simply would not have gone to another rescue.

The garden centre did not just fill her place, they had 3 cages empty even after their delivery of baby rabbits on Saturday.

I did the right thing for this bunny and I love her.

Thank you for all the words of support, the critics haven't bothered me one bit :D I did the right thing, and most importantly she's happy, safe and saved from a life of breeding.

No regrets :D

[BeckyLH]

It's also frustrating how the opinions of what people do vary so much. If I came on here upset because my friend had ignored my advice about going to a rescue and bought a bun she'd fallen for in a pet shop, everyone would agree it was the wrong choice ........ so why is this so different?

Sorry Becky this is not deliberately aimed at you and this situation but it does high light the inconsistant beliefs expressed sometimes.

You can aim it at me all you want, I really don't care what people think on this one. I did the right thing and I would do it again in a flash :D

[charlie82]

Why do people keep coming on here to start debates? Everybody is aware of the situations i.e rescues etc but I don't see how coming on here and constantly debating about it is helping? Time could be better spent finding ways to proactively make a difference.....for example, instead of wasting an hour on here arguing use that time during the week to go and educate a group of school children on rabbit welfare, make up care imformation sheets to hand out....

[maisydaisystar]

ahhh your a great bunny mummy x

[nursecroft]

I have one rspca rescue (Joey) and tried to rehome another but it didnt work out so i ended up adopting from P@H because i happened to see her in there and fell in love with her (Saffy). Yes there are arguements for and against it, but whatever bun you take on you must be happy with because they are expensive and need alot of attention.

At the end of the day Becky had adopted the bun like it or not and im sure she didnt start this thread to be lectured!

Just ignore it Becky and enjoy your lovely bun :)

[BeckyLH]

Just a few updates on my lovely bun Lene, she's settled into the family nicely and is going for her spay next week so hopefully not too long after we'll have a big bunny family (if all goes well!)

Here she is:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/HerMajesty01/IMG_2719.jpg
g[/IMG]

[clutterydrawer]

awww beautiful girly, I'm glad she's doing well :)

[minimack]

Well i have to say she is a pretty little thing. I am not causing any arguement here but if you bought her where i think you did i know who supplies buns for that garden centre and i can assure you that had she gone back there she would have been rehomed from there, after all whether people on here like it or not she will have gone to the pet shop because she did not meet the breed standard and breeding from her would serve no purpose. She would also NOT have been 'knocked on the head' to remove the problem as someone has put on here. As a breeder i go out of my way to find loving homes for my buns as do the other breeders i know, although i am aware that it does happen with some backstreet breeders.
At the end of the day regardless of where the bunny came from she is now in a loving and caring home where she will be pampered and adored

[Lspacehopper]

Just a few updates on my lovely bun Lene, she's settled into the family nicely and is going for her spay next week so hopefully not too long after we'll have a big bunny family (if all goes well!)

Here she is:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/HerMajesty01/IMG_2719.jpg
g[/IMG]

Awww.....she's a cutie :)

[rspcarabbits]

I feel sad that at the end of the day its a rabbits life we are talking about here.

However if some of those people who post on here who do not like to get upset or questioned had had to deal and play god in the way lucy , rescues in general and ourselves have had to do over the last 10yrs they would have a different attitude. Its not nice to have to have pts a rabbit or know if you do not take it that will be the outcome. This is what makes lucy and ourselves amongst others so outspoken on the subjet.

Just to give you all a flavour of what happens a few times a week in every rescue.... and this is for real.

Approx 20mins ago I was contacted by a desperate rspca animal collection officer who has a white female rabbit in a holding center on behalf of a neighbouring branch. It has been there for 7 days. If she cannot find accommodation with us or similar this rabbit will be put to sleep. She is reportedly young and healthy and the local branch who have paid for her care over the last 7days have no facilities.She now must be moved. If no accommodation is found she will be put to sleep.

What do you want us to do?.......oh and I should add we are full and its not our area bunny.

Please be quick with your replies and that applies to the moderator in posting this...... a rabbits life is at stake.

[BeckyLH]

Where are your local rescues? Have you contacted them?

[rspcarabbits]

Why do people keep coming on here to start debates? Everybody is aware of the situations i.e rescues etc but I don't see how coming on here and constantly debating about it is helping? Time could be better spent finding ways to proactively make a difference.....for example, instead of wasting an hour on here arguing use that time during the week to go and educate a group of school children on rabbit welfare, make up care imformation sheets to hand out....

I'm glad you feel this way and I can directly tell you how you yourself can make a proactive difference and improve the lives of countless rabbits.Please send me a pm or contact as by phone via our web-site...rspcarabbits.co.uk

Just for info we ourselves are unpaid and proactive and feel trying to educate people on here as to what goes on in the real life is just one more proactive issue.

[Denny]

I feel sad that at the end of the day its a rabbits life we are talking about here.

However if some of those people who post on here who do not like to get upset or questioned had had to deal and play god in the way lucy , rescues in general and ourselves have had to do over the last 10yrs they would have a different attitude. Its not nice to have to have pts a rabbit or know if you do not take it that will be the outcome. This is what makes lucy and ourselves amongst others so outspoken on the subjet.

Just to give you all a flavour of what happens a few times a week in every rescue.... and this is for real.

Approx 20mins ago I was contacted by a desperate rspca animal collection officer who has a white female rabbit in a holding center on behalf of a neighbouring branch. It has been there for 7 days. If she cannot find accommodation with us or similar this rabbit will be put to sleep. She is reportedly young and healthy and the local branch who have paid for her care over the last 7days have no facilities.She now must be moved. If no accommodation is found she will be put to sleep.

What do you want us to do?.......oh and I should add we are full and its not our area bunny.

Please be quick with your replies and that applies to the moderator in posting this...... a rabbits life is at stake.

I think I may of got off the wrong side of the settee this morning setting myself up for a bad hare day as I am a bit confused:oops::oops:

Is your post in the right topic or are you trying to say:-

Dont buy when animals in rescue's die?

Or are you asking advice of what to do with this bunny? If this is the case and I may be too late with my reply:( I would advise that you contact some rescue's off here to see if they can take this bun:)

[Lucy]

Yes, this is what I have been trying to getacross. Freeing up rescue space is so much more important as the animals waiting to come to us are much more at risk than pet shop rabbits. Where is the white bun?

[BeckyLH]

I think I may of got off the wrong side of the settee this morning setting myself up for a bad hare day as I am a bit confused:oops::oops:

Is your post in the right topic or are you trying to say:-

Dont buy when animals in rescue's die?

Or are you asking advice of what to do with this bunny? If this is the case and I may be too late with my reply:( I would advise that you contact some rescue's off here to see if they can take this bun:)

I second that, shouldn't this issue have a thread of its own?

[nursecroft]

She's beautiful becky :) x

rspcarabbits - Where is the white bunny? x

[rspcarabbits]

She's beautiful becky :) x

rspcarabbits - Where is the white bunny? x

I asked the question what should we do?.The scenario was true and current at the time it was posted.

Here is what we did.

When I spoke to the aco I asked her if she could try to get the bunny in other places and animal homes but if not, under no circumstances was the rabbit to be put to sleep we would somewhere find room even though we are full and the bill for this rabbit would no doubt be have to found from the purse of our fantastic local branch.

To date I have not heard back and have to assume it has all ended well or she is still in the pipeline so to speak and will end up with us.

Animal collection officers face this dilemma often numerous times a day and I can tell you the number of animals of all kinds that find refuge for a few days at their own homes whilst they frantically try to find space is truly heartbreaking. Some of their homes can seem like temporary zoo's and if you want to see real animal dedication their plight deserves a mention.

The point I am making is that you do not rescue any "new" animal in a pet shop..... it will just be replaced as there is obviously a market for them and the shop just re-stocks.In essence you create a problem if you buy one for the rabbit that fills the hole after you have left the shop.

On the other hand there are hundreds of rabbits out there that simply have nowhere to go and they are on "death row" and the clock is ticking.Whats more the rescue will not re-stock with newly bred animals, bred for that purpose.

It just so happened that this scenario cropped up when it did and I have used it to try to illustrate Lucy's point and frustration in making less well informed readers aware this is real and is going on as they read it .

Many thanks for those who have shown concern about this female white rabbit... it is heartening to see.

This is all part of the pet shop /rescue debate and some people think its just simply a matter of choice where you choose to go to get your rabbit and there are no consequences. Well its not ....rabbits suffer as a direct result and frequently are pts as a result of the choices they make.

..........incoming!!!!!!!!!

[BeckyLH]

You illustrate your point well, and I'm sure we all understand what you mean, as for my case, I've explained my reasons, and I already have two rescue buns and am in the process of getting another. If I hadn't have got Lene, I wouldn't be getting the fourth rescue, so really, one cancels the other out I guess x x

[Denny]

I asked the question what should we do?.The scenario was true and current at the time it was posted.

Here is what we did.

When I spoke to the aco I asked her if she could try to get the bunny in other places and animal homes but if not, under no circumstances was the rabbit to be put to sleep we would somewhere find room even though we are full and the bill for this rabbit would no doubt be have to found from the purse of our fantastic local branch.

To date I have not heard back and have to assume it has all ended well or she is still in the pipeline so to speak and will end up with us.

Animal collection officers face this dilemma often numerous times a day and I can tell you the number of animals of all kinds that find refuge for a few days at their own homes whilst they frantically try to find space is truly heartbreaking. Some of their homes can seem like temporary zoo's and if you want to see real animal dedication their plight deserves a mention.

The point I am making is that you do not rescue any "new" animal in a pet shop..... it will just be replaced as there is obviously a market for them and the shop just re-stocks.In essence you create a problem if you buy one for the rabbit that fills the hole after you have left the shop.

On the other hand there are hundreds of rabbits out there that simply have nowhere to go and they are on "death row" and the clock is ticking.Whats more the rescue will not re-stock with newly bred animals, bred for that purpose.

It just so happened that this scenario cropped up when it did and I have used it to try to illustrate Lucy's point and frustration in making less well informed readers aware this is real and is going on as they read it .

Many thanks for those who have shown concern about this female white rabbit... it is heartening to see.

This is all part of the pet shop /rescue debate and some people think its just simply a matter of choice where you choose to go to get your rabbit and there are no consequences. Well its not ....rabbits suffer as a direct result and frequently are pts as a result of the choices they make.

..........incoming!!!!!!!!!

Very good and valid post with interesting points that I feel may be lost and not read by others whilst it is in this topic;)

How about posting this in a seperate topic as it would be interesting to know what others thoughts are on 'when is rescuing a bun really rescuing them', what they are rescuing them from and, what they deem as a rescue case which can also raise other questions and answers from rescue's themselves who face waiting lists and what they deem urgent cases that the bun needs to go into the rescue straight away skipping the waiting list que :)