Cube mk2 and WIR

[Poached]

hi

i am going to buy a young rabbit and i would like to hear from you rabbit experts about keeping themnd any tips

 

thanks all

[victoriabunny]

The most important point: don't buy one, buy two. Keeping a rabbit alone is cruel - they are highly social animals. Either buy two girls or buy a boy, get him neutered and then buy him a girlfriend. Females should be spayed to stop them exhibiting hormonal behaviour and to prevent uterine cancer, very common in rabbits.

 

Buy the biggest hutch you can - five feet minimum - and a run that they can have constant daytime access to. They need constant access to hay. Don't go overboard on dry food as they can get fat easily on it. Don't give veg until they're at least 12 weeks old and introduce it gradually.

 

Buy a book before you buy the rabbits - the Rabbit Handbook is quite good. This is a great site too: www.rossrabbits.co.uk

[SnowWhite]

PLEEEEAAASE do not buy a rabbit - adopt instead.

 

There are hundreds of rabbits in need of good homes. Please go along to your local rescue centre and see what they have to offer. Chances are they will have plenty of babies and rabbits of all ages too. Always get a pair - male and female a best - always get them neutered and always deal with someone who cares about the welfare of rabbits.

 

Best of luck!

[clootie]

PLEEEEAAASE do not buy a rabbit - adopt instead.

 

There are hundreds of rabbits in need of good homes. Please go along to your local rescue centre and see what they have to offer. Chances are they will have plenty of babies and rabbits of all ages too. Always get a pair - male and female a best - always get them neutered and always deal with someone who cares about the welfare of rabbits.

 

Best of luck!

 

I agree but when they turn their noses up at the rablu as inappropriate housing it's very difficult. I tried VERY hard to adopt a bun.

[SnowWhite]

I've heard that some people have had trouble with the RSPCA - but surely this isn't a good enough excuse to buy from a breeder when there are literally thousands of unwanted rabbits in need of a home?

 

I have always adopted - and since owning a rablu have adopted three rabbits. I have not had any problems. My experience tells me that attitiudes towards the rablu are varied but you should by no means expect that all rescue centres are the same - most will tell you that a rablu is the perfect accommodation for rabbits. What is import is that you allow your rabbits plenty of exercise - the rablu run is rather than most rescues will require as a minimum standard - more than that you need to demonstrate that you are going to give your adopted bunnies the best possible love and care - having a rablu will prove this to anyone. Please do everything you can to adopt a rabbit before you have to resort to buying one.

 

If you need any help in finding a rescue centre that does not object to a rablu (there are so many)- please let me know. I will be happy to help anybody out.

 

Lastly - sorry to sound like I'm having a rant here but I genuinely believe that the welfare of animals comes first and that means adopting and not buying from a breeder. This is my opinion and you can probably tell that it is one that I am both passionate and vocal about. I apologise if I've come across too strong but I know that we are all animal lovers here!

[Valkyrie]

If you buy a "pedigree" you will find the breeders ring their feet. I would remove it as soon as possible because they cut in when the rabbit gets bigger and they can do so much damage if not spotted in time. Our vet cut the one off our rabbit before any harm was done.

Although I agree with everyone else - check out rescue centres, because if we ever had another rabbit, they would be my first port of call now that I have found one not too far away.