Keeping Rabbits- some questions

[fabulous_girl]

Hi,

 

I have been wanting a pet for a while, and now we are moving we maybe be able to have one- still gotta check with landlord. My boyfriend says he will get me a rabbit for my birthday if we are allowed outdoor animals.

 

So, some questions, as I don't know much about them yet. How much is a rabbit- whats cheap, whats expensive? Does anyone know of rescue homes for rabbits? How much is a good hutch? How much are they to keep- food etc? And which name is better- Nigel or Luigi?

[hels1977]

I think sooz22 would be an excellent person to talk to, I'm sure she'll be along shortly

[Twiglet]

First things first - bunnies are social animals. They cope well on their own if kept as 'house rabbits' and you're around most of the time but if you're going to keep it outside you really need two rabbits, not one. When buying a hutch you want to make sure it can be locked - standard hutches that aren't locked aren't adequate for keeping foxes out.

[fabulous_girl]

First things first - bunnies are social animals. They cope well on their own if kept as 'house rabbits' and you're around most of the time but if you're going to keep it outside you really need two rabbits, not one. When buying a hutch you want to make sure it can be locked - standard hutches that aren't locked aren't adequate for keeping foxes out.

 

wow, i didnt know that- the social thing. i'm at my parents this weekend so i will dig out my year 6 project on pets, it was "highly detailed but lacked sparkle" according to teacher

[bunnykins]

if your keeping outdoor rabbits then youd be better with 2,and a large hutch.

 

 

have a look and a read on here,

 

 

 

http://www.freewebs.com/happy_hoppers/

[Moonbird]

As everyone has said two rabbits are much better than one if they are to be kept outside, and its brilliant watching them interact you see a different playful side to your bunnies.

I have 2 rescued rabbits both from different rescues a male and a female both neutered and they get along great, they have a good sized hutch in the garden and get to have a run about in the garden regularly together, which they love and they are just so funny to watch, especially when they chase each other and leap up in the air.

As said sooz22 can tell you all that you need to know

[lyndix]

Rabbits are cool, they`re great fun.

Our lop eared Stewie runs around the house most of the time, but in nice weather he goes outside. Its right about them being sociable, we only have the one rabbit, but also have a german shepherd that thinks she`s his mum:roll:

He sits on her back and snuggles up to her, runs round the house with her, even shares her water bowl:loopy:

I think if they didn`t get on like this we`d have got another rabbit and kept them outside, but this works well for us!

Got to be Nigel hasn`t it?

[katkin]

Rabbits are cool, they`re great fun.

Our lop eared Stewie runs around the house most of the time, but in nice weather he goes outside. Its right about them being sociable, we only have the one rabbit, but also have a german shepherd that thinks she`s his mum:roll:

He sits on her back and snuggles up to her, runs round the house with her, even shares her water bowl:loopy:

I think if they didn`t get on like this we`d have got another rabbit and kept them outside, but this works well for us!

Got to be Nigel hasn`t it?

 

It's fantastic that your dog and bunny get along so well- I cant imagine Ailsa the dobermutt accepting a bunny- she remembers Thumper, the silver bunny we had before she came along - we had to rehome Thumper because Ailsa always wanted to CHASE and it was no longer safe to let her come indoors. Good news is she went to a lovely couple who already had another house bunny.

 

Footnote- Ailsa still occasionally chases our silver norwegian forest cat, Ashia - we think it's because she remembers the bunny and thinks the cat is that bunny. Silly mutt.

[sooz22]

Hi there

 

Please dont be under any illusion that rabbits are a cheap or easy pet. In many respects they cost a lot more than dogs and cats (certainly require more attention than a cat does if you have a single rabbit) and are a lot less hardy.

 

Whilst a rabbit can be brought from a petshop for as little as £15 or from the free ads for as little as £0 you must bare in mind the set-up and annual costs.

 

Vaccinations, VHD annually and Myxomatosis twice annually will cost on average £45 per bunny. Worming twice annually will cost £10.

 

Neutering will cost £40-£60 for a male or £60-£90 for a female (this is not optional, it has health as well as behavioural benefits.)

 

A decent inside cage or 48" dog crate will cost a minimum of £50.

 

Insurance is well worth taking out and averages £8 per month. Pet plan is the only one which covers dental work, which about 60% of rabbits end up needing (at £60-£120 per go).

 

Rabbits also need toys, a good quality pellet (not rabbit mix), fresh veggies daily, a constant supply of hay and fresh water always available. I would guestimate this costing you about £30-£40 per month.

 

I can answer anymore questions or point you to a rabbit forum for reserach (its as good to read as post in) if you PM me.

 

In answer to the rescue homes, I run a rabbit rescue. Most rabbit rescues will not rehome a single rabbit to live outside.