View Full Version : I've got a lot of convincing to do! - rabbit
rex123
Jul 2, 2009, 10:06 AM
Well as most of you know I am 16 and still live with my parents. Anyway I've recently wanted a new addition to my family, a rabbit.
When I was younger we had a few rabbits but I was to young to take on the responsibility of them and therefore never really got to enjoy them. My parents are totally against me getting a rabbit. They claim I have enough pets already. I own my dog, 2 cats, 2 hamsters and 2 goldfish. But I would really love to get a rabbit.
My parents know I am responsible and have seen first hand that I take good care of my pets. So how can I convince them that I can easily care for this rabbit.
How can I explain to them how much I want one, and get them to see that like my other pets they won't have to lift a finger!:confused:
ChihuahuaMomma
Jul 2, 2009, 10:15 AM
Actions speak louder than words, and you've shown a good track record of being responsible. Make them dinner one night and ask permission.
joyluo1999
Jul 2, 2009, 12:14 PM
Well, I'm just a kid but as you probably know kids usually beg their parents until they say yes. I know that for some parents this doesn't always work so if you're giving this a shot good luck!:):):)
AuntSwee
Jul 2, 2009, 12:23 PM
Could it be a money issue? I know for me that was the problem with telling my children no. A vets visit can get very expensive. Ask your parents the reason why they are saying no. Some times if you come to a parent with a mature manner and not bugging, they will be willing to listen, but remember to really listen to what they have to say also. My children were very responsible, and took care of the vet bills themselves. They only asked for my help a few times and always paid me back so that the household bills got paid. Hope this helps you.
rex123
Jul 2, 2009, 12:42 PM
Thanks AuntSwee. I don't think its financial. My parents just keep saying I have enough pets already.
I'm not one to beg or pestor. I just come to them with a tough argument. I do research about what the animal would need and present them with the pro's and con's of getting the animal. But this time my mom won't even let me explain myself.
mudweiser
Jul 2, 2009, 12:45 PM
Why not get a part time job to help pay for the vet visits, food, a cage and purchasing the rabbit?
As a parent reading how many animals you have I would say no too. If my daughter got a job to pay for it I wouldn't have any problem with it.
Just a thought.
Sarah
rex123
Jul 2, 2009, 12:53 PM
Its not the financial though. My mom just told me'' We had rabbits before and we don't want anymore.''
I told her this wasn't a valid reason... If she would tell me a reason why not and help me understand why not then OK. But If she just says no and says were the parents we decide. Then that just makes me angry.
Don't I at least deserve a valid reason?
mudweiser
Jul 2, 2009, 01:14 PM
Why don't you just sit her down and talk to her [without attitude].
My guess is that you don't clean up 100% of the time, no worries it happens, but when it does your mom ends up cleaning up after those furry critters and she doesn't even want to think about cleaning up after another.
It may not be "financial" but having the initiative to pay for it would be a good way to "convince" your parents.
:) Good luck.
Sarah
rex123
Jul 2, 2009, 01:46 PM
I know how many kids my age are... And I'm not like that. My mom quit working 6 years ago because she just couldn't work any more. She has what the doctors believe is MS.
She gets weak quite a bit and I do everything I can to help her out.
So I clean up probably 250% of the time. I not only clean up my mess but everyone else's too.
Today for example she went to town and I cleaned the whole house. I swept, and did all the dishes so the house was immaculate for when she came home. The cleaning is often left on me. My 2 older brothers are moved out but they come here daily and leave a mess and I'm always the one to clean it.
So her decision has nothing to do with me not cleaning. I brush my dog daily and sweep daily. I brush and take care of my cats and fish. And clean my hamster cage at least twice a week.
I can honestly say the pets are my responsibility and my parents don't lift a finger.
I tried to explain that I would pay fr them. But she wouldn't even let me explain myself. And I was not using attitude while talking to her.
joyluo1999
Jul 2, 2009, 02:05 PM
I know how many kids my age are... And I'm not like that. My mom quit working 6 years ago because she just couldn't work any more. She has what the doctors believe is MS.
She gets weak quite a bit and I do everything I can to help her out.
So I clean up probably 250% of the time. I not only clean up my mess but everyone elses too.
Today for example she went to town and I cleaned the whole house. I swept, and did all the dishes so the house was immaculate for when she came home. The cleaning is often left on me. My 2 older brothers are moved out but they come here daily and leave a mess and I'm always the one to clean it.
So her decision has nothing to do with me not cleaning. I brush my dog daily and sweep daily. I brush and take care of my cats and fish. And clean my hamster cage at least twice a week.
I can honestly say the pets are my responsibility and my parents don't lift a finger.
I tried to explain that I would pay fr them. But she wouldn't even let me explain myself. And I was not using attitude while talking to her.
Well try arranging a time where you and your mom can talk and ask your mom to at least let you explain.
rex123
Jul 2, 2009, 02:15 PM
You know I got an idea. Since I find it so hard talking to my mom especially when she cuts me off.
I think I'll write her a letter. That way I can fully explain myself.
mudweiser
Jul 2, 2009, 02:17 PM
Why not drop it for a bit?
Give it a week.
Do the letter and read it to your mom.
The last thing you want to do is pester her and have her final verdict be a no with the classic "because I said so" .
Sarah
joyluo1999
Jul 2, 2009, 02:32 PM
You know I got an idea. Since I find it so hard talkin to my mom especially when she cuts me off.
I think I'll write her a letter. That way I can fully explain myself.
That's a great idea
jcdill
Jul 2, 2009, 03:19 PM
But this time my mom won't even let me explain myself.
Ask her why she won't have a discussion with you about this. It could be that she has bad memories of the earlier times with rabbits. Ask her what went wrong then, and what you can do to help ensure it won't go wrong like that this time. For instance, it may be that when she hears "rabbits" she thinks of the smell when she had to clean their cages. So you need to discuss how you would handle your rabbit's needs in a way that she never even *smells* a rabbit cage.
One good argument you have going for you is "I have so many pets and am so busy taking good care of them and this keeps me out of trouble that other kids my age sometimes get into". Sometimes parents forget how good kids are not getting into trouble like other kids, and how working with the kid to keep the kid involved in good activities is always better than man of the alternatives.
Alty
Jul 3, 2009, 07:27 PM
Have everything on hand Rex, all the facts.
Know the prices, the care needed, everything.
Read the sticky on the top of this forum on rabbit care, it's really good (I wrote it ;)).
Perhaps check out your local shelter, find a rabbit you love, show your mom. Shelter rabbits are not only cheaper in the long run (purchase price and the fact that they're usually spayed or neutered before being adopted out), but then you're also saving a life.
Also, explain that an altered rabbit is less aggressive and doesn't smell as bad as an unaltered rabbit.
Here are some of the bunnies in my shelter right now.
21567
21568
21569
21570
21571
Everybody say Aw. :)
rex123
Jul 4, 2009, 04:07 AM
I don't have a shelter around with rabbits. In my shelter there are only cats.
I wrote my mom a letter and in it I wrote the truth she agreed to let me get a rabbit I'm so excited now if I can only find a rabbit and a cage.
rex123
Jul 4, 2009, 04:54 AM
I found a pretty big cage on kijiji. Here's a link:
large cage (http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLargeImage?AdId=136487145&img=http%3A%2F%2Fimg1.classistatic.com%2Fcps%2Fkj% 2F090618%2F485r5%2F9634len_18.jpeg)
shazamataz
Jul 4, 2009, 05:24 AM
That looks like a good cage Rex, definitely big enough for a bunny.
Those ones are really easy to clean too!
If you get that one just make sure you scrub scrub scrub with a really good cleaner before you put the bunny in.
Congrats :)
Sariss
Jul 4, 2009, 05:43 AM
There's sooome bunnies at the Halifax HS
other (http://www.halifaxhumanesociety.org/HHS/other.html)
shazamataz
Jul 4, 2009, 05:48 AM
There's sooome bunnies at the Halifax HS
other (http://www.halifaxhumanesociety.org/HHS/other.html)
I'd take Oreo and Cinamon in a heartbeat.
My partner would take Rosco the ferret :rolleyes:
I've told him once, I've told him a thousand times, no bloody ferrets!
Alty
Jul 4, 2009, 06:01 PM
Aww :-) The third one is gorgeous... well... they all are really!
The third one is a lionhead dwarf like my Cotton.
It's a great breed. They're very tame, easily trained and adorable. :)
shazamataz
Jul 5, 2009, 06:34 AM
The third one is a lionhead dwarf like my Cotton.
It's a great breed. They're very tame, easily trained and adorable. :)
Hmmm, might be a possibility for bunny number 4 :D
No, I want a shelter bunny again, I felt bad about getting my last 2 from elsewhere.
When I got Diego though there was only one other bunny there, a huge grey lop, she would have squished Dora.
Alty
Jul 5, 2009, 09:27 AM
Hmmm, might be a possibility for bunny number 4 :D
No, I want a shelter bunny again, I felt bad about getting my last 2 from elsewhere.
When I got Diego though there was only one other bunny there, a huge grey lop, she would have squished Dora.
Say the word, I'll come to Aussie with bunny number 3. He's a shelter bunny.
Sadly our shelter is always filled with bunnies. There are too many people that buy that cutsie pet store bunny then find out that you can't just bring them home, put them in a cage and forget about them.
Bunnies grow up, if not handled correctly and spayed or neutered they can become destructive and aggressive.
Pet stores don't help. I've never met a pet store employee that knows anything about rabbits and the care they require. Heck, the pet store we got Cotton from said he was a female and was shocked when I told them that a bunny can be altered. They had no idea.
Then there are the idiots that buy bunnies and let them roam around the house together breeding litter after litter. Kilala was from one of those homes. Over 200 rabbits roaming free.
Rex, when you get your bunny let me know, I'm more then happy to give you some tips on your new fur baby.
One thing you should know. If you're only getting the one bunny, you'll need to spend a lot of time with him/her. Bunnies are social animals, they live in groups, they love to be with their own kind. Since you're only getting the one you'll have to take the place of a bunny friend.
Also, do not ever leave your bunny alone with your dog or cats. In fact, I'd be very weary of introducing Rex to your bunny. Dogs and bunnies can get along, but all it takes is one little spat and bye bye bunny.
My rabbits always got along well with my cats (back when I was a kid). In fact, they played together all the time. But, be careful. Cats can really hurt a bunny, so let them sniff each other out through the protection of the cage, see how they react and take it slow. You'll know if they can get along.
Buy a litter box. Bunnies can be litter trained and it makes cleanup so much easier. Most pet stores sell bunny litter boxes (they're corner boxes so they don't take up too much room in the cage) and special bunny litter. I use cat litter because it's cheaper and just as good.
Be careful what kind of wood shavings you buy. Bunnies can suffer from respiratory disease if you get the wrong type of shavings.
Last but not least. When your bunny is 6 months old have him/her altered. This will prolong his/her life and make him/her a much happier, gentler bunny. Altering is especially important in females. An unaltered female lives an average of 3 years, altered 12 years. Big difference.
I like the cage you picked out. Don't get a big bunny though. A dwarf would be your best bet. Lion heads are easygoing, get along with most other pets and are very easily trained. They are the bunny of choice for most magicians because of their docile nature.
Rex's are great too but tend to get pretty big so I'd steer clear of them.
Lop eareds are nice looking bunnies. I've never owned one so I can't really vouch for their temperament etc.
Okay, I'll stop now. I've written another book. :o
Alty
Jul 5, 2009, 09:32 AM
I can't help myself.
More pictures of bunnies in the Edmonton shelter right now;
21626
21627
21628
21629
21630
The majority of them are mini lops. Another bunny home busted.
shazamataz
Jul 5, 2009, 09:42 AM
Nothing wrong with writing a book! Your novels are very helpful :)
I've been playing with the idea of trying organic cat litter, the paper pellet ones... they have 2x20kg bags at the moment for $18... a lot cheaper than the clumping one I buy...
Going to get a small bag on Tuesday and see if they eat it or just wee on it!
Good points about the dogs and bunnies. Mine get on fine with my rabbits, even when I open the cage doors both dogs jump up and just poke Dora with their nose, then Dora pokes them back. I would never trust them with the bunnies on the ground though, I reckon if the rabbits ran the dogs would chase!
Dora was a pet store bunny, I saw her and couldn't resist.
The lady who sold her to me was pretty good.
She asked me if I knew how to care for a bunny, if I had owned them before and asked if I knew what bedding to use etc.
Jack, who is now 8 was from a pet store as well. I never got asked a thing.
They just shoved him in a box, taped it up and said "That will be 35 dollars"
I had to answer more questions and fill out a bajillion forms when I adopted Diego... I wish pet stores were more like shelters!
And of course, the babies were from a breeder, but she knew that I had rabbits before and just asked me questions like where was I keeping them (after the accident) and what do I feed, how much time do I spend with them etc. She never mentioned spaying come to think of it...
Tax time is soon so hopefully I will be getting 2 little bunnies spayed and buying a new puppy!
shazamataz
Jul 5, 2009, 09:44 AM
That black and white one (3rd one) looks like Jack :)
I don't think I've posted pictures of him... I'll have to track some down.
Mum and Dads place is a no-go zone at the moment because they have kennel cough :eek:
Alty
Jul 5, 2009, 09:55 AM
I like the last little guy. Almost looks like a wild rabbit mix.
I hinted to hubby that a fifth bunny wouldn't be a bad thing. The bunnies in the shelter right now have all been brought in over the last month. 100 bunnies relinquished by owners. People really don't do enough research before getting a new pet. It really makes me mad.
What kind of puppy are you getting Shaz?
shazamataz
Jul 5, 2009, 10:07 AM
I like the last little guy. Almost looks like a wild rabbit mix.
I hinted to hubby that a fifth bunny wouldn't be a bad thing. The bunnies in the shelter right now have all been brought in over the last month. 100 bunnies relinquished by owners. People really don't do enough research before getting a new pet. It really makes me mad.
What kind of puppy are you getting Shaz?
Don't research is a big one... as is thinking breeding would be "fun"
I'm getting a Chinese Crested, a friend of a friend hooked me up with a really good breeder.
I miss showing, I love my two pets but it's time for another show dog :)
rex123
Jul 6, 2009, 01:51 AM
I'm going up to get my bunny today. I'm so excited. I love the cage I'm getting because it is so big and the bunny can run around a lot.
I know it'll take time for Rex to get used to him. And the first few meetings will definitely be the bunny in the cage. Until I can see how he will react to him. After a couple weeks to a month he should be fine. I know he is great with my hamsters and doesn't even notice them any more.
I don't think I'll take any chances with my cats though. They are great hunter and have high prey drive. And you're right it only takes one time, one fight.
Anyway the rabbit I'm getting is a 8week old Mini Rex/Mini Lop cross. He's beautiful and I'm thinking about naming him Blaze.
shazamataz
Jul 6, 2009, 04:13 AM
Nice name :)
You know you have to post pictures right? :D
joyluo1999
Jul 6, 2009, 11:00 AM
Have everything on hand Rex, all the facts.
Know the prices, the care needed, everything.
Read the sticky on the top of this forum on rabbit care, it's really good (I wrote it ;)).
Perhaps check out your local shelter, find a rabbit you love, show your mom. Shelter rabbits are not only cheaper in the long run (purchase price and the fact that they're usually spayed or neutered before being adopted out), but then you're also saving a life.
Also, explain that an altered rabbit is less aggressive and doesn't smell as bad as an unaltered rabbit.
Here are some of the bunnies in my shelter right now.
21567
21568
21569
21570
21571
Everybody say Aw. :)
Awwww sooooooooooooooooooooooo cute!
Alty
Jul 6, 2009, 12:13 PM
I'm going up to get my bunny today. I'm so excited. I love the cage I'm getting because it is so big and the bunny can run around a lot.
I know it'll take time for Rex to get used to him. And the first few meetings will definetly be the bunny in the cage. Until I can see how he will react to him. After a couple weeks to a month he should be fine. I know he is great with my hamsters and doesn't even notice them any more.
I don't think I'll take any chances with my cats though. They are great hunter and have high prey drive. And you're right it only takes one time, one fight.
Anyway the rabbit I'm getting is a 8week old Mini Rex/Mini Lop cross. He's beautiful and I'm thinking about naming him Blaze.
Start saving for the neutering now. Also start researching for a rabbit vet in your area.
A male rabbit reaches maturity at 6 months of age. The loving sweet gentle bunny you knew from the moment he came home will turn into an aggressive sprayer, humper and downright unpleasant little bunny if he's not neutered.
Our Cotton was a dear until he hit 6 months. He started destroying his cage, would lunge at us when we put our hands into his cage, would spray, and hump anything in site. Once he was neutered and healed he transformed back into the sweet little bunny we knew.
It will cost around $300 or more to have this operation. That's not the hard part though. Finding a vet that is knowledgeable in rabbits will be the challenge.
If the surgery isn't done, not only will you have a more aggressive bunny, but you'll also shorten his life drastically. An unaltered rabbit lives an average of 3 years, an altered rabbit can live up to 12 years. Big difference.
I can't wait to see pictures. :)
rex123
Jul 7, 2009, 12:18 PM
Well last night I got home with my rabbit. He was really scared of everyone. But after spending a lot of time with him he's gotten used to me and my mom. He loves crawling on my and hopping around my legs.
And today his paws looked really dirty so I wiped them off, he didn't really like it too much.So then I wrapped him up in a blanket to dry off his paws and he loved it. He drinks lots of water and eats a lot too.
I did notice that he uses the bathroom a lot too. Which is nomal, but the cage is so big that it takes one huge bag of shavings to fill the bottom. So I figured I should litter train him.
My dad laughed at me and thought I was crazy thinking I could litter train him. But I bought some cat litter, a litter box and put it in his cage. Right away he ran in there dug up some litter and used the bathroom. I didn't even have to train him.
Alty
Jul 7, 2009, 12:24 PM
Well last night I got home with my rabbit. He was really scared of everyone. But after spending a lot of time with him he's gotten used to me and my mom. He loves crawling on my and hopping around my legs.
And today his paws looked really dirty so I wiped them off, he didn't really like it to much.So then I wrapped him up in a blanket to dry off his paws and he loved it. He drinks lots of water and eats a lot too.
I did notice that he uses the bathroom a lot too. Which is nomal, but the cage is so big that it takes one huge bag of shavings to fill the bottom. So I figured I should litter train him.
My dad laughed at me and thought I was crazy thinking I could litter train him. But I bought some cat litter, a litter box and put it in his cage. Right away he ran in there dug up some litter and used the bathroom. I didn't even have to train him.
They're very tidy animals, they don't like being messy. Also, he's young, so litter training is easy. They're a lot like cats in that respect.
Remember to take it slow. Rabbits actually hate being picked up, they just tolerate it. They feel much more secure either in your lap or on the ground. Let him come to you. Treat training is a great way to train a rabbit. Hold a treat in your hand, let him come to you for it, then slowly start to pet, pick up, etc.
Rabbits are skittish, so let him have a few days of peace and quiet, time to adjust to his new home. Rabbits can and will die of fright if too much happens too soon.
Pictures. We want pictures. :)
rex123
Jul 7, 2009, 02:01 PM
Okay you guys here are some pics.
He's in his cage because Rex was in the house. We only let him out of the cage, while Rex is outside.
I love that his cage is so big. He gets so much room to hop around. We also have two rabbit safe teddy bears in there for him, to cuddle with. Like I said he drinks lots of water and seems to love the food we bought for him.
Okay not to the pics(these ones may be hard to see, because he's in his cage but I'll get some on here soon of him hopping around outside his cage in our house.)
21743
21744
21745
joyluo1999
Jul 7, 2009, 02:04 PM
Okay you guys here are some pics.
He's in his cage because Rex was in the house. We only let him out of the cage, while Rex is outside.
I love that his cage is so big. He gets so much room to hop around. We also have two rabbit safe teddy bears in there for him, to cuddle with. Like I said he drinks lots of water and seems to love the food we bought for him.
Okay not to the pics(these ones may be hard to see, because he's in his cage but I'll get some on here soon of him hopping around outside his cage in our house.)
21743
21744
21745
He's soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute!! The cutest thing ever! :D:D:D
ChihuahuaMomma
Jul 7, 2009, 02:36 PM
He's adorable, rex.
Alty
Jul 7, 2009, 10:25 PM
So sweet. I could just cuddle him all day.
What a cutie. :)
shazamataz
Jul 8, 2009, 02:08 AM
AGH! That is so gorgeous!
The cage looks huge, I like the teddy bear too hehe don't expect it to stay in one piece for long :D
rex123
Jul 8, 2009, 04:02 AM
So far he just lays against the teddy bear. But we have a plush carrot in there and he throws it around with his paws. The cage is like
4feetx2feet. Which I love because normally cages are really small. And the rabits don't have very much room to hop around.
shazamataz
Jul 8, 2009, 05:40 AM
So far he just lays against the teddy bear. But we have a plush carrot in there and he throws it around with his paws. The cage is like
4feetx2feet. Which I love because normally cages are really small. And the rabits don't have very much room to hop around.
Yeah I know what you mean, I go into pet stores and am shocked at what they try and pass off as rabbit cages... I wouldn't kep a mouse in most of them!
Just had ours out for a bit of cuddle time, Rikku sits in Vaughns lap all nice and calm. Lulu sits in my lap and digs at my pants and bites me! Little horror!
Dora is s lost cause, she hates cuddles of any sort, she loves a scratch when she's on the ground though.
Will be interesting to see what personality your bun has, evil, quiet, lazy or curious.
What did you call him?
You may have said but I missed it.
rex123
Jul 8, 2009, 06:01 AM
His name is Blaze. I just had him out playing with him. He doesn't even wander around our house he stays in my lap. And this morning he started a new thing. He now chews on my pants. So I grabbed his edible carrot, thinking he just wanted to chew. I showed him the carrot he grabbed it out of my hands with his teeth and threw it to the floor. Ha it was hilarious.
shazamataz
Jul 8, 2009, 06:07 AM
Haha, yep, he's going to be a naughty one! Good luck!
Yep, I do remember seeing that name, sorry!
Alty
Jul 8, 2009, 07:23 AM
Our Thumper is the clothing destroyer. You simply do not pick him up unless you don't mind having holes in your clothes afterwards.
He does it so quietly too. He'll sit on your lap and just nibble. You don't notice until you see all the material on the floor and gaping holes in your pants and shirt.
We have a towel that we use for him when he sits on our lap. You see, he is my cuddle bunny. He'll sit on my lap to watch TV with me, nibbling away, then falling asleep as I'm petting him. He's not much of an explorer or hopper.
Blaze. I like it. :)
He really is a sweetheart. How old is he again? Did you say 8 weeks?
rex123
Jul 8, 2009, 08:39 AM
He's probably about 9 weeks now... But he looks to be older. The breeder said the mother was 1 pound and the father 2pounds.
But Blaze seems to be heavier then 1 pound now.
rex123
Jul 8, 2009, 03:43 PM
Sorry for buggin you guys again but I need some help.
My rabbit loves the litter box, but maybe a little too much. He stays in there almost 24/7. He lays in there and not on the shavings. And he doesn't seem to be using it much anymore.
I've had someone tell me that the reason he is using the bathroom in the shavings and not in the litter box is because he is confused, at where to go. They also said I should take ou the sahvings and instead of using shavings for bedding use an old blanket...
Does this make sense... How can I help Blaze to understand his litter box is for using the bathroom, and not for laying in.
Alty
Jul 8, 2009, 09:38 PM
Sorry for buggin you guys again but I need some help.
My rabbit loves the litter box, but maybe a little too much. He stays in there almost 24/7. He lays in there and not on the shavings. And he doesn't seem to be using it much anymore.
I've had someone tell me that the reason he is using the bathroom in the shavings and not in the litter box is because he is confused, at where to go. They also said I should take ou the sahvings and instead of using shavings for bedding use an old blanket...
Does this make sense... How can I help Blaze to understand his litter box is for using the bathroom, and not for laying in.
Get him a hidey hole place to lay in.
Rabbits need separate spots for separate things. Since there's only the litter box he's decided to use this as his bed and the shavings for his potty.
Get him a bed, he'll probably start using the litter box again for it's intended purpose.
Put some of his poo in the litter box, that will help him understand what you want him to do.
A bunny bed can be a small dog bed, a folded blanket and up.
Don't get rid of the shavings though. They're important. :)
rex123
Jul 9, 2009, 04:00 AM
So can I put the bed right on top of the shavings??
Thanks for the advice.
Last night was the first night he stayed in my room. Monday and Tuesday night he stayed in our spare room. We weren't really sure how the dog would react to him during the night. But everything went fine. Rex laid on his bed all night and never even seemed to notice the bunny.
Alty
Jul 9, 2009, 08:44 AM
Yup, right on top of the shavings.
I'd go with something like this;
21796
Or cut out a box put a towel at the base and voilą, a little rabbit hideaway. :)
shazamataz
Jul 10, 2009, 09:17 AM
Mine absolutely love cardboard boxes!
The babies nibble the edges and Dora like scratching the inside out.
Bed that doubles as a toy :D
rex123
Jul 11, 2009, 07:58 AM
I found the perfect thing for Blaze to sleep in. A cat condo, that I had bought at Walmart for my cats but they didn't like it.
Blaze loves it, he loves hiding in it and sleeping on top of it.
http://www.thatpetplace.com/images/presentation/241254.jpg
joyluo1999
Jul 11, 2009, 09:23 AM
I found the perfect thing for Blaze to sleep in. A cat condo, that I had bought at Walmart for my cats but they didn't like it.
Blaze loves it, he loves hiding in it and sleeping on top of it.
http://www.thatpetplace.com/images/presentation/241254.jpg
It's great that you found something for him to sleep in.
shazamataz
Jul 11, 2009, 09:55 AM
That's awesome Rex, glad she likes it and you didn't have to spend any money :D
Alty
Jul 11, 2009, 10:46 AM
That's a great idea rex. I love it.
Way to go! :)
Alty
Jul 11, 2009, 10:54 AM
As and aside, make sure your bunny is getting plenty of timothy hay. It aids in digestion, it's very necessary for pet rabbits to have in their diet.
If you want to make it fun, put the timothy hay in a toilet paper roll (minus the toilet paper) and watch him have a blast getting it out. Toilet paper rolls aren't harmful at all, so he can nibble on it.
Phone books are great too. Shelters that house rabbits are always asking for old phone books. It's a great stress reliever. We give our bunnies a few pages to nibble on every week, they love it. Again, it's not harmful.
Limit carrots. I know that everyone associates bunnies with carrots, and yes, carrots are good for them, but too much and they'll get the runs. My rule is 1 large carrot every third day. Lettuce, as much as you want. I also pick the dandelions for my bunnies, flower and leaves (only when the flower is yellow, not when it's gone to seed).
The pellets you buy should never be the main food of your bunny. Variety is important. They have such different digestive systems. So different in fact that they cannot vomit.
I also put vitamin drops in their water. It's cheap, I bought it at walmart, but it aids in digestion and helps with hair balls. Because rabbits can't vomit, hair balls can be a problem. Cat meds for hair balls don't work, because those meds are meant to bring the hair ball up, and like I said, rabbits can't vomit.
Diet is the most important thing. :)
Our local humane society is having a free "How to care for a bunny" seminar this month. I'm thinking of going, just to see if I can learn anything new. It depends on hubby's work schedule, as I don't want to bring my kids. If I go I'll let you all know what I found out. :)
shazamataz
Jul 11, 2009, 11:02 AM
Had to spread the rep Alty :(
But great advice as usual, got a couple of hi-jack questions :)
I was told it's not OK to give rabbits lettuce :confused: Dora loves it but I stopped after I heard that, does that mean she can have some again?
Also, the vitamin drops in the water, I use a vitamin block that attaches to the wire, should I switch to the drops?
And finally... mine love dandelions too :D
Alty
Jul 11, 2009, 01:08 PM
Had to spred the rep Alty :(
But great advice as usual, got a couple of hi-jack questions :)
I was told it's not ok to give rabbits lettuce :confused: Dora loves it but I stopped after I heard that, does that mean she can have some again?
Also, the vitamin drops in the water, I use a vitamin block that attaches to the wire, should I switch to the drops?
And finally.... mine love dandelions too :D
Lettuce is great. Just make sure to wash it well before giving it to her, as most places use pesticides. Unless you grow it yourself, then it's okay.
The humane society here, there's a farmer that comes in once a week to bring lettuce for all the bunnies in the shelter. He was there when we adopted Kilala, and we got to talking.
He has 20 bunnies, and volunteers at the shelter and brings lettuce. The lettuce is very good for them. So yes, give Dora lettuce. :)
Vitamin block is great, but my bunnies won't touch it. If yours do, then stick to that because it's also good for their teeth.
Dandelions are great! A free way to give your bunnies nutrition.
If you stick to mother nature, know what bunnies eat in the wild, give them that, and the pellets, and toys and hop around time, well, happy bunnies. :)
shazamataz
Jul 12, 2009, 12:02 AM
Thanks Alty!
I owe you a big fat greenie ;)
hamsterlover294
Jul 28, 2009, 10:33 AM
My parents are totally against me getting a rabbit. They claim i have enough pets already. I own my dog, 2 cats, 2 hamsters and 2 goldfish. But I would really love to get a rabbit.
I feel the same way, I really want a ferret for my birthday and my parent's tell me I have too many animals. I have a dog, a cat, 7 hamsters, 2 geckos, a toad, 5 tadpoles, and lots of goldfish. :rolleyes:
joyluo1999
Jul 28, 2009, 11:12 AM
I feel the same way, I really want a ferret for my birthday and my parent's tell me I have too many animals. I have a dog, a cat, 7 hamsters, 2 geckos, a toad, 5 tadpoles, and lots of goldfish. :rolleyes:
You have a LOT of pets don't you, but I don't blame you pets are great!:)
Joy