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laurel1
Nov 23, 2008, 08:46 AM
Hi guys,

I have one rabbit and I am not sure if he is depressed
My mam is alergic to him so he lives in his hutch
Outside,he has a big run whitch he enjoys running
Up and down in everyday,but I am not sure if he is happy.
Does anyone one a way to mabay give him more company?
Thanks :)

templelane
Nov 23, 2008, 09:15 AM
Your rabbit would appreciate the company of another (neutered) rabbit. Read this care sheet on what rabbits need.

http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/BlobServer?blobtable=RSPCABlob&blobcol=urlblob&blobkey=id&blobwhere=1154077759040&blobheader=application/pdf

But if he is running about and eats his food he is probably fine.

EDIT!

Alty has already written a good list of rabbit needs with nice explainations as to why they need them
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/other-pets-animals/how-care-rabbit-278170.html

Alty
Nov 23, 2008, 01:32 PM
Rabbits are social animals, they don't like to be alone any more than we do. They need companionship.

Because you're rabbit is outdoors he's not getting the one on one time with you that he needs. It would be best to get him a buddy.

Ah, I see Templelane already posted my link. Read it so that you can learn how to introduce a new rabbit into his life. It will take time, but it will be worth it in the end.

Also read about how to house rabbits outdoors. I don't recommend outdoor rabbits, but since your boyfriend is allergic, I see you don't have a choice. Make sure that bunny is well protected from the weather and predators, that he has a healthy diet to sustain him through the winter months, and that his water dish is always full and fresh.

Rabbits are great little animals, I have 4 of my own, they are a wonderful part of my animal family.

If you decide to get another rabbit, please consider a shelter rabbit. Not only would you be saving a life, but chances are that this rabbit would already be fixed. It's very important to spay or neuter your rabbits, not only to prevent unwanted breeding, but for the health of the rabbit as well.

If you have any other questions, just post them here, I'll try to help as much as I can. :)

templelane
Nov 26, 2008, 12:10 PM
On neutering- I was reading the RSPCA pamphlet and I was surprised at just how beneficial neutering was. It said it would increase a female rabbits lifespan from 4 years on average to around 10! That's pretty major!

Alty
Nov 26, 2008, 02:53 PM
It's true. Most female rabbits that aren't spayed will die of uterine cancer before they are 3 years of age. Also, neutering your male will lengthen his life span and he'll be a much happier, tamer bunny as well.

Sadly, it's not always easy to get your rabbits altered. Rabbits are considered an exoctic pet and not many vets know how to care for them, much less neuter or spay them. I'm lucky, we have a vet that specializes in rabbits in our area. Still, it's not cheap. My first bunny cost $350.00 to neuter.

That's one of the major benefits from getting a shelter rabbit. Most shelters neuter or spay their rabbits before they are eligible for adoption. At our spca an altered rabbit is $25 to adopt and you are saving a life. There are so many rabbits relinquished every year.

Our 4th bunny Kilala came from a home with over 200 rabbits in it. They were allowed to roam free and breed free. When Kilala came to the shelter she was 1 1/2 years old, pregnant and very aggressive. She'd never been handled by a human before and she was also grossly underweight. They had to abort the babies and then they spayed her.

We got her in May and she's coming around. She now lets us pet her and sometimes she'll permit us to hold her.

They really are wonderful little animals, if you understand their nature and their needs. :)