what's a good breed to have as your first rabbit?
- Thread starter dazzy_14
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undergunfire
Retired Moderator
Breeds aren't really what matters, it is all about personality 
. Go to your local shelter or rescue to meet some bunnies. You'll know when one is right!
I think as a new bunny owner, an adult that is already spayed/neutered and litter box trained is the best. Baby bunnies are a handful!
:biggrin2:
. Go to your local shelter or rescue to meet some bunnies. You'll know when one is right!I think as a new bunny owner, an adult that is already spayed/neutered and litter box trained is the best. Baby bunnies are a handful!
:biggrin2:
kherrmann3
Well-Known Member
:yeahthat:
Baby bunnies can be a pain in the butt! They are adorable, but you have to litter train them (which can be mind-boggling and frustrating, at best) and deal with their "raging hormones" through their teenage years. Also, for a first bun, I might recommend a small(er) breed. Anything under a mini-lop size would probably be a good starter Check your local shelter first, though. You might find somebun who will melt your heart :hearts
Baby bunnies can be a pain in the butt! They are adorable, but you have to litter train them (which can be mind-boggling and frustrating, at best) and deal with their "raging hormones" through their teenage years. Also, for a first bun, I might recommend a small(er) breed. Anything under a mini-lop size would probably be a good starter
Check your local shelter first, though. You might find somebun who will melt your heart :hearts
Cove
Well-Known Member
I vote for pure bredrescue bunny. I agree with what has already been said Your not only saving a life you're avoiding the cost of getting said rabbit speutered as well as all the hassel of a young rabbit. I recently got my first rabbit, a rescued mini rex and I think she's the best thing since shortbread cookies. But everyone will have their own likes and dislikes.
Visit a rescues or check the ads on websites like craigslist.
I agree with what has already been said Your not only saving a life you're avoiding the cost of getting said rabbit speutered as well as all the hassel of a young rabbit. I recently got my first rabbit, a rescued mini rex and I think she's the best thing since shortbread cookies. But everyone will have their own likes and dislikes.Visit a rescues or check the ads on websites like craigslist.
undergunfire
Retired Moderator
Cove wrote:
My best boy, most calm, and most lovable is my mixed breed bunny. Purebred or mixed breed...bunnies are all bunnies . I think mixed bred animals (though I do not agree with mixed breeding) have the best of the breeds mixed together!
I've even read that most mixed bred dogs are the healthiest, because if both purebreds are more prone to an health issue, it almost knocks each other out.
My best boy, most calm, and most lovable is my mixed breed bunny
. Purebred or mixed breed...bunnies are all bunnies . I think mixed bred animals (though I do not agree with mixed breeding) have the best of the breeds mixed together!I've even read that most mixed bred dogs are the healthiest, because if both purebreds are more prone to an health issue, it almost knocks each other out.
Cove
Well-Known Member
Oh I didn't mean purebred as in one breed. Though there is nothing wrong with that.
I meant it as shelter rabbit, I call my kitties "pure bred shelter cats" even though there is no way they are purebred but they do from from the shelter and that is the best "breed" of all in my eyes.
Though there is nothing wrong with that.I meant it as shelter rabbit, I call my kitties "pure bred shelter cats" even though there is no way they are purebred but they do from from the shelter and that is the best "breed" of all in my eyes.
kherrmann3
Well-Known Member
undergunfire wrote:
Mutts are great! They get the dominant genes from both breeds!
Purebred or not. Rescues are the best! They will always remember that you rescued them (they seem to enjoy life a bit more).
I agree with that. My mom adopted a purebred West Highland White Terrier (Westie) and he has nerve problems (and a crooked "kickstand" leg). He also has a very dry, itchy coat. All three Westies we've had all had itchy skin. The Westie-Poodle mix we had didn't have any coat problems at all.
Mutts are great! They get the dominant genes from both breeds!
Purebred or not. Rescues are the best!
They will always remember that you rescued them (they seem to enjoy life a bit more).
BlueCamasRabbitry
Well-Known Member
kherrmann3 wrote:
I have to agree with that! I didn't really rescue any of my rabbits (I guess you could say I rescued Magic& Autumn, but it wasn't from a shelter, just cramped/unsafe/uhealthy conditions).
Anyway, as long as I live I will probably have at least 3 rabbits living with me, and I plan on adopting some in the future, once my bunnies now are gone
Emily
Purebred or not. Rescues are the best!
I have to agree with that! I didn't really rescue any of my rabbits (I guess you could say I rescued Magic& Autumn, but it wasn't from a shelter, just cramped/unsafe/uhealthy conditions).
Anyway, as long as I live I will probably have at least 3 rabbits living with me, and I plan on adopting some in the future, once my bunnies now are gone
Emily
kherrmann3
Well-Known Member
I have my eye set on a mini-lop at the humane society here. If only my apartment manager would allow one more rabbit here...
I can see myself having multi-buns, as long as they were bonded. It's hard with two cages and trying to juggle play times.
Berry-Boo seems to have a "zest" for life that Toby never did. She binkies like mad down the hallways, while Toby just likes to pop up rarely. He was spoiled from day one. I am fostering Berry-Boo until she finds her forever home (she came from a high kill shelter). I get the warm fuzzies thinking about her being "spirited away" from that shelter.
I can see myself having multi-buns, as long as they were bonded. It's hard with two cages and trying to juggle play times.
Berry-Boo seems to have a "zest" for life that Toby never did. She binkies like mad down the hallways, while Toby just likes to pop up rarely. He was spoiled from day one. I am fostering Berry-Boo until she finds her forever home (she came from a high kill shelter). I get the warm fuzzies thinking about her being "spirited away" from that shelter.
tinymonster
Active Member
We got our bunny from a pet store, not knowing what breed they were (I think he may be a Nethie cross now). I'm not sure I would do this again, having learnt from this forum how many buns need rescuing, but this was pre-forum.
My boyfriend (who has had many pets, including a rabbit, and who is great with animals) has a trick to choosing a new pet: put your hand in the cage and see who comes to sniff it. The ones who freak out and run away are probably going to need a lot more patience than the curious, brave ones who come and check you out! We picked Muffin up and he seemed fairly calm, that's why we chose him.
My boyfriend (who has had many pets, including a rabbit, and who is great with animals) has a trick to choosing a new pet: put your hand in the cage and see who comes to sniff it. The ones who freak out and run away are probably going to need a lot more patience than the curious, brave ones who come and check you out! We picked Muffin up and he seemed fairly calm, that's why we chose him.
Becca
Well-Known Member
Will Teddy be okay with a new rabbit?
Daisy has a jack russel.....
Daisy has a jack russel.....
AngelnSnuffy
Well-Known Member
Dazzy? I would say any breed is a good breed. Buns aren't quite like dogs as far as breeds and being so different. So, any bun can work for you, it's just a matter of going to meet them and seeing how they react to you. Although, some buns can not like you so much upon coming home, but after a year or so, love you!
Buns take alot of patience.:?Your friend has a Jack Russell Terrier?
If you get a new bun, especially one a bit skittish, you should keep in another room away from other pets. They need room and time to learn to trust you.Here's a section on dogs and rabbits from HRS, maybe it will help some?
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/1/dogs.html
Raspberry82
Well-Known Member
I always learned that different breeds to have some overlying common traits such as energy levels. But it does seem to really vary on the bunny themselves. Netherland Dwarfs are the smallest breed and said to be the most hyper, but there are nethies that are very laid back and sweet. Lops (lops, mini lops, holland lops) are touted as being the most laid back and sweetest breed, best as first buns or for children, but not all of them are sweet even if it is a characterisitic of the breed.
I agree with everyone else. Get an older bun 1 1/2 years old or older from a rescue. Rescues have already neutered/spayed the animal which saves you $100, they have given it a vet inspection with de-worming and flea treatment, so usually they are quite healthy. Plus if for any reason it doesn't work out with that particular animal, you can bring it back to the rescue or shelter.
One thing you might want to think about is whether you want the maintenance of regualr brushing and grooming.. this would be necessary if you adopted a cute lionhead breed, jersey wooley, or angora. They are so soft and fluffy but that fur takes extra maintenance.
Good Luck! I'm bunny hunting for my 2nd bun atm and meeting a bunch to find the right one :biggrin2:
I agree with everyone else. Get an older bun 1 1/2 years old or older from a rescue. Rescues have already neutered/spayed the animal which saves you $100, they have given it a vet inspection with de-worming and flea treatment, so usually they are quite healthy. Plus if for any reason it doesn't work out with that particular animal, you can bring it back to the rescue or shelter.
One thing you might want to think about is whether you want the maintenance of regualr brushing and grooming.. this would be necessary if you adopted a cute lionhead breed, jersey wooley, or angora. They are so soft and fluffy but that fur takes extra maintenance.
Good Luck! I'm bunny hunting for my 2nd bun atm and meeting a bunch to find the right one :biggrin2:
Bo B Bunny
Well-Known Member
Get one of each to cover it really well! :biggrin2:
kherrmann3
Well-Known Member
When I still lived at my parent's house, there were two West Highland White Terriers there, too. Toby had to co-exist with them. Granted, Toby lived in my room, but he beat the snot out of the younger dog, Jenny. After the older one (Bridget) passed away, we adopted Brody from the shelter. He was around three months old and no training (he came from a puppy mill that they broke up). Toby put Brody and his curious "puppy-nose" in its place.
SO, as far as terriers and rabbits go, it depends on the rabbit's (and/or dog's) personality. The Westies would TEAR after wild cottontails outside, but they knew not to mess with the odd gray grumpy one in the house. A rolled up newspaper works well, too. (NOT TO HIT - We would smack the dog with it once (to make the noise - not pain) then hit it on a counter to use the noise to our advantage. Once they knew what the newspaper was for, all you would have to do it wave it in the air and they'd behave). I don't recommend doing that around a rabbit
SO, depending on the terrier's disposition, they can live peacefully with a rabbit (under supervision).
SO, as far as terriers and rabbits go, it depends on the rabbit's (and/or dog's) personality. The Westies would TEAR after wild cottontails outside, but they knew not to mess with the odd gray grumpy one in the house. A rolled up newspaper works well, too. (NOT TO HIT - We would smack the dog with it once (to make the noise - not pain) then hit it on a counter to use the noise to our advantage. Once they knew what the newspaper was for, all you would have to do it wave it in the air and they'd behave). I don't recommend doing that around a rabbit
SO, depending on the terrier's disposition, they can live peacefully with a rabbit (under supervision).
thank you everybody
i mite not get one for quite a while though cuz we got a new dog not to long ago named teddy and his a pain up the but so i don't think it will be a good idea.
i will definitely keep the information for the future
THANK YOU !!:biggrin2:
i mite not get one for quite a while though cuz we got a new dog not to long ago named teddy and his a pain up the but so i don't think it will be a good idea.
i will definitely keep the information for the future
THANK YOU !!:biggrin2:
Becca
Well-Known Member
You can always come and visit mine whenever !!:biggrin2:
TinysMom
Well-Known Member
kherrmann3 wrote:
I'm not against adopting rescued rabbits - I love Zeus dearly and am so glad I rescued him.
But life with a rescued rabbit isn't all roses and sunshine - just like life with a breeder's rabbit isn't all roses and sunshine. In both cases - there can also be some not so great things.
So whatever you decide to get - try to spend some time with the rabbit itself and get to know it and try to get a feel for if it will bond with you or play with you or whatever.
They will always remember that you rescued them - yes - but they may not always "attach" well to you also....due to issues from their prior life.Purebred or not. Rescues are the best!
I'm not against adopting rescued rabbits - I love Zeus dearly and am so glad I rescued him.
But life with a rescued rabbit isn't all roses and sunshine - just like life with a breeder's rabbit isn't all roses and sunshine. In both cases - there can also be some not so great things.
So whatever you decide to get - try to spend some time with the rabbit itself and get to know it and try to get a feel for if it will bond with you or play with you or whatever.
undergunfire
Retired Moderator
TinysMom wrote:
Exactly!
Morgan was a rescue bunny from a rescue, and he just so happens to be my best bunny. Marlin and Brody came from breeders and they are most worst behaved. Marlin is very skittish, even though I have had him since he was 6 weeks old. Brody is very "flighty" and hates to be touched when he doesn't want to be touched.
kherrmann3 wrote:They will always remember that you rescued them - yes - but they may not always "attach" well to you also....due to issues from their prior life.Purebred or not. Rescues are the best!
I'm not against adopting rescued rabbits - I love Zeus dearly and am so glad I rescued him.
But life with a rescued rabbit isn't all roses and sunshine - just like life with a breeder's rabbit isn't all roses and sunshine. In both cases - there can also be some not so great things.
So whatever you decide to get - try to spend some time with the rabbit itself and get to know it and try to get a feel for if it will bond with you or play with you or whatever.
Exactly!
Morgan was a rescue bunny from a rescue, and he just so happens to be my best bunny. Marlin and Brody came from breeders and they are most worst behaved. Marlin is very skittish, even though I have had him since he was 6 weeks old. Brody is very "flighty" and hates to be touched when he doesn't want to be touched.
