If you have been given a rabbit as a present, here is some of my personal advice which I hope will help you.
(I had rabbits as pets for many years so I know how wonderful they can be ).
It’s good that you are looking on rabbit forums, :)as the more you find out about rabbits the better you can make their life and the greater you will enjoy having them as your pet .
The best thing you can do now, is to get your rabbit checked out at the vets. Ring round and see if any do a free initial health check? (some do) where they will check the sex of the rabbit and give you information about looking after your pet and things like an annual vaccination and neutering. It’s not always easy to find the sex of a rabbit so it’s better to check with a vet, as sometimes pet shops can make a mistake...( this is especially important if you have been given 2 rabbits)
If the rabbit(s) was(were) a surprise present you may well have been given it (them) in a small container or “starter” hutch.
Rabbits need lots of space to live a happy life so you will need to improve this. The recommended hutch size for a rabbit ( whether an indoor or an outdoor rabbit) is 6ft long x 2ft wide x 2ft high. ( The rabbit needs the 6ft space to take 3 hops back and fore in the hutch at night to prevent muscle and joint problems, it needs the 2ft width to be able to stretch out to sleep and it needs the 2ft height to be able to stand on its back legs to wash its ears so that it doesn’t get ear problems.)
( of course if you have a giant rabbit you would need much greater space than this). Make sure your rabbits have a place to hide away to feel safe inside the hutch like a bedroom section or a little tunnel or cardboard box.
It would be best to buy a new hutch but if you are unable to get one straight away, don’t despair. ....you can improve your rabbit’s accommodation by adding to the existing hutch- there are some good ideas for improvements on the RWAF website http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk and on some rabbit forums.
Do make sure that any additions and alterations you make, are safe and secure before you leave the rabbit in them overnight.
Your rabbit will also need lots of space to run and jump during the daytime too, I would suggest a large run attached to the hutch of at least the same size as the hutch. ( the run will also need a box/tunnel for shelter and water and grass or hay)The RWAF has a video showing how you can add tunnels to increase the space your rabbit has in the garden, instead of an attached run.
If you keep your rabbit as a house bunny then you will need to “bunny proof” your home first. Rabbits need to chew frequently to keep their teeth in wear, and an electrical cable looks much like a piece of vine to a rabbit..so please make sure all electric cables and wires are protected. Please read up on forums about how to bunny proof your house
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Do please have a look at the RSPCA advice about rabbits needing company? http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits and how to "bond" them first so they don't fight.
Please make sure your rabbit has a good supply of hay and fresh water daily and empty their litter tray often. (my tip..An old newspaper folded in half and topped with hay is a good litter tray insert and easily changed)
Sadly many owners who are given a rabbit as a present lose interest , because they don’t know how to interact with the rabbit or care for them properly. However, rabbits can make wonderful pets with their individual characteristics, so the more you learn about rabbits the more you will enjoy having them as a pet(s).
Perhaps you might like to join the Pledge a pound forum or go to the Pledge a pound facebook where you can ask questions and get replies to any queries you may have about your rabbit(s)?.
sue
If you have been given a bunny as a present :)
If you have been given a bunny as a present :)
Last edited by sdf76 on 14 May 2016 02:06, edited 1 time in total.
Coco my 13yr old (bridge) bunny
Re: If you have been given a bunny for Xmas :)
Just bumping this up
sue
sue
Coco my 13yr old (bridge) bunny
Re: If you have been given a bunny as a present :)
I know we have had many new members and guests in recent months so I'm bumping this thread up in the hope it will help.
sue
sue
Coco my 13yr old (bridge) bunny
Re: If you have been given a bunny as a present :)
It seems people still give a rabbit as a surprise present - please never do this - most rabbits given as a surprise present end up given to a rescue
I hope those who decide to keep the rabbit will read this thread regarding how to give the rabbit a happy life
Always ask the person if they want the animal you wish to buy for them, and help them research first to see if it is the right pet for them. Please never give any animal as a surprise gift.
sue
I hope those who decide to keep the rabbit will read this thread regarding how to give the rabbit a happy life
Always ask the person if they want the animal you wish to buy for them, and help them research first to see if it is the right pet for them. Please never give any animal as a surprise gift.
sue
Coco my 13yr old (bridge) bunny