Rabbit advice

[~posy~]

Hi all, we are thinking of purchasing a rabbit and could do with some advice. I have never had a rabbit before so I am looking for advice re breeds plus any care advice you feel is neccessary. It will mostly be handled by my (very responsible) 10 year old Daughter, so I would like a laid back, placid breed. Like I said, I have never had a rabbit and know very little about them so any advice you can give would be gratefully received.
TIA
posy xXx

[carmalee]

I'm sure you'll get some advice soon but in the meantime just google in Care for Rabbits or something similar, there's loads of advice on line. Sounds like a lucky bunny if he/she comes to you.

[~posy~]

Thanks for your answer, Carmelee. I have done nothing but google! Lol! Printed out sheets and sheets of info! Just wanted to ask for info/advice/opinions in a more face to face way. I do not want to rush into buying a bunny because it is cute, I want to make sure we are fully informed so we can make the right decisions and provide the best care

[boxtops]

where are you going to keep it, posy? it needs to be in a good stout windproof cage if out of doors, and from experience you need a run for it, with a wire base, so it can't tunnel its way out. Next door had a big rabbit which they use to let run around the garden, and one day it took a flying leap over the wall into our garden!

[~posy~]

Hi, Boxtops. We were thinking of keeping it outside, we have a gap between the side of the house and the fence so it would be fairly protected from the wind. It would definitely have a large run, hadn't thought about the wire bottom though, so thanks for that. Blimey, next door's rabbit has a good jump on it!

[ladybirder]

Make sure that when it's hot and sunny there is shade for it to move into. You'd be surprised how many people don't think of that.

[~posy~]

Thanks, Ladybirder

[snoopy]

Hi Posy, I can't give advice on breeds, but when I was thinking about getting
one I found a book called "The Really Useful Bunny Guide" by Carolina James, (It's on Amazon). It gives a lot of info about care and training, and is very easy to read. I remember fondly the rabbit we had when I was young (altho Mum ended up doing a lot of the general care!). Good luck, Snoopy.

[flicrat]

We had Dutch rabbits in my childhood and my own children had them too. They are what is called a "Fancy Breed" and therefore not as big as some of the breeds and more easily handled by a ten year old.They have lovely markings in various colours.Make sure a hutch has a stout fox-proof lock. Pet shops will advise you on food and you can supplement wih dandelion leaves, deadnettle, hogweed and clover and groundsel if you are good at wildflowers - or cabbage leaves and carrots.They also need rusks for their teeth.

[treetops1]

We have one who lives happily outside. It has an umbrella over its run for when it's sunny and 2 when it's raining. You need to give them some nice meadow hay as they like to eat a bit and also for bedding. The only time we had real trouble with her was when we put some shredded paper in and she started making a nest. It would have been easier handling a tiger. You need to clean the hutch frequently so be prepared to get involved.

[~posy~]

Mornin' all! Thanks very much for all your advice. I shall look on Amazon for that book, Snoopy, sounds like it will be helpful. I think we would prefer a smaller rabbit, flicrat, so I will have a google of the Dutch breeds. Thanks, treetops1, I have no problem with regular cleaning, although my Daughter will be doing most of it - she has a hamster who she gives fresh water every day and fresh food, she makes sure she has some fruit and veg and cleans her out without fail once a week, she understands animals require hard work. Our last hamsters lived for (from date we got them - think they were about 8 weeks) 5yrs & 9 1/2 months (Stormy) and almost 6 (Buddy)! The 2 hamsters we have now are just over 3 years old, so I hope that means we are doing something right.

[mdenning]

Believe it or not had a rabbit that lived for 14 years - he ended up living indoors though as he got too old to be out in the cold weather. One thing you must do though is check the rabbit's bottom for fly eggs regularly as many rabbits die from fly strike and it is horrible - the maggots go inside the rabbit. Even if you keep the hutch clean you should check for this. Good luch

[hellywelly4]

My daughter had a male rabbit. In the summer holidays they looked after a lady rabbit for friends, and had the two runs side by side, so that's two layers of wire netting. Some time later 5 baby rabbits appeared. Rabbits are obviously very agile!!

[crisgal]

why go for a certain breed? You might be better looking in your local paper for a poor owner who has discovered a surprise litter!
We have had two rabbits bought from pets at home, both got ill and died very soon after.
Last year we bought two (we thought) females from local ad. We went to seethe mum and dad, both friendly. dad was a rex and I've never felt fur like it!
Anyway, easter arrives and so does two litters of baby rabbits! Turns out they were brother and sisiter - they are very hard to sex when young!
We managed to find good homes for 10 and kept one. All have been neutured now and run free in the garden with our two chickens.
If you make sure that he is handled every day, at his own pace, then I'm sure you'll get a lovely tame rabbit.
Can I ask why you are only considering one? He will be very lonely:(

[sallybb]

I agree with Crisgal rabbits are better with company, we used to have one that looked depressed got it a neuture female , became a different rabbit altogether. HAPPY BUNNY.. RSPCA have an abundence of Rabbits looking for homes they might be worth a try. Dont know where you live but there are Rabbits rescues in many places.

[sallybb]

Just found this link which covers the whole country
http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/centres.asp

[notasyoungasiwas]

My local RSPCA always has loads of poor unwanted rabbits in desperate need of a kind home. Do you have an RSPCA nearby? Some rabbits are naturally friendly and some more aloof, I've had both. If you want one for a child, just make sure it's friendly by seeing how it reacts when you handle it or if it runs towards you when you approach it. I think they make great little pets, but do need regular cleaning out (in all weathers) and plenty of exercise and company, in some instances. Good luck and lots of fun with your new pet!

[notasyoungasiwas]

Sorry sallybb, I typed my answer before I saw yours .......

[sallybb]

not a problem. I usually do the same,finding the same answer :0)
Great believer in re-homing. Past 3 dogs all re-homed, super characters. thinking off looking for a horse at moment possible rescue. Lost 2 back in February and have one very lonely mummsie one in the field keeps neighing at me every time he see's me.

[notasyoungasiwas]

I agree sallybb - all our pets are 're-homers'. My present lovely dog was six when I got him from the RSPCA, all skin and bone he was, but you should see him now! So sorry you've lost two of your horses - hope you can re-home another one soon to keep 'mummsie' company.