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Lena. asked in PetsOther - Pets · 1 decade ago

I'm planning to get a pet rabbit but I'm really confused?

So first of all, I am getting it for my birthday which is next month.. (January 3rd).

I'm 13. I am planning to get a Holland Lop. They have a lot of those at the nearest petstore, Petland. I've went there a million times just to hold them, and play with them. I heard it is better to get a rabbit from a rescue, but there aren't any that are less than an hour from where I live and I've searched online for them but I don't really know if they are reliable. I'm sorry I'm just rambling off right now, so let's get to the point. For days, I've been searching rabbit cages online and I have no idea what cage will be perfect for him. So I am going to link you guys with 3 or 4 rabbit cages that I have considered buying, and you guys can pick which one is best. I also don't know where to put my rabbit..? I have 2 cats and I'm not sure if they will get along so I don't know whether or not I should put my rabbit in the open. I was thinking in my room, but then it might get too crowded. My mom said we should put it in the basement, but it's freezing down there and there's a lot of spiders.. Do you guys think my bunny will get along with my cats? And is it bad to buy a bunny from Petland? Sorry I do ask a lot of questions, but I want everything to be perfect for my bunny. I'm really scared that things will go wrong. I know it takes a lot of responsibility for one, but I've been so interested in them lately. I've rented a lot of rabbit books from the library, and I'm currently researching all about them. So to all those rabbit owners out there, please give me some advice and possibly answer all my questions? And if you're just going to leave a short answer that's not helpful at all to me, please gtfo.

Here are the cages I like..:

1. http://www.amazon.com/Super-Pet-First-2-Level-Stan...

2. http://www.amazon.com/Super-Pet-Pet-n-Play-Habitat...

3. http://www.amazon.com/Super-Pet-First-Multi-Floor-... - WOW I really like this one. :)

Thanks to those who answer! It really means a lot. :)

7 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I don't really recommend any of those cages because it's hard for a rabbit to climb up and down ramps and stuff. Plus, they don't look strong enough to hold the weight of a rabbit on a platform like that. Just get a flat one. Also, there's nothing wrong with getting a rabbit from a pet store. Those rabbits still need good homes, too! :) It will be fine in the basement. Trust me, it's not as cold down there as it would be outside in the wild and that's why they grow winter coats. I would not try and put the cats and rabbit together, better be safe than sorry! I would recommend your room or the garage, or even outside. My rabbit lived there for a short period of time until we moved and she's now in the garage. Good luck! :) Rabbits are a blast once you have them. It sounds like you're going to be a great pet owner with all this care you're already researching and stuff. Good job! :)

    Source(s): I've had my rabbit for over six years. (I'm almost 14)
  • 1 decade ago

    Lydia - So happy to hear you are interested in getting a bunny - they make great pets - I have had my two bunnies (Fun Bun and Lil' Bit) for almost seven years now, they are wonderful companions.

    But here are some things you should know about bunnies before you commit to having one:

    (1) They are one of the most expensive household pets you could have because they have to be cared for by an exotic vet or someone who specializes in bunny care. We have never left the vet spending less than $150, and usually it is more like $300. As they get older, they become more expensive because of illnesses and such. Neutering your rabbit will cost about $350 - this is something you will want to do or your bunny may become aggressive and territorial.

    (2) If number 1 did not scare you off then here is my advice on your cage: Your favorite cage is not really ideal for a rabbit (despite what Amazon says), they need a lot of room to jump and this cage won't give them that kind of space with so many platforms in it. The other two cages are okay, but the first one is the best because it has a hay dispenser, which is one of the things bunnies should always have a fresh supply of. You might want to check this one out too: http://www.amazon.com/Super-Pet-First-Deluxe-Stand...

    (3) It is not impossible for rabbits and cats to get along, but the odds are against them. Cats are predators and rabbits are prey. Remember that it is possible for a rabbit to literally get scared to death if the cats decide to "play" with it. Your best bet is to keep them completely separated. We have a screen door barrier - the bunnies have access to two rooms in the house, which minimizes chew damage - the cat sits at the door and watches them through the screen, but cannot get in. We have found this to be the best method and the bunnies don't seem to realize that the cat is real.

    (4) You should never keep a bunny in a damp and/or cold place, especially in a place that they can be conveniently forgotten - like a basement or garage. Far better for them to be in the house, but be aware that you will need to bunny proof the room, which includes hiding wires and electrical cords.

    The first place anyone who wants a rabbit should go is the House Rabbit Society, here: http://rabbit.org/

    This website will have everything you need and want to know about bunnies on it.

    Being a rabbit owner is a very long term commitment as they live between 7 and 12 years.

    Please make sure you are up for this kind of commitment, good luck!

  • 1 decade ago

    Those cages are way too small. The minimum cage size is 7.5 square feet. C&C cages and x pens are the best.

    http://www.guineapigcages.com/

    http://www.sandiegorabbits.org/adoption/pen_living...

    Rabbits also need at least 5 hours of floor time every day. You will need to rabbit proof an area.

    http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/rabbit-proofing...

    A good place to put the cage would be where people are. A bed room and living room would be good. Dont put it in a basement with spiders.

    Never house rabbits outside. When they are housed outside they are exposed to weather, bugs, predators and are more likely to get illnesses, diseases and parasites. Indoor rabits are happier healthier and live longer.

    Pet land is the worst place you can get a rabbit. It will probably be sick, pregnant, mis sexed or have parasites. Pet stores get theri animals from mills and if you buy a rabbit from them you are supporting those mills. You can look on petfinder.com or at shelters and rescues. Saying they are too far is a stupid excuse. People have travel wel over 6 hours round trip to adopt and save a rabbit instead of supporting mills. I have gone 2 hours round trip to adopt a rat.

    Some cats will get along with rabbits. IUt depends on their prey drive. My cats have a very low prey drive (they wouldnt even attack a hamster) so I let them around the rabbits. I worry more about teh cats because one of my rabbits likes to bully the cats. If your cats have a high prey drive them it would be best o keep them separate.

    These are great rabbit websites. Read all about diet, housing and everything.

    http://www.rabbit.org/

    http://www.binkybunny.com/

  • ?
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    Actually, none of those cages are ideal. Rabbits don't need lots of levels like a ferret or chinchilla. This is the exact cage I use http://www.rabbitstop.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=... and it's great. I DID cut a small piece of the wire grate to use as a platform for a balcony and I put a grass mat on it. Wire is terrible on their feet so that's the only part of this cage I didn't use as intended. This cage has the perfect square footage needed for a rabbit though, and there's enough space for toys, a hideout, and litterbox with plenty of extra leg room!

    As for buying an animal from Petland, I really don't advise it. My sister bought a beagle puppy there on clearance a few years back and, long story short, she's at her wits end with her poorly bred dog! An hour away is nothig if you want a healthy rabbit! I drove about an hour and a half for mine and I'm glad I did... It was less work socializing him too because he was already used to human contact...and he was already litterbox trained! Plus, neutering can be expensive for small animals (and trust me, it's a necessity, they get feisty when they go through bunny puberty).

    As for your cats, it just depends on your individual cats. I've seen plenty of rabbit-cat rabbit-dog bonds. My gsd mix and my mini Rex are best buds! You want their cage to be in an area that you frequent. Your rabbit will be healthier and it will help to create a stronger bond between you and your rabbit.

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Humm... sounds like you really want a rabbit lol, i own a male, not sure what breed, and hes in my room, i would never move him out! Those cages you mentioned seem like pretty good cages, but i did notice one thing thats always looked over... they are to small. Now most places do not sell big enough cages, so ill give you instructions to make your own! my rabbits cage is three ft by three ft by two feet, and hes so happy there! i built his cage out of wire storage cubes, it cost alot less and there is more creativity to making it! the link to getting the cubes... http://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-6070-1723-Storage-Cu... You need to buy two, becouse you will need 24 to make the cage im proposing. the exact dimentions are 40in by 40in by 27 1/2 in.

    First, if your rooms floor is carpet, you need a waterproof base, lamenent flooring works, and also plastic, it does not have to cover the whole bottem, just half. The other half will have a storage bin on it, that will be the litter box. Put the food and water bottle in the littlerbox, becouse rabbits mostly go the bathroom where they eat and drink. On the other half lay down old towels on the waterproof tile/plastic. PS if you cant find something to put on the bottem of the cage, put two storage bins in. Also if you put two storage bins in you can put litter in both, i use towels for my bunny but its up to you

    Here is a quick overhead view of the cage i made (sorry it looks crappy lol) http://www.sumopaint.com/image/?id=1109478

    If you have any other questions, or want real pictures, email me at hswedin@gmail.com

  • lasley
    Lv 4
    4 years ago

    in case you get a rabbit, get 2. We had puppy rabbits. And that's what occurred. Mr. Bunny develop into lonely after Mrs. Bunny died. And he cried a negative sound after his lady significant different died. She would have died of rat poison. we are no longer particular. yet he develop into rather lonely, certain, get your bunny a significant different, because Mr. rabbit develop into preserving our cat and canine organization. sometime he said yet another rabbit travelling the community. He were given out of the backyard and develop into squashed via a vehicle. He develop into searching fort he different rabbit. My brother's youthful ones did not do a robust interest of searching after the rabbits. They roamed freely contained in the lower back backyard; and, they did have many little ones. although the infant bunnies were taken up via crows contained in the air, dropped from the air until eventually they died. it really is what we anticipate of occurred. because numerous the bunnies disappeared. And we began searching their 0.5 eaten bodies everywhere in the block. in case you get a rabbit, ascertain it has companionship. they are very social creatures. do not enable it out of your sight at the same time as your outside. a tremendous chicken will come down attempting to kill it for dinner. do not turn your lower back. searching after a rabbits a tremendous duty. Animals, no matter if it really is a canine or a cat expenditures large funds in the journey that they fall sick. yet they are rewarding if kept healthful and out of birds, snakes, and some cats. relies upon on the length of the rabbit. does no longer chance a bunny with a cat. Our cat develop into unusual in that it secure the canine and rabbit, at the same time as the canine secure the bunny. good success.

  • 1 decade ago

    OK lots of questions here :)

    First of all, I would personally not get any of those cages. Out of all of them the first looks to be the best. However, for all of my rabbits I got my cages from Dell's. You can order them on their website too. I got the self make ones, very easy to put together. (all wire and multiple sizes) Then you can order a plastic pan kit to put under your cage. Dell's will also sell waters and feeders to put on your new cage. A rabbit can get along with your cats. However, I would not let him hop around when they are around if they show any agression. Often, domestic rabbits have no fear of predators like they normally would. Outside is a fine place as long as he has shelter from rain and wind. I built mini barns for mine and hung the wire cages from the roof. This setup works very well. I don't think that it is bad to get a bunny from petland. It would be better to adopt, but you have to consider your circumstances. It sounds like you are taking responsibility. If I might, I suggest you check out a book: Story's Guide to Raising Rabbits by bobb bennet. EXCELENT book! I learned most of what helped me get started from his books. Hope I helped you!!

    EDIT -- If you are getting a holland lop make sure to check his/her ears fairly often. All the lop eared rabbits have a tendency to get ear mites. You can tell if the rabbit has this if you see little scabs in the ears, typically starting from the bottom. You can treat it by putting cooking oil or olive oil in the ear 2 times a day for 3 weeks. Enjoy your rabbit!!! Also, if you are wanting to play with your rabbit or give it a place to play you could make something for it to hop around in. It would love to be in the yard. It won't really want to climb around but it will love to explore small areas of the yard. And of course, your rabbit can be kept inside. They can even be litter trained. And they will like to hop around the house. :)

    Source(s): currently own a breeding operation and have 40 rabbits right now.
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