Thought you might be interested in a story of an inexperience rabbit keeper (me) getting a first rabbit:
I lost my Yorkie last November and had been thinking of getting another pet for a while. I visited my son who's 3 house rabbits included a gorgeous, docile, neutered lionhead, Merlin. I fell in love with him. Next day, I saw a female baby lionhead - exactly like Merlin - in our local pet shop. Love at first sight, I bought her (Sukie).
Brought her home, and over the next couple of weeks I was getting to stroke her and lift her a few times. I've never had a bun before and was more nervous of her than she of me, mainly because I'd began to read about rabbits on the web and was scaring myself half to death!
Merlin was a lonely boy, so we thought it a good idea to try to bond him and Sukie. Kept them side by side for a few days etc etc, (advice off the internet) then finally tried them together. A fight ensued - Sukie the instigator - Merlin, who was subsequently taken back home, wondering what the heck was happening - neither hurt, luckily.
During this time, Sukie changed into an absolute monster - wild, ruby glow eyes, stomping, charging, thumping around. So much so I was scared stiff of her and I was literally jumping onto the kitchen worktops during her runs in fear of her biting me - not an easy task when you're 55! This went on for a few days and I was sobbing my heart out almost continually as I felt I couldn't cope with her, and frustration because I so wanted to be a bunny mummy!
Hubby had a word with an aquaintance who was from the rspca, who said she'd have Sukie herself if I couldn't cope.
My son visited, saw what a state I was in, and suggested taking Sukie back with them to give me a break. Feeling guilty about 'dumping' her on my son, a few days later I rang him to say I'd have her back. Back she came, and I couldn't believe it - she'd turned into a little angel! The wild look had disappeared from her eyes and she was as calm as ever.
That all happened a few weeks ago - and now we've built up a fantastic relationship and trust in each other - and this forum has helped me along the way tremendously with tips and advice.
She's being spayed in a couple of weeks, and I'm hoping to re-introduce her to Merlin when she's over her op.
Pictures of Sukie:
I lost my Yorkie last November and had been thinking of getting another pet for a while. I visited my son who's 3 house rabbits included a gorgeous, docile, neutered lionhead, Merlin. I fell in love with him. Next day, I saw a female baby lionhead - exactly like Merlin - in our local pet shop. Love at first sight, I bought her (Sukie).
Brought her home, and over the next couple of weeks I was getting to stroke her and lift her a few times. I've never had a bun before and was more nervous of her than she of me, mainly because I'd began to read about rabbits on the web and was scaring myself half to death!
Merlin was a lonely boy, so we thought it a good idea to try to bond him and Sukie. Kept them side by side for a few days etc etc, (advice off the internet) then finally tried them together. A fight ensued - Sukie the instigator - Merlin, who was subsequently taken back home, wondering what the heck was happening - neither hurt, luckily.
During this time, Sukie changed into an absolute monster - wild, ruby glow eyes, stomping, charging, thumping around. So much so I was scared stiff of her and I was literally jumping onto the kitchen worktops during her runs in fear of her biting me - not an easy task when you're 55! This went on for a few days and I was sobbing my heart out almost continually as I felt I couldn't cope with her, and frustration because I so wanted to be a bunny mummy!
Hubby had a word with an aquaintance who was from the rspca, who said she'd have Sukie herself if I couldn't cope.
My son visited, saw what a state I was in, and suggested taking Sukie back with them to give me a break. Feeling guilty about 'dumping' her on my son, a few days later I rang him to say I'd have her back. Back she came, and I couldn't believe it - she'd turned into a little angel! The wild look had disappeared from her eyes and she was as calm as ever.
That all happened a few weeks ago - and now we've built up a fantastic relationship and trust in each other - and this forum has helped me along the way tremendously with tips and advice.
She's being spayed in a couple of weeks, and I'm hoping to re-introduce her to Merlin when she's over her op.
Pictures of Sukie:
