Are rabbit breeders a big no-no like they are for dogs and cats? We only have a Pets@Home near us but I dont feel comfortable getting them (we would get 2) from there.
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FernieB ·
22/05/2013 20:43
Definitely go to a rescue if you can. Baby buns are mad and very silly, but on the plus side, if you handle them a lot from this age, they'll get used to it (they may still not like it). Adults are calmer and easier going, but may be 'set in their ways' and not want to be handled unless they have specifically asked for strokes. At a rescue, they'll tell you about the buns' personalities, so you'll know what you're in for.
I've had both babies and adults. My previous bun came from a friend who's rabbit had had a litter. She was handled by kids from day 1 and she loved being held, stroked, tucked up in bed with the kids etc. Current Bun we rescued when he was about 7 months old - he won't be touched unless he gives permission. Both were reasonable to train (rabbits are best trained as adults anyway) - rabbits are fairly intelligent and can learn all kinds of commands.
How old is your DD? I would not get a rabbit for a young child as they're not really child-friendly. We got my previous bun when my DD's were 5 and they were too young to be able to cope with her properly (luckily, she was always going to be mine 
). Now my DD's are 12, they are a lot more savvy and able to handle our big boisterous boy. If a rabbit doesn't want to be held, it will kick, struggle, scratch and sometimes bite and you need to be pretty strong to hold onto them. On the practical side, rabbits need to be neutered, vaccinated (every year), have claws clipped, regular grooming and a lot of cleaning out. They also need access to a large area to run in.
I'm not trying to put you off - I'm a rabbit lover and would have more if I could and DH would let me. (Sorry about the essay, I got carried away).
70isaLimitNotaTarget ·
22/05/2013 21:26
My DD used to help with the school bunnies (2 male 2 female) and they were hard work.
One of the bucks was not at all cuddly, the does were.
DD is used to our two male guinea-pigs- but she said the buns were even messier (I didn't think that was possible )
Fernie it's great to get the Good and Bad - it's best to know what is involved first.
They are hard work and from DD experience sometimes it's a bit 'one way' with rabbits.
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