Considering getting another rabbit(s)

Hi,

Since Ollie passed away, I've taken on a lot more responsibilities. Over the holidays, I sometimes am away from home for up to five days at a time, and I have camp later on this year. However, I have really wanted to get another rabbit, or pair of rabbits, for a long time.

I understand rabbits need a lot of attention to stay healthy, but I have thought of a few ways that my rabbits will be able to get exercise while I don't have to be there.

I am considering buying a large avairy-type structure, which is totally secure, but big enough for the rabbits to move around in comfortably. On the days that I am busy or not home, I can put them in there, or ask mum to put them in there, for a few hours so that they can have some exercise. On the days I am there, I can take them out into the backyard on a harness or let them run around under the veranda.

I can re-fill their water myself, and I can pre-make their feeds so that if I am not home all mum has to do is empty it into their bowls and give them hay. I would most likely get two rabbits so that they can keep each other company.

During the school term, I can devote about an hour a day to them (not including their run time in the avairy), as well as the time it takes to clean their hutch & run. During the holidays, I probably won't be there much, but they can have more run time in the avairy while I'm gone.

Does this sound like a suitable lifestyle to you? Obviously if I decide I am not suitable to own a rabbit anymore I will not buy one (or two), but I would like to have one. If anyone thinks of something I have overlooked, please let me know.

Rachel.

Hi!

You sound like a responsible bunny mum who wants the best for your rabbits! I think five days is a bit long to leave them without company so you should probably get two if you decide to get any.

Is someone going to come in and feed/water/check on them while you're away? I think this lifestyle should be fine for your buns since you're giving them enough attention most of the time.

Good luck!

Numbat wrote:

Hi!

You sound like a responsible bunny mum who wants the best for your rabbits! I think five days is a bit long to leave them without company so you should probably get two if you decide to get any.

Is someone going to come in and feed/water/check on them while you're away? I think this lifestyle should be fine for your buns since you're giving them enough attention most of the time.

Good luck!

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Yes, I am only a teenager, and still living at home, so my mother is able to care for the rabbits while I am away.

I'm mainly worried because I won't have much time to spend with them personally. At least half an hour a day when I'm home, but that might only be 5 days a week. Will it matter so much that I personally am not giving them attention (like cuddles and run time in different areas) as long as they have another rabbit for company and an enclosure big enough for them to hop around?

It should be fine. They probably won't get as close to you but they have each other for company and should be perfectly happy.

Oh cool, I just noticed you're from Melbourne too! What school do you go to?

Ah Rachel, you're a great bunny mom, there are bunnies out there who are locked in dinky cages for months on end. Take a couple of those guys and it will be a fairytale ending for them.

I've got shelter rabbits here, I've builtthem a 'condo' with three levels and some decent floor space, they get plenty of exercise (they get way more jumping up than hopping), and when I open the door,they don't bother coming out.

If you have two bonded ones, they won't miss human companionship.

I've been really hoping you'd think about getting more rabbits.



sas :bunnydance:

Numbat wrote:

It should be fine. They probably won't get as close to you but they have each other for company and should be perfectly happy.

Oh cool, I just noticed you're from Melbourne too! What school do you go to?

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PMed you.

Thanks Pipp.

Hi Rachel! I'm glad you're thinking about this, you are a great bunny owner! I think you should get a pair, definitely, like everyone's said they can keep each other company. A bonded pair don't need human attention all the time, they will be more than happy in just each others company for long periods of time.

Sounds like a good plan, but do you know what you're going to do when you finish school and move out of your mom's place? I know that was a big impediment to getting pets when I was a teenager still living with my mom, universities here don't allow pets in the dormitories. My mom ended up taking care of my cockatiels for two years because I was going to school in a different state!