Hey guys

DaveTheFish said:

Hi guys

My name is Dave and im a newbie to this forum. I live in Scotland. I never had rabbits but i am planning on getting one after i have done enough research and know everything i need to know- that's why i joined this forum. I am a member on HamsterCentral: a hamster forum. Right now i have 2 robos (female), a golden Retriever called Twix and 2 budgies (both male).

I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right place but i have a few questions to ask:

1. What hay is the best? I heard some people saying Timothy hay is their favourite. There is also this farmer close to where i live (8miles) and he sells hay bales for £3.50 each, would it be safe to buy from him?

Timothy hay is fine, as is meadow hay. If the hay from the farmer is decent quality then that should be fine. If it smells nice, not mouldy/musty and isn't dusty then that is a good indication. Generally if people buy it for their horses that's another good pointer

2. Can rabbits eat grass? Would it be safe to give them grass ripped out straight from the garden? I don't mean replace hay with fresh grass but give it as a treat kinda thing.

yes they can have grass, if they aren't used to it you need to introduce it very slowly

3. What vegetables/fruits/plants are safe for rabbits?
http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/content/info-sheets/safefoods.htm


4. I am planning on keeping my rabbit indoors as the weather in Scotland isn't very good so i was thinking of getting a puppy pen as a house for him: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ellie-Bo-Ou...UTF8&qid=1413042182&sr=8-1&keywords=puppy+pen but is it big enough? The rabbit will be let out for a run for a few hours every day and when the weather is nice he will be let out outside.

the rabbits need a lot of space, at least 6ftx4ft of permanent space. It is bad for rabbits to be exposed to variations in temperature, so you shouldn't take an indoor rabbit outside in winter

5. I heard people saying that i need to litter train my rabbit. So i was thinking of getting a plastic container which is low enough for him to jump in and fill it with recyclable scent free cat litter with hay covered on top? Does this sound like a good plan?

yes, this is a good plan, lots of us use low underbed storage boxes as litter trays as they are larger than cat litter trays and are a bit higher to stop them weeing over the edges. Some people use newspaper on the bottom and hay on top, I use wood pellet cat litter in mine. Don't use clumping cat litter or clay based ones, paper/wood pellet ones should be fine.

6.Does a rabbit need regular vet checks/vaccinations?

yes, they need vaccinating annually against myxamatosis and VHD, a combined jab. They may need other veterinary treatment such as dentals, or if they stop eating (stasis) it's also recommended to have them spayed/neutered

Thanks

Dave

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DaveTheFish said:

Hi guys

My name is Dave and im a newbie to this forum. I live in Scotland. I never had rabbits but i am planning on getting one after i have done enough research and know everything i need to know- that's why i joined this forum. I am a member on HamsterCentral: a hamster forum. Right now i have 2 robos (female), a golden Retriever called Twix and 2 budgies (both male).

I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right place but i have a few questions to ask:

1. What hay is the best? I heard some people saying Timothy hay is their favourite. There is also this farmer close to where i live (8miles) and he sells hay bales for £3.50 each, would it be safe to buy from him?

2. Can rabbits eat grass? Would it be safe to give them grass ripped out straight from the garden? I don't mean replace hay with fresh grass but give it as a treat kinda thing.

3. What vegetables/fruits/plants are safe for rabbits?

4. I am planning on keeping my rabbit indoors as the weather in Scotland isn't very good so i was thinking of getting a puppy pen as a house for him: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ellie-Bo-Ou...UTF8&qid=1413042182&sr=8-1&keywords=puppy+pen but is it big enough? The rabbit will be let out for a run for a few hours every day and when the weather is nice he will be let out outside.

5. I heard people saying that i need to litter train my rabbit. So i was thinking of getting a plastic container which is low enough for him to jump in and fill it with recyclable scent free cat litter with hay covered on top? Does this sound like a good plan?

6.Does a rabbit need regular vet checks/vaccinations?

Thanks

Dave

Click to expand...

elmoandfern said:

Hi and welcome :wave: Zoobec answered all your questions already but just to add a few things!

www.timothyhay.co.uk and www.hayforpets.co.uk sell great quality hay and do samples as well so you can see what your bunny likes. mine prefer ings hay from hayforpets.

fresh grass is great but they can't have lawnmower clippings and, as zoobec said, it has to be introduced slowly. in the spring especially after they haven't had grass over winter they can get upset tums from too much too soon.

the RWAF minimum space requirements for rabbits is 6x2x2 hutch with permanently attached 8x4 run, so for an indoor set up that still applies and you should aim for a minimum of 44 square feet (6x4 is only 24 square feet so not quite big enough). there are loss of ideas for indoor set ups on the housing stickies http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?304613-Indoor-Housing

for litter trays, fitch recycled bedding or megazorb are both quite economical litters to use in the bottom (covered in hay). rabbits like to wee and poo while they eat so i put all their hay in their tray and change it daily.

in terms of vet visits, it's really important to find a rabbit specialist near you. i guess with hamsters you might already have an exotic vet? but rabbits are very fragile creatures! and if they show any signs of being unwell they go downhill quickly so an emergency vet you trust is a must. i would also definitely recommend getting insurance as the treatments can add up if you have a sickly bunny

i hope that helps!

ETA: just to add, have you considered getting a pair of rabbits? they are very social animals and it's not fair to keep them alone other than in exceptional circumstances where the rabbit really won't tolerate a friend. rescues have lots of pairs looking for homes

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elmoandfern said:

Hi and welcome :wave: Zoobec answered all your questions already but just to add a few things!

www.timothyhay.co.uk and www.hayforpets.co.uk sell great quality hay and do samples as well so you can see what your bunny likes. mine prefer ings hay from hayforpets.

fresh grass is great but they can't have lawnmower clippings and, as zoobec said, it has to be introduced slowly. in the spring especially after they haven't had grass over winter they can get upset tums from too much too soon.

the RWAF minimum space requirements for rabbits is 6x2x2 hutch with permanently attached 8x4 run, so for an indoor set up that still applies and you should aim for a minimum of 44 square feet (6x4 is only 24 square feet so not quite big enough). there are loss of ideas for indoor set ups on the housing stickies http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?304613-Indoor-Housing

for litter trays, fitch recycled bedding or megazorb are both quite economical litters to use in the bottom (covered in hay). rabbits like to wee and poo while they eat so i put all their hay in their tray and change it daily.

in terms of vet visits, it's really important to find a rabbit specialist near you. i guess with hamsters you might already have an exotic vet? but rabbits are very fragile creatures! and if they show any signs of being unwell they go downhill quickly so an emergency vet you trust is a must. i would also definitely recommend getting insurance as the treatments can add up if you have a sickly bunny

i hope that helps!

ETA: just to add, have you considered getting a pair of rabbits? they are very social animals and it's not fair to keep them alone other than in exceptional circumstances where the rabbit really won't tolerate a friend. rescues have lots of pairs looking for homes

Click to expand...

Fee said:

:wave:.. Hello and Welcome!

I dont know where you are in Scotland but farm hay up here can be fab but equally during the winter, the quality does suffer a bit. I get mine from Alexanders in Eaglesham, quality is fab and delivery efficient.

If you are looking for a wee bun, maybe try a rescue as they will come neautered and vaccinated..

It is refreshing to see someone do the homework, prior to committing.. You are indeed a canny Scotsman:thumb:

See ya
Fee x

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