Choosing A Bunny (Continued)

Pet Stores

Choosing a bunny from a pet store is a convenient way to find a bunny to own, but it has its downsides. You don’t know the condition of the rabbitry the bunny came from, plus the trip itself to the pet store was stressful. Pet stores sometimes do not provide healthy conditions for their pets, especially when the animals are crowded together. Also, if there are multiple rabbits and one is sick, then most likely they will all get infected. If the bunnies have been fighting, then scratches and wounds resulting from it can become infected.

Some pet store employees are not trained properly. They give out wrong information out of ignorance (the turn over in retail sales is high).

We have found many of our bunnies at the local pet stores. Our first one only lived one year, but the other store-bought bunnies have done well. If there are more than one pet store in your area by all means shop around. Petco, and now Petsmart only sale neutered rabbits which is a plus.

With so many bunnies being PTS each year because of no longer being wanted, the pet store should be the last option for finding a rabbit to own.

Multiple Bunnies

Choosing a bunny is choosing a gregarious animal, so having two or more bunnies that are bonded is a great idea (see bunny bonding page). But first you must consider the cost (twice the food, cleaning, grooming, vet check-ups, etc.) and then make the appropriate commitment. If your situation is such that your bunny will be alone during the days, then having two bunnies allows them to keep each other company. If you must keep the rabbits outside, by all means try to get more than one.

If you are wanting a close relationship with your bunny, then having just one bunny may be the way to go. That way your bunny will be centered on you and not his roommate. Also, if this is your first bunny, it is best to start out with just one, then when you know more about owning a bunny you can add a second.

I know a single working mom who owns ten house rabbits. Each person needs to do what works best for them and their bunnies.

Pre-Homecoming

In choosing a bunny be sure you are ready for your new friend before you ever bring him home. Have a cage or pen at least 5x your bunny’s adult size already set up with a water bottle or porcelain water crock, and a litter box inside. Have the proper litter in the box (see litter training page), and plenty of hay available. If you are bringing home a baby bunny, try to have the same pellets he was already using on hand (you can change brands later).

Have the play area bunny-proofed (see bunny proofing page), and have toys ready to go for your furry little companion to play with. And also have a camera on hand to take pictures of the new member of your family!

Personal Testimony

A dear friend of ours was out of town on business. When she had some free time she went to the nearest pet store to look at the bunnies. She already had two bunnies at home so she was only looking. Among the assembly of bunnies there was one with only three legs. She asked to hold the little critter and love on it. After she put the bunny back, she walked around the store considering what in the world her husband would say if she brought home another bunny, and one with a leg missing at that. When she went back to the bunny display the three-legged bunny forced her face up against the wire, and when our friend went to pet the little bunny she licked her hand. That was it - she bought the rabbit.

When home, our friend’s husband was in the backyard in his lounge chair relaxing. She told him to close his eyes, then she presented “Baby Girl’ to him. It was love at first sight. Baby Girl was taken to their rabbit vet to be examined and the report was not encouraging because Baby Girl had so many health issues. The Vet said Baby Girl may live five days or five years. Well, Baby Girl is now over five years old. She still needs special care, but our friend will tell you with tears in her eyes that Baby Girl has been their best bunny yet, bringing them such joy and comfort in their senior years.

Conclusion

Congratulations on choosing a bunny, not only for a pet, but for a companion. Once your heart has been opened to the world of a house rabbit by bonding with your little friend, you will know for yourself why bunny lovers are such enthusiasts for their rabbits. You will have entered into a very special, but ever growing, breed of humans known as house rabbit owners. Welcome to the tribe! BACK