Am I Neglecting My Rabbit?

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cc_10

cc_10

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Joined
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Location
Massachusetts
I‘ve had a rabbit for around 7 months now, we keep it down in the basement (we don’t have any room in our house to keep the cage in except for the basement, its basically like its own bedroom). My parents and I take care of it and give it food and water etc., but I don’t think we are spending time with it enough and I am worried that its making my rabbit depressed. It behaves fine when we are around it, always very excited to see me, I am just worried if it is too lonely when we aren’t around it. We let it upstairs often. My rabbit isn’t neutered however and I can’t seem to convince my parents to neuter it, and it bites a lot and circles around me and my mom. Because of that, it’s hard to play with it and spend time around it, at least for me. I am always scared of it biting me. Am I doing anything wrong?
 
The biting and circling are signs of hormonal behavior, being driven by a strong need to mate. If you were to get your rabbit neutered, he would be a lot better behaved and more enjoyable to be around. The biting and circling would more than likely all stop. Though it can take 4-8 weeks post neuter, for the behavior to gradually go away, as this is how long it takes for those hormones to fade. Neutering is really the best choice to give him a better quality of life. Then you can spend more time with him.

Though if neutered, you still weren't able to spend much time with him, I would recommend looking at shelters or rescues for a spayed/neutered bunny companion to bond him with. This requires bunny dates to find the right match for him. This way he'll never be alone.

Otherwise, if you weren't to get him neutered and he's spending most of his time alone in the basement, rehoming is another consideration, if you don't feel you can provide him with the needed quality of life.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Spaying_and_neutering_rabbits
https://rabbit.org/veterinarians/
https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Bonding_rabbits_together
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-bunnies.html
 
JBun said:
The biting and circling are signs of hormonal behavior, being driven by a strong need to mate. If you were to get your rabbit neutered, he would be a lot better behaved and more enjoyable to be around. The biting and circling would more than likely all stop. Though it can take 4-8 weeks post neuter, for the behavior to gradually go away, as this is how long it takes for those hormones to fade. Neutering is really the best choice to give him a better quality of life. Then you can spend more time with him.

Though if neutered, you still weren't able to spend much time with him, I would recommend looking at shelters or rescues for a spayed/neutered bunny companion to bond him with. This requires bunny dates to find the right match for him. This way he'll never be alone.

Otherwise, if you weren't to get him neutered and he's spending most of his time alone in the basement, rehoming is another consideration, if you don't feel you can provide him with the needed quality of life.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Spaying_and_neutering_rabbits
https://rabbit.org/veterinarians/
https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Bonding_rabbits_together
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-bunnies.html
Click to expand...
We’ve tried rehoming before, but so far theres no one we know that are willing to take it. I just want to know whether I am neglecting my rabbit and how I can do better.
 
have you thought about getting him a mate? maybe from a rescue and one that is already neutered, though your one would need to be done as well. maybe they will even bond them as that is going to take time. i expect your one is lonely and if kept in a basement does he get to see any daylight at all? are you feeding him hay? does he have tunnels etc to play in? its just my opinion of course, but if it is basement with no daylight etc then it may not be the best home for him
 
Fortunately your boy has not begun spraying urine, pre-neuter. I understand totally about wanting to bond with a hormonal, pre-neuter male especially with the grunting, nipping or biting.

Happy to learn your boy comes upstairs for some interaction and play hours. Over and over again the hormonal changes that transpire in rabbits is very confusing to novice rabbit parents.

Our children wanted an abandoned dog when they were young, and we as parents took responsibility to get her spayed and provide financial care for our lab/retriever's lifetime.

With the help of this forum and friends who want the best for your young hormonal boy, you can find a reasonable rabbit-savvy DVM to neuter (and hopefully convince your parents also) and proceed with establishing a bond with your boy. Their personalities vary, and from our experiences nearly all our sanctuary and rescues, or previously abandoned buns living with us, have mellowed with age. They need to learn trust, and yes, their teeth can put a sharp dent in your hands or elsewhere.

That was the reason I withdrew a frightened boy from a kill shelter over a decade ago. The scar on the top of my hand still remains. He later became a romeo groomer to my disabled girl. Kisses all the time to his girl pulled before she would have been euthanized.

A protected environment in the lower level of your home is better than dangers, fatal threats as in predatory beings and malicious humans who would kill your companion.

Have your considered talking with Massachussetts House Rabbit Society groups or rabbit rescues in your area? I suspect you acquired your boy from a pet store?
 
@cc_10 , you are very perceptive to think your boy may be lonely. Lagomorphs are capable of bonding deeply with their bun parent/s, caregiver, or another of their own kind.

Within the past months we were notified of a lonely bun kept in minimal space on cold basement floor, with minimal amenities or toys. Sounds like your boy has a much nicer arrangement! An adopter was interested. The n/male became much friendlier when he was brought upstairs to interact with the human who was interested in adopting! 2 y.o. Rex boy was hopping around, not feeling lonely and dejected. This lucky adopted boy has his large private main floor bedroom, bunny-proofed,, and bun dad and his boy watch TV programs together. With lots of petting,

Hope this helps as you talk with your parents re: the best steps to take.

Please post a photo if you wish to!
 
@cc_10 please give your boy some extra head rubs from me. What is his name?

Hormonal boys are challenging. Our diva lionhead, spayed female via a rabbit-savvy DVM, is still challenging at age 3 !! She will bite in a flash, i.e. territorial diva. The cost was ~ $900 after she was treated for a parasitic infection from being abandoned outdoors! $900 includes labs, xrays, and spay. On House Rabbit Facebook forums bun owners are seeking recommendations regards to spay and neuter expenses.

It is a fact that pets are like children and they will cost money!

Wonderful to know you want the best and are asking Qs.
 

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I can only echo what others have wisely said-please get him neitered.It's not only for his mentaland physical health,but because if you don't it's probable that he will get worse with age,and rabbits can do an amazing amount of damage when they really mean business,especially if they sense you're nervous or frightened of them.I speak from experience because when i was about12,back in the 1960's,when vets simply didn't neuter rabbits due to lack of safe anaesthetics,I had a Dutch male,who,without provocation ,one day flew at my wrist,locked his teeth behind my tendons,braced his back feet on the arm and tried to pull them out! It happened in a flash,with no warning and no previous behaviour to alert me,and it was very scary! I'm not suggesting that your rabbit will do the same thing,but you should be aware of the damage that can be done.Neutering is a must,and your parents have to be sensible and see reason,or unlike fine wine,the situation will not improve with age! Have you tried giving him a soft toy 'friend as company when he's alone,and leaving a radio on with classical or relaxing music also works wonders.they are very sensitive creatures and very quick to 'take offence' if they feel neglected. Best of luck and just keep giving him as much time as you possibly can.
 
If he's getting good food, clean water, mental stimulation (in the form of toys and hanging out with you), regular exercise outside of a cage, nail trims/grooming, and goes to the vet if he gets sick- then no, your rabbit is not neglected. There are lots of enrichment toys and food puzzles out there that you can hide treats in (or they can chew on) for rabbits that alleviate boredom, not all rabbits enjoy a lot of direct interaction with people and if they can't have a bunny companion, that's the next best thing you can give them.

When I think "basement", I think dark (though it may not be), make sure he's not in darkness all day.

If you have space outside, he may appreciate spending some time in an exercise pen on the lawn (with you close by to make sure no predators swoop in).
 
jeannybobs said:
have you thought about getting him a mate? maybe from a rescue and one that is already neutered, though your one would need to be done as well. maybe they will even bond them as that is going to take time. i expect your one is lonely and if kept in a basement does he get to see any daylight at all? are you feeding him hay? does he have tunnels etc to play in? its just my opinion of course, but if it is basement with no daylight etc then it may not be the best home for him
Click to expand...
i have considered getting him a bunny friend, but it is near impossible to convince my parents to.
 
bright_eyes said:
If he's getting good food, clean water, mental stimulation (in the form of toys and hanging out with you), regular exercise outside of a cage, nail trims/grooming, and goes to the vet if he gets sick- then no, your rabbit is not neglected. There are lots of enrichment toys and food puzzles out there that you can hide treats in (or they can chew on) for rabbits that alleviate boredom, not all rabbits enjoy a lot of direct interaction with people and if they can't have a bunny companion, that's the next best thing you can give them.

When I think "basement", I think dark (though it may not be), make sure he's not in darkness all day.

If you have space outside, he may appreciate spending some time in an exercise pen on the lawn (with you close by to make sure no predators swoop in).
Click to expand...
We are only letting him stay in the basement temporarily because it is cold in the winter where I live, but soon we are letting him stay outside. I will be considering getting him some more toys! And no, the basement is not dark at all
 
Sounds like he is in a decent situation! So many bunnies across the world live in tiny cages without a speck of daylight, toys, or love- he seems to have it much better! You can only control so much when living under your parents roof, good for you for looking out for the little guy and having his best interests at heart ❤️ you can also make decent toys for cheap out of household items, a quick Google search will help!

A bunny friend is great, but they can also adapt quite well to living alone, so I wouldn't worry too much.
 
hi! no
TreasuredFriend said:
Fortunately your boy has not begun spraying urine, pre-neuter. I understand totally about wanting to bond with a hormonal, pre-neuter male especially with the grunting, nipping or biting.

Happy to learn your boy comes upstairs for some interaction and play hours. Over and over again the hormonal changes that transpire in rabbits is very confusing to novice rabbit parents.

Our children wanted an abandoned dog when they were young, and we as parents took responsibility to get her spayed and provide financial care for our lab/retriever's lifetime.

With the help of this forum and friends who want the best for your young hormonal boy, you can find a reasonable rabbit-savvy DVM to neuter (and hopefully convince your parents also) and proceed with establishing a bond with your boy. Their personalities vary, and from our experiences nearly all our sanctuary and rescues, or previously abandoned buns living with us, have mellowed with age. They need to learn trust, and yes, their teeth can put a sharp dent in your hands or elsewhere.

That was the reason I withdrew a frightened boy from a kill shelter over a decade ago. The scar on the top of my hand still remains. He later became a romeo groomer to my disabled girl. Kisses all the time to his girl pulled before she would have been euthanized.

A protected environment in the lower level of your home is better than dangers, fatal threats as in predatory beings and malicious humans who would kill your companion.

Have your considered talking with Massachussetts House Rabbit Society groups or rabbit rescues in your area? I suspect you acquired your boy from a pet store?
Click to expand...
Hi!! no, we did not get our rabbit from a pet store. My mom has a friend that had a rabbit who had a bunch of babies, so she was giving them away so thats how we got him!
 
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