clootie Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 I don't know whether I'm angry, confused or upset. Probably a combination of all three. Having just taken delivery of a brand new pink rablu on Thursday as a gift for my daughter (she is desperate to have rabbits), I have just returned from the RSPCA animal shelter as we thought it would be a good idea to rehome a rescued pair. The staff are not overly happy at the accommodation offered by way of a rablu!! Not big enough they're telling me but they will send a Home Visit Officer to check us and the rablu out. They are aware of the "pod" rabbit homes (her words not mine) but feel they are inadequate. Now I don't know who to believe. This pink rablu is all set up ready and waiting for the lucky inhabitants. Obviously I want to give these rabbits the most comfortable home and run I possibly can and now I'm really worried that I've done the wrong thing in buying a rablu for them in the first place. I think it's the run that's the problem. The RSPCA are saying that rabbits shouldn't be picked up. You have to get into the run, hand feed them and allow them to come to you and this should be done regularly which means the Omlet run is nowhere big enough even for the rabbits on their own let alone a human too. I'm really disappointed, especially for my daughter who has been waiting a long time for this. Any rablu owners out there who could offer some advice please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 Hi. I wouldn't take it personally . From my own personal experience with the RSPCA they don't seem to want to rehome animals or care for the others that they come into contact with. I know there are a few of us on here who have a very low opinion of them. We rehomed a degu from them last year which had been there for 6 months. They told us under no circumstances to put her with any others, but having read extensively up on them, we found that they need to be kept in a small group as in the wild they live in groups up to 100 and need to have the others for companionship or they can die a very sad and lonely death a lot earlier than they ordinarily would. We went against their advice and bought another 2 to keep her company and she is like a different animal. Everything about her has changed, she doesn't crave human contact anymore because she has the company that she should have had to start with. So my advice would be to go with your instincts. I'm sure Omlet wouldn't have spent a fortune developing the rablu if it wasn't suitable to keep bunnies in in the first place. As a side note if you have a Pets@Home near you they now have a section where they have rescue animals for rehoming - well the one in Shrewsbury does. They always have rabbits that need loving homes and I'm sure your daughter would find a perfect one in need of love there. Good Luck x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 This attitude has been reported before. Don't be disheartened, there will be other rescue places that will be delighted to help you re-home some rabbits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 I've just re-read your post. The fact that they are saying rabbits shouldn't be picked up says it all Aren't you supposed to be able to love and cuddle them? Absolutely ridiculous. I'd definitely go to your nearest P@H. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlass Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 Crazy!! No wonder they have hundreds of pets stll looking for homes if they have these sorts of crazy rules. Perhaps they won't rehome Goldfish in case you work and might leave them alone? LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted August 9, 2008 Author Share Posted August 9, 2008 I'll try pets@home - thanks. They were a bit offhand I have to say.......... I thought it was me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 No it's definitely not you!! They are known for being difficult. I think the days of when animals were their primary concern are long gone. Just spotted this which may be of help to you http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted August 9, 2008 Author Share Posted August 9, 2008 No it's definitely not you!! They are known for being difficult. I think the days of when animals were their primary concern are long gone. Just spotted this which may be of help to you http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/ Thanks Jue, that's how I found the details of the two places I've tried. Thanks for going to the trouble of searching it out for me though. Surely not everyone has a run where they can walk inside and sit down to interact with their animals do they? They also said a concrete base was best? I know they like to dig but that's what the mesh floor is for is it not? Isn't concrete a little harsh? I'm confused now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 I'm afraid we gave up on the RSPCA when it came to rehoming rabbits we got a friend for Domino by mentioning to a friend that the RSPCA had been really off with us and she said her daughter wasn't giving their bun as much attention, and now she lives with us (the rabbit not the daughter ) Pets at Home also do a rehome at some of their branches, perhaps you could try giving them a call Good luck finding some rabbits to live in your lovely rablu Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted August 9, 2008 Author Share Posted August 9, 2008 Thank you - I'll ring them tomorrow morning - fingers crossed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 Perhaps try your local newspaper - ours always has rabbits up for rehoming. Good luck with your search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Thank you - I'll ring them tomorrow morning - fingers crossed. Hi How did you get on with P@H? I hope you get it sorted soon. It's such a waste having an empty home just waiting... x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted August 10, 2008 Author Share Posted August 10, 2008 Thank you - I'll ring them tomorrow morning - fingers crossed. Hi How did you get on with P@H? I hope you get it sorted soon. It's such a waste having an empty home just waiting... x Thanks, but after lengthy discussions, (and my guilty conscience) my daughter has kinda set her heart on the odd couple we saw at the RSPCA yesterday. They seem to have been overlooked by everyone else which means they'll be coming to us - naturally !! I've ordered a super glug and the grid for the floor of the run today. I can't have them on concrete so this should save any digging hopefully. Just waiting now to hear about when the RSPCA home check is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Will keep everything crossed that they come to their senses. I should think that if you are going to the trouble of putting a base on it to stop the little monkeys from digging out that there isn't anything else they can complain about. Let me know how you get on :lol x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
victoriabunny Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I think the problem the RSPCA have is that the size of the eglu itself is much smaller than their recommended hutch size (5 feet across, I think). Of course, it would be if you were to shut the rabbits in the eglu, but there is no need for them to be shut in it as the entire enclosure is predator-proof and very secure. Therefore they should take into account the size of the eglu plus run, which they don't. Rabbits allowed 24-hour access to their runs, as you can safely do in an eglu, live a much more natural life than rabbits kept in hutches and given a couple of hours in the afternoon in a separate run - rabbits are naturally most active very early in the morning and in the evening, and tend to sleep during the day (when most get plonked in a run). Point this out to them and stick to your guns! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FruitandNutCake Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 As long as they have 24 hour access to the run, and the run is high enough for them to stand up on hind legs to sniff the air, and long enough for them to be able to hop run skip and jump (about 8-10ft ideally) then there shouldn't be a problem. My rabbits do high speed circuits (like greyhounds) so ideally they need to have enough room to run at speed (like in the wild) as they need plenty of exercise. I haven't seen an eglu, but if it meets all of a rabbits requirements, and you point out that the rabbits will have constant access to the run, then the home visit shouldn't be a problem. Also most rabbits do not like to be held - especially rescue rabbits. My Steffi has only just built up enough confidence to let me stroke her after 8 months. I can pick her up - but only quickly to check her bottom ( essential during the summer months when blow fly is a possibility). But I don't try to hold her just for a cuddle - if you want a cuddly pet then a rabbit is the wrong choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FruitandNutCake Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 They also said a concrete base was best? I know they like to dig but that's what the mesh floor is for is it not? Isn't concrete a little harsh? I'm confused now Ideally a run should be big enough with a dirt floor but "escape proof" so that rabbits can dig as they like to do and make an attempt at burrowing. Digging helps to keep their claws short, otherwise they will keep growing and need clipping. Putting a mesh on the bottom of a run stops a rabbit digging but if the ground under the mesh is soft, the mesh also prevents the wearing down of nails and they will need regular clipping. If a run is put on concrete, the nails should wear down more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted August 11, 2008 Author Share Posted August 11, 2008 Thanks for the advice Michelle. The RSPCA home visit is scheduled for Thursday so we'll see what happens then. I'm probably going to invest in an extension to the run too, just so they have lots of space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FruitandNutCake Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 I went to a local rescue centre, and they still did a home visit. My Bugsy was a house rabbit at the time with access to house at all times except night time when he had to go into his indoor cage which wasn't really big enough. But because the lady could see he had lots of toys, and hidey holes etc, and knew I was building a large run and shed to house him and wifey-to-be. - she was very happy! I would have kept them indoors - but rabbits will be rabbits, and they chewed and chewed and chewed - so they are much happier outdoors where they can run, dig, chew and sunbath to their hearts content! They also get let out into the garden to munch grass from 3:30 every day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted August 15, 2008 Author Share Posted August 15, 2008 Well, we've had the home visit from the RSPCA. I now have to buy an extension run because the one we bought with the rablu isn't big enough, we have to buy weatherpoofing for it (i.e. corrugated plastic) and we have to add a finer gauge mesh all over the run because mice can get thru the Omlet mesh and they are the mixi carriers. They want photos to confirm I have all this arranged before the buns will be allowed home with me. Why did I buy the rablu in the first place? I should have gone with a traditional wooden hutch from pets at home. This has now cost a small fortune and still my daughter waits for her buns. I know they only have the buns best interests at heart but I mean to say......... I'm now having serious doubts about the rablu but it's too late as it's been set up and waiting for weeks and has therefore been out in all weathers - no return possible I don't think. Grrrrrrrrrr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAB Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 When you see the rabbits running about the run and being able to stand on hind legs, you will see why you got a Rablu. RSPC sound like they are being crazy - the House and Run of the Rablu is way longer than a wooden hutch and the reality is that the vast majority of rabbits in hutches rarely get a chance to run about outside the hutch - do the RSPCA ask folk with wooden hutches to prove that their animals get out to run about every night - I can guess the answer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted August 15, 2008 Author Share Posted August 15, 2008 Thanks for that SAB. This whole thing is really getting me down I have to say. I've emailed the RSPCA's rabbit person and said that I'm rethinking the whole thing. I may just buy two babies and do my own thing. I'm not stupid and they will have a loving and pampered life with us, it's their loss. I know they only have the bun's best interests at heart but having just found out that one of the rabbits I wanted suffered from urine burn recently whilst at the RSPCA animal centre and required vet treatment is a little worrying to say the least. Surely if they are handled on a daily basis, this wouldn't have happened? Anyway, I need to sleep on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAB Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 I also would like to add that my OH regularly has to stop me beating myself up for having kept our first rabbit (Ebony) in a wooden hutch in my pre-Rablu days as, especially due to weather in Scotland, we could not let him out as much as we would like and he was at risk from local foxes. He also was terrible at eating through hutches (probably boredom) and we worked out that the Rablu was worth the money rather than keep replacing wooden ones (which also did not stand up so well to our inclement weather). Seeing future inhabitants of our Rablu (initially rabbits, and currently guineapigs) looking so happy and "natural", standing up at side of run and "begging" for treats is so heartwarming that I can easily slip into pointless guilt about Ebony never having had the benefit of a Rablu. Perhaps you could look on web (e.g. Gumtree) and see if anyone local to you needs to rehome any rabbits or has any baby rabbits for sale (as often they can end up in pet shops); we rehomed 2 guinea pigs from a local couple who had a genuine change in life circumstances and needed to rehome them and were so pleased to find someone to take them on. Best of luck with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 How appalling is this for goodness sakes? A good home, well thought out, loving home waiting for two rabbits, not someone who thought one Saturday afternoon that they would like some rabbits then went to the local pet shop and bought the first thing they saw with no thought. What on EARTH are the RSPCA thinking? I know they have to be careful but bearing in mind that most rabbits I see seem to spend their entire lives in a 5ft long hutch up on legs on someones patio eating nothing but dried food, you might as well call them battery rabbits And here's someone who has spent a small fortune on the latest design in rabbit hutches, is spending even more to ensure they have the best quality of life and the RSPCS is STILL coming up with reasons to stall them? They ought to have their licence to rehome taken away. They make my blood BOIL. All they seem to want to do is get on the telly to show off their inspectors They do do some good work, but goodness me they are RUBBISH when it comes to rehoming. Good luck to you Clootie, I hope you get the rabbits you want, I have no doubt from what you've posted here that they'll have a better life with you than half the "Oh what a cute little bunny lets get one this weekend, we can always bung it on Freecycle when we're fed up with once we haven't stroked it or paid it any attention in it's solitary cage for 24 hours a day" OOOOOhhhhhhhh...RSPCA makes me SO ANGRY I'm calm, I'm chilled, I am in the zone........ Mrs B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clootie Posted August 16, 2008 Author Share Posted August 16, 2008 Mrs B, Mrs B don't be angry, it's not worth it. Listen, I have just collected a one year old lilac mini lop who is now called Nugget. I'm taking him to the vet on Monday to have him checked over and vaccinated and also arranging to have him neutered so that we can introduce a laydeeeee for him at some point in the future. He is absolutely adorable and is running in and out the rablu, munching carrots and playing with the host of goodies we've picked up for him. I decided in the end to pull out of the RSPCA rehoming thing - I just couldn't do it, I felt they were being totally unreasonable. I do, however, feel terribly guilty that I'm leaving the two buns behind. As for all the nasty things being said about the rablus and eglus, I have decided to go with my gut instinct, it hasn't let me down yet and it's telling me that I'm doing the right thing. All the fantastic people I've been talking to on the forum about various subjects has only just confirmed that it's the right thing to do. So, my rablu has, for the time being at least, one new resident! All welcome Nugget the Gorgeous !! My daughter is beaming from ear to ear !! xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
