4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Nutkins]

Firstly, hello to everyone on Omlet UK forums.

We have recently bought a 13 week old male mini lop (Fluffy) for my 6 year old daughter. We all absolutely loves him to bits. He is not short of attention, and I've emphasised the fact, basically we must continue with this if he is to live alone. So far he seems to be a very happy, friendly and tame sort, i hope this lasts! The best was today after 'bunny proofing' the garden we let him off the leash so to speak. It was amazing to see him having so much fun, and my daughter 'fluffy's owner' was gobsmacked and wants him out every day now!

I know males can become a handful as they grow older, does neutering help prevent this? I would be sad to see him become a bad tempered bunny!!

[victoriabunny]

Both male and female rabbits do get hormonal as they hit puberty, but it's more of a problem in females which tend to develop bunny PMT and can get quite stroppy - plus they can start experiencing phantom pregnancies. It is a good idea to get your bun neutered though - 4-6 months is a good age, and your vet will be able to advise you more precisely when he has a look at your bun. It's great that you're giving him lots of attention, but I would really urge you to get a friend for him - even if he is fussed and played with every day he will still spend a fair bit of time alone, overnight or when people are at school/work etc and rabbits really need the company of their own kind - humans are quite a poor substitute to be honest. As your bun is male, it should be straightforward to get him a girlfriend - your best bet would be to get him neutered as soon as the vet says he's ready, wait a month (sometimes they can remain fertile for a short time after neutering) then introduce a female. Chances are he'll welcome her with open arms, and seeing two cuddling up to each other and grooming each other is an adorable sight. Contrary to what some "expert" books say, it doesn't make them less likely to bond with humans either just because they have a bunny companion.

 

Also, I'm sure you've already done this, but just in case you haven't - make sure he's vaccinated against myxi and VHD. Both these diseases are rife in the UK at the moment and the summer and autumn are the riskiest times for rabbits. The vaccines should be delivered about two weeks apart, then VHD will need an annual booster and myxi either annually or every 6 months depending on your area - some are more high-risk than others.

 

Happy rabbit-keeping!