New Pet Rabbit?

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

I’m interested in getting a rabbit. I know nothing about them; I’ve been looking around this morning but I’d like help/advice/tips from actual people.

Are males or females generally the best to keep? (I’ve read a neutered male and female are the best to keep together but what about alone?)

What are the pros and cons of having a house rabbit compared to an outdoors rabbit? I would like a house rabbit (space depending).

If I get a house rabbit, I’ve read up about potty training them; do they need a cage permanently (once they are trained) or can you effectively let them roam free and just have a space for the “rabbit bed”?

What are the best things to use in a litter tray? I’ve read shredded news paper would be good (we don’t buy newspapers) so what good alternatives are there?

Thanks

 

[aly_starh]

hiya!

Generally if you want to keep 1 rabbit then you should keep a male. There temperament is much more calmer than females. Saying that if you buy a neutered rabbit, it doesnt matter what sex you choose.

My first rabbits were outdoor rabbits. They were friendly but displayed there wild habits alot more. Eg digging, spraying.

Alfie started life as an indoor rabbit. He stayed indoors for around 2 years. An indoor rabbit displays much more personality and IMO becomes like a member of the family. Its like having a cat or dog in the house. He now stays outdoors in the summer months, then is a house rabbit once again at winter time. When hes outdoors he likes getting on with his own stuff. He loves exploring and getting into mischeif!

If a rabbit is outdoors you will see it but not as much. And indoor rabbit will have much more contact throughout the whole day, making them much more friendly and sociable.

Potty training wise;- I would say keep a cage for a few months with the tray inside it. Alfie has a large dog crate and its door is left open permanently. So effectively he roams around where he wants then goes back to the crate when he needs to 'go'.
But you can have just the tray and no cage once the rabbit is fullt litter trained.

The best material for litter trays. Ive tried many
*Newspaper- doesnt soak up much and will mess up the rabbits feet. This will need to be changed everyday.
*Woodshavings- Its ok, but it does start to smell quick and will need to be changed every couple of days.
*Cat litter (non clumping)- This is what i still use and its great. There is no smell and no mess. It will need to be changed every week. (be careful not to use the clumping kind, as it will cause harm if ingested, as rabbits cant vomit)
~a big layer of hay will need to be put on top of this. As rabbits like to graze while they poop!

I would highly reccomend getting a rabbit! They are the best pets i have ever owned!

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

Thank you .

Apparently my dad thinks owning a pet is for children so after him throwing a hissy fit like a child I am under no circumstances allowed one.

I'm 25 for gods sake! Unfortunately he throws the biggest strops so we have to walk on egg shells to please him.

His exact words were..."how many of your 25year old friends want a dog to cuddle like a baby, grow up".

I can't wait until I can afford a house (give me 12 months)!

 

[silverrabbit]

House rabbits are great. I deffo prefer males to females, even my spayed females get territorial with their male bonded partners.

Sorry you can't get one

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

Sorry you can't get one

I will get one; I'll just lay off it for a while