Hi there!
So I'm new to this forum and signed up because I'm considering getting a bunny. I've never owned a rabbit before, though I've owned hamsters and a ferret. So I was curious to know what rabbits are like? I never had a close bond with my ferret as he was far too boisterous, so I'm looking for an animal who is a bit more laid back and enjoys cuddles and a bit of playtime - a bit like my hamsters were. From what I've seen and heard about, I'd assume rabbits are like giant versions of hamsters! People always say to me "Rabbits kick and scratch and hate to be picked up and cuddled. Most aren't affectionate." But this also sounds very familiar to what I hear about most hamsters, which I strongly disagree with. I believe any animal can be cuddly and loving and affectionate if the owner puts in the time to make the animal that way.
However, I'm looking for professional rabbit owners opinions on bunnies and what they're like!
So here are some of my questions:
- Are rabbits like large hamsters?
- What are their cage requirements?
- How much do you spend on your rabbit a year?
- Do rabbits like to be cuddled?
- Are they affectionate animals who seek their owner's attention?
- How much out of cage time do they require?
Feel free to tell me anything I might of missed out that may be important!
Rabbits require permanent access to a hutch of 6 x 2 x 2 ft and a run of 8 x 4 x 2 ft at least. If they're indoors it can be 8 x 4 x 2 ft as they don't need the extra sheltered area. In addition they will need time out of the cage, ideally a few hours a day. Housing them in anything less than this is cruel and inhumane, and this minimum is recommended by the RWAF (rabbit welfare association and fund) as well as the RSPCA. So their accommodation is a major minus point in terms of space, and cost.
I would say that rabbits aren't very much like hamsters, no. Many rabbits enjoy affection but rabbits hate to be picked up as they're prey animals. They often will tolerate it out of fear, however, which many owners take to assume they like it. Trancing/tonic immobility is something you may have seen in pictures/youtube videos etc, however it's a fear response and very cruel
http://rabbitwelfare.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/tonic-immobility.html. There is a huge amount of misinformation about regarding rabbits - their dietery needs, their housing needs, and their veterinary needs. Hamsters are different in regards to handling as, being omnivores they are naturally a bit more fiesty and inquisitive so may enjoy being picked up etc. Many rabbits are inquisitive too but they like to be on the ground, as they are very flighty and nervous. You can interact with rabbits well though by getting down on floor level with them and many will then approach you for cuddles once they know you, and you can play with them on the floor. You can also show affection and play with them by letting them have a run around outdoors (if the garden is secure, and you're supervising) - it's really fun to watch them run about and binky.
Some rabbits are very affectionate but some are more aloof. Mine are not especially affectionate - I've maybe had a lick off them about 10 times in over 5 years, however it's something that doesn't bother me as all animals show affection in different ways. Mine are always so excited to see me (because I bring food!). For me, I really enjoy watching them snuggling up together and digging around in their litter trays.
I made this thread a while ago and it should give you an idea of how expensive rabbits can be:
http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/s...w-much-do-you-spend-on-your-rabbits-challenge. Veterinary attention is quite common, and quite expensive. GI stasis happens to many bunnies at one point or another and if you spot the signs it's an emergency which requires immediate treatment. Insurance is something to consider, as emergency vets fees can be very expensive (£400+) and due to bad breeding many bunnies have complications which can cost a lot of money.
I'm not sure of your age but rabbits are a long term commitment of 10 years or more. If you are school or college aged and are considering uni it may well not be a good idea because of how expensive they can be, and how difficult of an animal they can prove to be. Leaving them with family is often not ideal as they require a lot of cleaning, a lot of money and a lot of effort and if these are missed they can die in all manner of ways - flystrike, stasis, lack of veterinary care etc. You can never skip giving fresh hay (3+ times a day), or veg, or pellets as rabbits graze constantly and if there is no access to food they will quickly descend into stasis. This means it's hard to leave them and you always have to plan ahead and plan around them. Plus you can go out to check on them in the morning before a job interview or something and find them not eating and you have to drop everything to take them to the vet - and not many employers or unis etc really see rabbits as a decent excuse. It doesn't sound like much when you first get them, but after a while it can be quite tedious and very restrictive. Rabbits really will suffer if left when they need to be attended to, and they can die quickly without veterinary attention if you're out of the house for any periods of time. Bunnies also hide their illnesses very well and it can be very tense wondering if something is wrong.
Rabbits need to be fed on a diet of 80-90% hay, 1-2 eggcups of pellets and a few bits of veg a day. Green veg and herbs are best, carrots and fruit are not ideal as they are too sugary. Some rabbits however have very delicate tummies so a hay only diet may be something that you might have to feed. You can get bales of hay fairly cheaply which generally give lovely fresh hay, as many pet shop hays are rubbish. However, if you have fussy bunnies you may end up having to buy expensive hay online from various places. Hay for pets is one of these:
http://www.hay-for-pets.co.uk/. It's great hay, but it stretches my budget a lot so I'm grateful mine will eat baled hay. Pellets are generally not an expensive cost if you feed the right amount rather than the amount recommended on the packets (popular brands are science selective, burgess excel) and you can get veg cheaply too (especially if you feed things that you'd otherwise throw away, like cauliflower leaves, carrot tops and broccoli stalks). Treats are fairly readily available in most shops, but it can be a bit of struggle at first knowing what's appropriate. Obviously rabbits are entirely herbivorous so anything with honey, dairy etc in is inappropriate as are any seeds. Rosewood have an excellent range and they label well to let you know if you can feed it to bunnies.
Rabbits need to be housed in bonded pairs and cannot be split up. Both bunnies should be neutered and spayed, and the most common pairing is male/female but rescues may have male/male and female/female in if it's mother and daughter for instance. Rescues are a great place to adopt from as the rescue will know their personalities well, and could suggest a pair who have the qualities you like. They can also advise about housing/food/vets etc.
If a bonded partner in your pair dies, you will either need to rescue another partner or bring it inside to give it lots of attention. Bunnies are social animals and need company. If you're at school/working 9-5 and sleeping at nights that isn't enough company for the rabbit, so it's wise to consider whether you can give that if a bonded partner dies and you can't adopt another to bond with the existing one.
EDIT: Having buns indoors is lovely, but many are destructive and will cost you a lot in furniture. Having them outdoors is a decent solution but their housing can soon mount up too and they can destroy that too :roll: