Pet Rabbit Owners--Tell me about bunnies!

NorskyGal · ‎03-10-2010

I LOVE all animals but have only had cats and that's been nearly all of my life; so I guess you could say I prefer cats. I'm mildly allergic to dogs but I adore them, too.

After looking at animal photos on Pinterest I have seen dozens of adorable bunny pictures. They look so soft & sweet. So I decided I want to learn more about what it's like to have a pet bunny.

I'm wondering about things, such as: Do you let them have run of the house or do you confine them to a cage? Do they like to cuddle & play like cats? What's their average life span? Do they have any typical health issues? Please just tell me about what it's like to have a bunny (or two) in the house!

mousiegirl · ‎03-09-2010

I rescued and have had many rabbits as pets, all rescues and altered, through the years. The life span can be nine years or so, but many die much younger. There are at least five viruses that can kill a rabbit. I would go out to the runs to find one dead.

The only way to let a rabbit loose in a house, is to have a room where baseboards and anything else you don't want chewed on, rabbit proofed. They chew on any and everything, including electrical cords. If a male is not altered, he will spray on you and anything else. An unaltered female will not live as long as if she were altered.

Rabbits cannot stand heat, so if outside in a hutch and run, need shade, and a run is not enough, as they need protection such as a hutch. They cannot be let loose in a yard unattended, as they are prey for Hawks, etc.

Their teeth continue to grow, so they must have access to rabbit chewable things to keep the teeth in good condition. They need pellets, hay, and lots of water. They cannot tolerate ice berg lettuce, as it can cause bloat which will kill a rabbit. I suggest you do some research on rabbits, as they are a big responsibility, as are all pets, to find out what they can and cannot eat, etc., etc.

NorskyGal · ‎03-10-2010

Thanks, mousiegirl, for the info on bunnies.

I don't plan on getting any rabbits, but I am curious as to what it's like to live with them. They're just so danged adorable!

Do they like to be cuddled and can you play with them at all?

mousiegirl · ‎03-09-2010

On 1/6/2014 NorskyGal said:
Thanks, mousiegirl, for the info on bunnies.

I don't plan on getting any rabbits, but I am curious as to what it's like to live with them. They're just so danged adorable!

Do they like to be cuddled and can you play with them at all?

They like to be stroked, gently, as they startle easily, but not playing as one would with a cat or dog. Also, it is a myth to pick a rabbit up by the ears, this should never be done. If picked up, their bottom needs support also, so that the legs don't hang down making it feel unstable. I am sure there is a wealth of info on line re the care of rabbits, other than what comes to me at the moment.

NorskyGal · ‎03-10-2010

On 1/6/2014 mousiegirl said:
....Also, it is a myth to pick a rabbit up by the ears, this should never be done. If picked up, their bottom needs support also, so that the legs don't hang down making it feel unstable.

OMG. I would NEVER EVER consider picking a bunny up by their ears. That sounds very painful!!! I've never heard that myth b4. Oh my. Poor little things when that happens to them! That just seems like something that should be common sense to people. So basically, picking them up is just like picking up a cat or dog..always support the back legs or bottom!! I was taught that by my neighbor girl when I got my first kitten in the 3rd grade.