Bunny Frequently Asked Questions
Having a pet bunny is so exciting! We get a lot of questions about their care, needs, our reservation process etc so here are a few answers to the most common questions. Please remember to do your own research on bunnies (and any animal!) before getting one!
Are Bunnies Hard To Care For?
Yes and no. Sorry, this is not an easy answer. Bunnies require very different care than many animals and it is a learning curve to learn what they need and don't need. I personally encourage everyone to research ahead of time, utilize the links on our website and read their care packet. If they do all those things, then I personally find bunnies to be a wonderful and fun pet. They are NOT an animals you can stick outside, in your garage, basement etc and check on them once every other day. Make sure to research GI stasis as this is the number one killer we see for bunnies. Knowing what to do, what supplies you need and how to help them can save your bunnies life. They also need the proper care, attention, nutrition and environment to thrive. Bunny Supply Page and Care Tips
Will you teach us what they need?
We provide a check list when you reserve your bunny, a supply page with lists of what we use and why, along with multiple links on bunny care. We also send home a care packet and go over it in person. We expect new owners to ask any questions and we are happy to help but also have done your own research. A baby bunny is a living thing with feelings and they deserve owners who take time to learn what their needs are. Please do not show up to bunny pick up, knowing nothing and having zero supplies ready. Normal questions are fine and to be expected but we don't have time to educate on everything a bunny needs at pick up. We are also always happy to answer questions once your bunny leaves but please check your bunny packet as many of the questions people ask are in there.
Does my bunny need a vet? (and other vet topics)
Yes!!!!! You should have a vet lined up before you bring your bunny home, same as you would a dog or cat. Bunnies don't need many shots (some vets recommend one, others don't at all. Talk to your vet about this ) and things but a check up yearly and a vet on hand is a MUST. If your bunny has an emergency, you need to have a vet already that knows you and your bunny. Most vets do not see bunnies so make sure you find one that does and ask questions to see what their bunny knowledge is. We recommend spaying or neutering your bunny once they are of age. For males this is between 4 to 6 months and for girls this is around 6 months. Bunnies are prone to reproductive cancer if they are not fixed. Being fixed with a knowledgeable vet who sees bunnies often has a 98% success rate. This also helps with hormones and behavior. Do not wait til you have an emergency to find a vet, do it as part of your "getting ready for bunny" plan. We do have a few we can recommend as well.
Do you meet half way for bunny pick ups?
We do not at this time meet. I have multiple kids in sports plus the farm is a full time job. It never fails we have a goat being born, or a missing turkey, or ducks hatching on days I use to try and meet and it just caused chaos. We do pick ups at our farm (we will meet you in the driveway - please do not wander as we have livestock dogs) at a specified time. We stay super busy so we setup the times and dates and request those be followed just like with any other appointment you make. We totally understand traffic or emergencies but please don't tell us the day of, you decided you want to come 6 hours later or the next day, or you will show up when you get moving (yes, that has happened multiple times haha).
Should I get more than 1 bunny? (and other bonding topics)
This is totally up to you and your own preference. We have many people with one bunny and then we also have many people with LOTS of bunnies ha! Bunny math is similar to chicken math! You do want to consider time, space, and money for having more than one bunny. You also want to learn about bonding bunnies as some have no issues and others will fight! And then the different gender pairings. If you get a boy and girl, they need to be separated until both are fixed and your vet will also tell you how long to keep them apart after the surgeries. If you get two girls, they may fight as puberty hits so be prepared to get them fixed (girls have a 70% chance of reproductive cancer if NOT fixed, so please talk to your vet about this) and have separate areas for them. Boys 100% will fight and can hurt or even kill each other so they need to be fixed and separated until your vet advises you its safe to introduce them again. Boys are cheaper to get fixed than girls and in general do make better pets. Pros and cons to each pairing so again, do your research and find what will work best for your family. Also make sure to learn about bonding bunnies and how to do that in a way that is safe for both bunnies.
Do bunnies make good pets for kids?
As a mom of 3, this is a complicated answer. I personally had a guinea pig starting at age 5 or 6 (I can't remember exactly ha) and I began raising exotic birds and parrots at age 13. I hand fed the babies and would get up every 3 hours to care for them. That being said, none of my 3 kids would remember every day to check on an animal without be telling them. You know your child best but in my opinion every member of the family should know what the bunny needs and check on it throughout the day. Kids are kids and they forget. But a bunny is a living animal with feelings and it not getting hay, water etc for a day or two can and will kill it. Or being fed the wrong food. I think pets are great for kids to learn to be responsible but parents should also make sure the animal gets what it needs. Bunnies also do not like being held or carried around so make sure your child knows that. We have lots of our bunnies that are in homes with kids and they are thriving and doing great, but thats because the whole family cares for them and they researched the type of pet a bunny is ahead of time, to make sure it was a good fit.
Why are bunnies so expensive?
We actually don't get this questi0n often, but I still feel its a good one to answer! Contrary to what many people think, bunnies are not a cheap animal! We go through over a two hundred dollars in hay and feed each month and that doesn't include the cost for litter box pellets, straw for nest boxes, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, bunny toys, bunny treats, veggies and herbs for our adults and more. Ours are all pedigreed meaning you can track parents, colors, lineage, etc. What we charge for ours is usually what we paid for the adults so we are staying within the common amount. Our bunnies are also raised in play pens (once they are a few weeks old), started on litter box training, and we had giant outdoor runs built for our adults. We handle the babies from day one and send them home with a very detailed care packet, toys, food and a goody bag. The time, care, work and love we put into our bunnies is a lot. We adore each and every one of them which is why we offer so much info in bunny care and ask you to do your own research. We want each to have the most wonderful life with their new family.
Are your bunnies friendly?
This varies! Bunnies, just like people and other animals, all have their own personalities. We handle our babies from day one which you can see in the pictures and videos we post. That being said, some bunnies are more shy than others, just like in people! They also can take time warming up to new people. We have had them since they were born so they are use to us, Going to a new home is scary so make sure you give them time and space to settle in. We only get a few weeks with in terms of bonding and socializing so most of that will actually come from their new families! ( they stay in the nest box til about 3 weeks of age, then are bonded to mom til about 6 or 7 weeks so we have a total of 5 weeks to socialize them vs you will have them for 10 years). Make sure to learn about bunny behavior so you have realistic expectations, and also how to bond with your bunny. We have many links about those on our supply page.
Can you give the basics of bunny care?
Make sure to do your own research (I know I sound like a broken record here haha) but here are so very quick and short basics. Bunnies should have access to hay 24/7, we personally use timothy, orchard and alfalfa and mix them. We limit pellets and feed a total of 1/4 cup for an adult. Too many pellets can cause GI issues so with babies we recommend feeding half in the morning and half in the afternoon. For babies we do not recommend any snacks, veggies etc until 6 months of age. And research what veggies re safe as not all are! You also want to start small. We use playpens for ours, cages are too small! They need to be able to stand up. Cages and hutches are also very hard to clean. We personally use litter boxes and use washable puppy pads as the floor. Never use disposable puppy pads as they are toxic if chewed. We use probiotics and apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp per gallon of water) for our bunnies to help keep them healthy. If they aren't use to that, make sure to start very small. We use bowls for water, never water bottles. They have to be trained how to use that and its hard for them to get enough. Learn about bunny poop as some can be a sign of issues. Seeing a bunny not poop and not eat usually means GI stasis and this is an emergency. Not a wait a few hours but act now. We personally use infant gas drops, make them move, and use critical care. A bunny that doesn't poop can die within 12 hours. Yes, you need a bunny vet prior to them getting sick. Yes, you should get your bunny fixed. Yes, bunnies do not like to be held, they are a prey animal and that is scary to them. Bunnies do not do well in heat. Be careful putting them outside during summer. We use cat litter boxes and use the horse pellets from tractor supply to go in them. Never use cat litter!
Should I get a boy or a girl bunny?
One thing I try and always do is be very honest and share what my personal experience is so you can make the best decision for your family. First lets talk cons of girls then boys. Girls can be more territorial, less likely to snuggle and enjoy being held, and once puberty hits, they can get very stand offish and even aggressive. They also have a 70% chance of reproductive cancer if not fixed by the age of 3. Getting a female fixed is also way more expensive with some places being around $300 and others up to $700. Some vets will not even do surgery on a female rabbit so make sure to find one ahead of time that does it often. Surgery is also much harder on girls and recovery is longer, but just more work on the owner during it. The cons on the boys is they can spray if not fixed and can be harder on litter box training if not fixed. Their surgery can happen at about 4 to 6 months and average price is between $80 to $300.
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Pros, girls can often be kept together where as boys will fight (if not fixed). Boys are usually more likely to snuggle and can be easier to bond with. I personally have a boy for a pet as does my daughter. In the bunnies we own, all of our adult boys can be held and handled. Some of our girls can be, but not all. So in my opinion from my experience and that of other breeder friends as well, boys make better pets.