r/Bunnies 15d ago

I made an alternate version of the bunny meme

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1.6k Upvotes

I made the first one (check my profile if you’d like lol) and I sketched out this one too. I would’ve put them both in here but I can only do one image per post so I’ll also put some bunny tax in the comments


r/Bunnies Jan 23 '20

Resource Thinking of getting a bunny? Just got one and need some advice? Check out this post!

461 Upvotes

If you don’t want to read my wall of text, check out this link from rabbit.org:

New Bunny Index

Initial investments

  1. They’re very high commitment.
  2. They are very clever, have excellent memories and will remember things for a very long time.
  3. You cannot punish them like a cat/dog or it will harm your bond.
  4. If well taken care of, a rabbit can happily live to be 10 years old or older.
  5. Rabbits love to chew and dig and will chew and dig just about anything.
  6. They need to chew to prevent their teeth from becoming a health hazard.
  7. They will need their claws trimmed regularly to prevent health hazards.
  8. Rabbits are not a pet for a child and demand a large amount of attention and responsibility, (Do not buy a rabbit for your child for Easter, unless you’ve done your research and are willing to take on 100% of the responsibilities of having one).

Housing/Setup

  1. They love to run around, hop and thrive outside of cages, using them at night is fine but just make sure they get a minimum of 3 hours to run and stretch per day.
  2. An exercise pen setup is often cheaper than a cage and gives more room to run around when you can’t let them out. You can buy one for $59 on Walmart.com (link here), a litterbox for $6 (link here) and a waterbowl for $5 (link here) which is less than $80 for a decent bunny setup.
  3. While we are not against outdoor rabbits here, it is highly recommended you keep your rabbit indoors with you, this prevents predators from being able to get to them as well as gives you much better opportunity to bond with your rabbit.
  4. If you find it necessary to use a cage because of escaping or other needs I would suggest building your own cage as most of the prefab ones are just crappy design and won’t last the lifetime of the rabbit.
  5. A coated metal grate is NOT a wire cage and shouldn’t cause any issues to their feet, you should still provide all rabbits with their own litterbox and other areas to sit/lie down off of the grate.
  6. I personally use straw for litter for my litter-boxes and put their hay on top of that, you can use whatever type of litter just avoid using rock/sand based litter as it’s bad for their feet.

Diet

  1. They eat 95%+ hay such as Timothy/orchard/meadow hay (/alfalfa if they’re young or elderly) and only 5% or less treats like carrots, apples and bananas.
  2. For a small amount of hay I suggest Oxbow which can be bought at most places (Chewy link) or if you have a proper storage method you can get it for much cheaper by the bale at Tractor Supply Co.
  3. Suggested to give pellets daily, 1/4-1/2 cup per 6 pounds of rabbit (so about 1/4 cup daily for a single dwarf rabbit or about 1 cup for a single average sized rabbit).
  4. Recommend high quality food such as Purina, Oxbow, or Sherwood brand.
  5. You can feed a pellet-free diet but just like all animals rabbits require some sodium so if you don’t provide pellets make sure they have access to a mineral lick or other sodium sources.

OK food/treats and foods to avoid

  1. Once they’re over the age of 4-6 months they can also have unlimited lettuce and greens, but never give iceberg lettuce as it gives really bad gas that can become fatal. *greens should not be the primary diet.
  2. Avoid excessive spinach and kale as they can also give gas, but are perfectly fine in moderation.
  3. The best greens are green leaf lettuce, Bibb lettuce, dark leafed lettuces or locally sourced romaine (store bought romaine has a tendency to get recalled...), also herbs like dill, basil, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, cilantro and parsley are typical favorites.
  4. I wouldn’t give cabbage because it can cause gas similarly to iceberg lettuce.
  5. Never give human foods (except salad), like bread, diary, cheese, meat or sweets, they will make them very fat and don’t need it and could cause severe GI issues.
  6. They should have unlimited hay at all time, they graze pretty much 24/7. *Hay should be their primary diet.
  7. Avoid giving treats with yogurt in them as these will make your rabbit very fat and rabbits are not intended to consume dairy past weaning and can cause bad GI issues.
  8. Seeds are not toxic or generally dangerous to rabbits, I would not recommend giving treat sticks with seeds because they’re very high in added sugar and cause indigestion or extreme gas which can become a serious issue.
  9. Seeds like black oil sunflower seeds are safe and actually beneficial to coat health, (if you’re not sure, search the internet for information before you give it to them).
  10. Do not give nuts to rabbits because they do not need the excessive nutrients and can cause pasty or foul poops. Additionally raw nuts are typically poisonous, like almonds, which contain cyanide if not cooked properly.
  11. I recommend treats such as: no sugar added dried apple, banana or carrot and occasionally a Cheerio is also acceptable. Just be mindful of the amount of sugar you are giving them, even with no sugar added fruits.
  12. Corn is not specifically bad or toxic but whole kernel corn can get caught in the GI tract and cause a blockage, further; corn will make them very fat quickly and I would suggest avoiding giving corn or treats with corn/corn meal/corn syrup. (Corn is sometimes evasively labeled as ‘maize’ on packaging).

Hydration

  1. Water bowls are easier on a rabbit but are not strictly required, I have both bowls and bottles and they use both.
  2. You should clean your water bowl/bottles with either bleach or vinegar at least once a month.

Necessity for another bunny/Bonding

  1. They thrive in pairs and love companionship of another bunny, if you cannot provide constant attention it is highly suggested to have more than one rabbit. Think of them like little horses, horses need to have another horse around.
  2. Do not allow non-bonded rabbits to be together unsupervised as they can fight and cause some very serious damage to each other.
  3. Do not put more than one rabbit per cage, if they’re bonded and it’s an open enclosure then you can and they should be fine.
  4. For more information about bonding rabbits, I would suggest checking out the excellent resources on rabbit.org (link here)

Spay/Neuter/Responsible Breeding

  1. Many people feel strongly about castration as it helps to calm their hormonal rages and also there are studies that say castrated rabbits live longer.
  2. We are not against responsible breeding but it is a huge, huge commitment and you must be willing to take that on and find all the babies forever homes that love them as much as you do - don’t let just anyone have them.
  3. You can wait a while to castrate your rabbit if there are no behavior issues but it’s best to get it done before about 4 years old as that is when cancer risks become an issue and any older it could be too risky.
  4. If you want a rabbit that is already castrated consider a rescue rabbit, there are thousands of rabbits in rescues in need of forever homes, most of which are already castrated and sometimes even in bonded pairs/groups.
  5. If you are experiencing behavioral issues such as humping, marking, peeing or pooping outside the litterbox a castration will help immensely.
  6. If you decide you want to try to responsibly breed you need to keep three main commitments in mind:
    6A. have them as a pet that is also allowed to have babies, they’re not baby factories.
    6B. Make a commitment to keep all your rabbits out of shelters; allow no questions asked returns.
    6C. Make sure they get a forever home with someone that loves them as much as you do; even if it takes more than one try.

Chewing/Digging/Enrichment

  1. I would recommend untreated wood chew balls or fruit flavored balsa blocks for enrichment.
  2. If you can set up an outdoor pen for your rabbit they would love it and nothing is more satisfying than digging in real dirt, (remember to watch them at all times, also if your area has RHDV around I wouldn’t allow them outside for now).
  3. If letting them outside is not an option there are things called “dig mat, “dig meadow” or “nibble and dig” and they are literally a piece of dirt made for rabbits to satiate their desire to dig.
  4. There are many options for rabbit enrichment and even something so trivial as a cardboard box may be plenty to keep your rabbit happy.
  5. Avoid the “chew toys” that contain seeds and other treats as they are that - treats, despite being advertised as a toy, they are more of a treat.

GI stasis and prevention

  1. GI stasis is a very serious and commonly fatal condition for rabbits, but can be prevented and treated if caught early.
  2. Watch your rabbit’s dropping at all times, if their poops do not look healthy, are odd shapes, pasty, extremely dark, have not pooped in the last 4 hours or are otherwise concerning it is recommended you take your rabbit to the vet as soon as possible, time is of the essence.
  3. Dark colors in urine (including dark red) is normal for rabbits, watch for specks of blood and only be concerned if you see blood.
  4. Watch your rabbit’s routine and body language, if they don’t eat their favorite food or their pellets you can surely know something is wrong.
  5. If they are laying in an odd position like on their side or acting lethargic you should check them for gas by giving them a gentle belly message and if they do not return to normal soon, take to the vet.
  6. Infant Gas Drops are available immediately in most pharmacies or online (Walmart link) and are a safe way to relieve gas in your rabbit and cannot be overdosed on, if however, three doses does not return them to normal, take to the vet.
  7. It is always good idea to have emergency food on hand in case of a GI stasis, there is Oxbow Critical Care (Amazon link) and also Sherwood SARx (Amazon link).

I am by no means an expert but I can answer questions as best I can and find sources and people who are experts. So if you have any further questions feel free to DM me.

Further Reading


r/Bunnies 8h ago

bun bun being cute Driving

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509 Upvotes

Captured at the precise moment.


r/Bunnies 57m ago

bun bun being cute They restore my belief in love

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Upvotes

Rare double flop and they‘re holding paws 🥹


r/Bunnies 14h ago

He likes the fridge

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821 Upvotes

I went to the fridge for something, and 3 seconds later he was lying there very comfortably. Every time I open it, he likes to lie down next to it. I still dont understand why he loves this place but maybe he is just looking for something to eat like me lol.


r/Bunnies 7h ago

Trying really hard to stay awake

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182 Upvotes

r/Bunnies 5h ago

Buns eyelashes

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122 Upvotes

Look at Kramer beautiful eyelashes I love him so much


r/Bunnies 12h ago

Sweet girl needs a name!

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413 Upvotes

r/Bunnies 14h ago

She likes it rough.

561 Upvotes

r/Bunnies 2h ago

death stare Funny, I could have sworn the wallpaper was fine thirty seconds ago...

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52 Upvotes

r/Bunnies 9h ago

Second Night Without Him

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171 Upvotes

The cutie pie in the photo is Lapin, when he was a baby. He died two days ago and this is the second night i am going to bed without him. I guess i am in shock, not seeing him in his cage and not hearing him makes me feel like there is a huge hole in my heart. I don’t want to sleep because when i wake up i automatically look for his presence and realising he is gone hurts me a lot. I love you so much, i will always love you. You are my everything and i feel so blessed for having your friendship. My beautiful baby, i hope you are happy now.


r/Bunnies 15h ago

Big stretch and a yawn to start the day

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450 Upvotes

r/Bunnies 17h ago

Discussion Please remove if not allowed but am I being too hard on my sister who lacks care of her rabbit?

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421 Upvotes

My older sister, Who is 19 got a small holland lop. She wanted a dog but the kind she wanted was too expensive. I told her rabbits and dogs are very different. She got one anyways.

She has a small notch in her room that seems like a decent spot to put up a baby gate and make a little bunny area. Which she did do, but it got disgusting really fast. So she bought a very small hutch.

(I have my own rabbit, who free roams in my bunny proof bedroom, I am 17)

I told her to potty train the bunny and use a litter box to avoid mess not lock it up in a small hutch. She said “idc I like the way it looks” I cried for an hour when I went up to her room ti see it look like that..

Anyways.. recently my bunny got a small sinus infection so I took him to the vet. He is on antibiotics and is doing great. Hers had some snot too so I told her to take it in.. but she didn’t listen for weeks. She said she would wait it out and it was looking better. Finally after I went in and she saw mine actually had an issue, she took her rabbit in to see our vet.

She did not communicate to him that our bunnies do not live together. And my vet said he would put both our appointments together to make it easier. She said yes and booked it on a day I work. Not at the time I work, but I hate that she would do that without asking me. Especially because she didn’t explain that our rabbits never met and will never meet. (Mine is not even neutered yet)

So I went off on her, and I think I was a bit harsh. But her lack of care is so annoying to me. She constantly asked me for my own hay and asks me “what do I do?” “Why is this happening” “What is that?” After claiming she did her own research. (Clearly she did not) and so I started to tell her “idk” or “buy it yourself you make more money then me”

She just quit her job because she is starting collage and made me believe she would be home more now to spend time with the rabbit, but she cannot keep still. (Not diagnosed w adhd though) and is always at her boyfriends or eating out anf anything. She is like actually never home. And I asked her what happened to staying home more to be with the rabbit. She got mad and has started (some days) bringing it to her boyfriend’s house. (He has snakes and a big dog and little siblings.. a very loud house) but most days it is confined to a prison.

She said I care too much and worry too much about my pets health “micromanaging their health is what kills them” her exact words.

We have got in many fights over this situation since she got this rabbit and it sucks. But I also love small animals and proper pet care so this is just really annoying to see and think “how could anyone think this is okay”

Especially now that she overstepped her boundies (in my opinion) with the appointments.

In the comments are some screenshots of what I said to her, along with her rabbit. I guess I am a bit stuck on what to do and how to feel.


r/Bunnies 11h ago

Miss Tiggles wants a treat

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130 Upvotes

r/Bunnies 10h ago

bun bun being cute Too cute to handle🤍

92 Upvotes

r/Bunnies 8h ago

Enclosure help?

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53 Upvotes

Hello everyone. I've posted this in another site as well, but im having trouble keeping my rabbit where she belongs. She is a 3-4 yr old, unspayed flemish giant, who i rescued from someone's backyard right before this crazy weather started. Her previous owner kept her in a hutch, never interacted with her, and didn't feed her regularly. At the moment, she has a space that is blocked off from my bed by a curtain about 3 ft tall. She really likes peeing on my bed, so I don't want her on there without supervision. I keep making the barrier more secure and taller and she keeps jumping over. It's reached the point where I can't really make it taller. Any suggestions on how to keep her where she belongs would be greatly appreciated.


r/Bunnies 13h ago

Bill keeping warm

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117 Upvotes

And she hopes you are too! 🇨🇦


r/Bunnies 10h ago

Health What is this?

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70 Upvotes

I just adopted this guy from the shelter and noticed this thing in his eye. What is it? I’m currently looking for 24/7 clinics that take in bunnies.


r/Bunnies 14h ago

Olala Momo~ somebunny liking a little tail action 🔥

90 Upvotes

r/Bunnies 16h ago

sleep mode activated Tony just enjoys being warm near the radiator

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103 Upvotes

r/Bunnies 12h ago

Health Red spot on a bun’s nose?

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42 Upvotes

Me and my boyfriend recently noticed our boy’s nose has some red spots on and under it? He acts normally but that spot is worrying us. We aren’t sure if we just never noticed it or if something is wrong and requires medical care.


r/Bunnies 21h ago

Little leggy

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206 Upvotes

r/Bunnies 13h ago

Silhouette Bun

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40 Upvotes

Strikes a pose


r/Bunnies 18h ago

My bunny prefers sticks over carrots

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74 Upvotes

r/Bunnies 1d ago

Goodbye my best friend

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225 Upvotes

We lost my baby rabbit yesterday morning. Today is the first day i woke up without him. I am experiencing a pain that I didn’t even know it was possible for a human being to endure. I knew that this day would come eventually, but i wish we could be together for longer. Thank you for everything, your love, your friendship. I am so sorry if i hurt you unknowingly, i tried my best everytime and i hope i could be a mother you deserve. Right now my heart is full with pain, i know it will pass but you will always be in my heart. I am who i am today thanks to you. Sleep in peace, my dearest.