Jaspers mum
Young Bun
My bunny of 8 years died 4 years ago. I raised him from a baby, but when he passed, I had a human baby, so thought I would wait until my son was older.
Last week I decided it was time to have a new bunny in our lives, but I decided to visit our local animal shelter instead of a breeder.
On our visit, I saw DOZENS of rabbits there, it was quite sad. Well, this little guy had been there 8 long months. In a very small basic cage, no litter pan, no hay, no veggies
When I asked the staff about him, the woman told me that no one had ever asked after him, and no one has ever shown any interest in him, because he has a scar, and he is not "cute". The shelter staff said he was still a kit when he arrived, so he was about a year to 1.5 yr old.
Well...I think he's cute
Anyhow, his name is now Jasper. He has some behaviour issues. So any feedback and suggestions would be great, although I think some time to adjust and love is really what he needs most. But here are our issues:
1. Litter pan: He does not use it.
2. Territorial pooping. It's gross. (will this die off in time?)
3. The shelter did not neuter him, humping my kitties and spraying everywhere! He has an appt late April for the boys to be gone.
4. Aggression in the cage, when I touch things, and nipping my son.
5. Will not eat hay, has no interest in it at all! Also, Im not sure how fast to introduce fresh veggies?
6. Scratching the carpet and furniture and my son's lap with his front paws. My other bun didnt do this, is it normal and what does it mean?
Sorry for the long post...Im glad I got a shelter bunny, but it is proving to be a challenge!
ps...I think he may be a netherland cross...Any guesses?
In my signature, he is beside my 4 yr old's shoe, so you can see how small he is!
Last week I decided it was time to have a new bunny in our lives, but I decided to visit our local animal shelter instead of a breeder.
On our visit, I saw DOZENS of rabbits there, it was quite sad. Well, this little guy had been there 8 long months. In a very small basic cage, no litter pan, no hay, no veggies
When I asked the staff about him, the woman told me that no one had ever asked after him, and no one has ever shown any interest in him, because he has a scar, and he is not "cute". The shelter staff said he was still a kit when he arrived, so he was about a year to 1.5 yr old.
Well...I think he's cute
Anyhow, his name is now Jasper. He has some behaviour issues. So any feedback and suggestions would be great, although I think some time to adjust and love is really what he needs most. But here are our issues:
1. Litter pan: He does not use it.
2. Territorial pooping. It's gross. (will this die off in time?)
3. The shelter did not neuter him, humping my kitties and spraying everywhere! He has an appt late April for the boys to be gone.
4. Aggression in the cage, when I touch things, and nipping my son.
5. Will not eat hay, has no interest in it at all! Also, Im not sure how fast to introduce fresh veggies?
6. Scratching the carpet and furniture and my son's lap with his front paws. My other bun didnt do this, is it normal and what does it mean?
Sorry for the long post...Im glad I got a shelter bunny, but it is proving to be a challenge!
ps...I think he may be a netherland cross...Any guesses?
In my signature, he is beside my 4 yr old's shoe, so you can see how small he is!