Spinoff-- Bunnies as Pets

[AshleyJordan]

Ok, so I've decided that it would not be fair to me or the animal right now to get a puppy. :(

But a bunny, on the other hand, just might work for my 1BR apt and busy lifestyle. Any other posters have/had a bunny? I've heard that they can be a little mean and that they like to poop all over the place. . . but that they can be trained to use a litter box and with a loving owner are good-natured and loving. Also, please note that I don't plan to keep him or her in a cage. . . but, if I speak to an animal expert who determines that it's humane to do so, I *might* keep him or her confined to my living room while I am at the office. Most likely, s/he'll be free to roam throughout my apartment while I'm at the office. . . thoughts?

[Skyblade]

Bunnies love to chew. So make sure you don't have any lamp wires sticking out or tv wires, etc. They WILL chew it. I have a broken lamp and a couple broken cell phone chargers. Also one of my bunnies loved to chew the base boards and walls. I used to have 2 buns but we had to get rid of them because they weren't getting along. Yes, they can be trained to use a litterbox, some are better at using the litterbox than others. The poop really isn't that bad as it isn't messy at all (they actually have 2 diff kinds of poop).

I read a book all about house rabbits and it really helped me learn what you should and shouldn't do. I'd suggest leaving the rabbit in its cage for the first few days and slowly give it more and more room. Giving it too much room (even your whole living room) at once will make it harder to litterbox train. Make sure you use timothy hay for the litterboxes (its expensive at pet stores...I usually got our hay at the animal shelter...$5 for a huge garbage bag full).

Also, rabbits are very social animals so you'll need to play with him/her at least a couple hours a day.

[wordsmith]

I personally don't think rabbits make good indoor pets. I grew up in 4-H/FFA country, where lots of kids raised rabbits as their projects for fairs and such, and most live in outdoor hutches or in hutches enclosed in barns or sheds, with open wire mesh bottoms, because rabbits crap like CRAZY (although it's not messy, it's pretty contained little pellets for the most part). I had a childhood friend who, when we were in jr. high and high school, had a pet rabbit that she would walk on a leash, and kept it in her room, and even though she maintained and kept it clean...pretty smelly. This is my only experience, you can probably find plenty of resources that say they make great house pets, but I'm just saying what I've found to be true.

I haven't known them to be overridingly mean, but they can be pretty skittish and panicky at times. They bite when they're scared or startled, and they scare/startle easily.

[AshleyJordan]

Maybe I should start thinking about goldfish? I'm starting to think that my overall lifestyle just isn't pet-friendly right now :(

[Skyblade]

Actually the animal shelter where we got our rabbits said that rabbits are better as indoor pets. They are very very social animals and don't like being left in hutches outside, they like being around people and activity. Our one rabbit rarely ever pooped outside her litterbox...she was a perfect angel until we brought the other rabbit into the picture.

[AshleyJordan]

But you could maybe get a guinea pig if the bunny idea doesn't pan out.

Blech. Had one as a little kid. Didn't like him.

[wordsmith]

Maybe I should start thinking about goldfish? I'm starting to think that my overall lifestyle just isn't pet-friendly right now :(

That was the conclusion I came to, sadly. I really only have a life tailored to the lowest maintenance of pets right now. I had a betta for a while, and a hermit crab when I was in college. But those really seemed kinda pointless to me after a while, since I'm really a fuzzy pet person at heart. When each died, I gave up on the pet thing, at least until my life/housing are a bit different.

[cheshrcarol]

Ashley, what about getting a cat? I'm not a huge cat person myself (although kittens are always adorable) but from what I know they're a lot less maintenance. You can let it roam the house, it will use a litter box, you can leave food out. And if you work late or go out at night, it shouldn't be a big deal.

At least, that's my impression, but as I've never had a cat, maybe someone more knowledgeable can correct me if I'm wrong.

[AshleyJordan]

Ashley, what about getting a cat? I'm not a huge cat person myself (although kittens are always adorable) but from what I know they're a lot less maintenance. You can let it roam the house, it will use a litter box, you can leave food out. And if you work late or go out at night, it shouldn't be a big deal.

At least, that's my impression, but as I've never had a cat, maybe someone more knowledgeable can correct me if I'm wrong.

Hehehehe. . . that would be a great idea, but I am NOT a fan of most cats.

[wordsmith]

I'm with you...cats don't do much for me, but the main reason I'd never have one in my house is that nothing much grosses me out like a litterbox. Yeah, I can deal with various grossnesses of farm life, etc. without batting an eye, but litterboxes ick me out. It doesn't make much sense, but there it is.

[cheshrcarol]

Hehehehe. . . that would be a great idea, but I am NOT a fan of most cats.I wouldn't get a cat because I'm not a cat person, but also because my mother and best friend are completely allergic. And my mom developed the allergy after years of having a cat, so I'm afraid I'd be similar.

BUT, if that wasn't the case I would at least consider a cat, since I would like a pet. I have tossed the idea around and I thought that maybe getting a kitten that I liked would work, because I'd fall in love with the kitten and then as it grew up still be attached to it. Kind of like how if you're not really a kids person, but have your own you still like them :p.

[embrassezla]

My friend has bunnies, and the main problem with them is the cost of medical care. Just getting them fixed was around $500, then when one got sick, the meds were again $500. Also, one of her bunnies got very sick and died quickly, apparently from some very common disease. I'll second whomever said that bunnies don't make good indoor pets.

I know you said you don't like most cats, but if you are at all open to it, you could browse some local shelters and try to find a well-behaved, litter-trained, even declawed (an already declawed cat that someone gave up/abandoned) cat that would make a great pet and you could minimize the risk of dealing with common cat issues.

[arrow]

There's a lot to consider with any pet, that's for sure.

A cat may not be a bad idea if you find just the right one. Although cats are independent, many do need a good chunk of social/play time (though this is kind of the reason you'd want one anyway). If you don't want to deal with 2+ years of crazy kitten-behavior, maybe it would be good to get an older, chilled-out cat. One that's friendly but not too needy, fun but not too crazy.

Also, many cats live a long time. If you don't like them that much it may not be the best situation. Yet you could always come to love an individual cat. It's happened before.

You know, domestic rats are extremely smart, affectionate animals, and they only live about three years. Not everyone's taste, I know. But that's also an option if you're open to it.

[AshleyJordan]

You know, domestic rats are extremely smart, affectionate animals, and they only live about three years. Not everyone's taste, I know. But that's also an option if you're open to it.

:eek:

No, not open to that (lol).

[red]

I'm with you...cats don't do much for me, but the main reason I'd never have one in my house is that nothing much grosses me out like a litterbox. Yeah, I can deal with various grossnesses of farm life, etc. without batting an eye, but litterboxes ick me out. It doesn't make much sense, but there it is.

me too! even though i pick up my dog's poop several times a day with a plastic bag, it's not like in the house. i am also grossed out by people who let their adult dogs use wee-wee pads.

i am allergic to cats big time, so i've never gotten to know any but some cats seem sorta nice from a distance. maybe you could get an adult cat?

did you ever give any thought to the older dog idea or are you not home enough?

[analogman]

Here is a good place to learn about indoor rabbits. I believe they have a book that is very good and highly recommended for new rabbit owners.
http://www.rabbit.org/rabbit-center/

We are thinking about getting a rabbit but it’s a lot of work to integrate into a family with two cats already so we are still thinking about it.

I think a cat might work best for you if you want a pet that is substantial and tangible (can't exactly pet a fish and they are not too responsive). They are pretty independent and you can use automatic feeder/water dispenser/litter box so the work is minimal. If anything, you'll probably want a short-hair cat with uniform/similar coloring though. Our black/gray bulls-eye tabby has hair that is black on one end and white on the other and it shows up on everything. She's extremely loving and cuddly. Our boy (and second) cat is more standoffish. If he was our first cat, we wouldn't have gotten another. The girl cat we wouldn't mind having a few more of :)

[AshleyJordan]

did you ever give any thought to the older dog idea or are you not home enough?


I really don't think I'm home enough. . . it's also not uncommon for me to go away for the weekend to places that aren't dog-friendly (like this weekend coming up,) so unfortunately I really think that's off the table. . . although that kills me!

[red]

yeah, we go away a lot but i am lucky that we usually can take my dog or else i have a great deal with the neighbors where we watch each others' dogs. i can't rememeber, do you live in bklyn? there are a few rescue orgs there, maybe you could volunteer or be a foster?

[AshleyJordan]

I do live in Brooklyn, and someone told me about an org called B.A.R.C that needs volunteers to walk their dogs. I'm going to get in touch with them shortly. . . I may, however, want to wait until it's a touch warmer until I actually start taking the dogs on walks!

[arrow]

It sounds like your zoological clock is ticking.
tee hee.

[AshleyJordan]

It sounds like your zoological clock is ticking.
tee hee.

LOL, right? Who needs a husband or kids? I just want a puppy!

[red]

yes, i was going to suggest BARC, although i haven't worked with them and i didn't get my dog from them. but i love walking dogs! more so when it's warmer, though.

[aggiegrad05]

No idea about bunnies, as my experience with them is VERY limited (allergies). But you could maybe get a guinea pig if the bunny idea doesn't pan out.

Are you allergic to cats too? Is it the same sort of dander thing, or something totally different? I'm seriously allergic to cats, so I'm just curious...

[aggiegrad05]

Sure am. My cat allergies seem to be getting milder, though, as I get older. I doubt my rabbit allergies are, though.
Bummer, I guess I'd probably be allergic to rabbits too then. Oh well, I guess I'm not destined to have a low maintenance pet! :0

[Skyblade]

I am allergic to both cats and dogs. I found that I'm not allergic at all to bunnies. I lived with two of them and never had a problem. Their fur is a lot different.

[aggiegrad05]

Oh, okay good. I'll have to spend some time around one and see what happens.

Okay, I'm done. Sorry Ashley, didn't mean to hijack the thread or anything.

[vxmike]

What about a pet snake? Boa constricter or ball python perhaps? They're clean, will take care of any rodent problems you might have, and love to cuddle! :D

[Xander]

I had a rabbit. It pooped and peed and pooped. You can't really be affectionate with it because it's not very responsive... or mine wasn't, anyway.

I'd get a Chinchilla. They're cute as hell, and soooooft.


edit: possibly delicious as well. You know, in case it doesn't work out. ;)

[cameralady]

I'd get a Chinchilla. They're cute as hell, and soooooft.

A chincchilla is like a desert rat, except with a cuter fur coat (to paraphrase Sex and the City). Plus, they are pricey.

[AshleyJordan]

Their looks don't appeal to me.

[AshleyJordan]

Also, re. chinchillas, Wikpedia says:

Chinchillas cannot sweat, and therefore are prone to overheating, sometimes fatally. An overly warm chinchilla is characterized by veins prominently visible in the ears, warm feet, and lethargy. Heat stroke can lead to death. Thin cuts of granite are very useful for helping a chinchilla stay cool. The climate in which your chinchilla lives should never exceed temperatures of 25 °C (75 °F), and should always have ample air circulation. Because of Chinchillas being prone to over-heating, 'run around balls' should never be used.

My apartment is never below 85 degrees, even with all of the windows open in January.

[Xander]

they look like bunnies to me... how about Degus? I've got 2 and love them. They're extremely friendly, calm, and they chirp like R2D2.

[skyesque]

we have a bunny. he must have an anomaly, because he's totally sweet and lovable. he'll actually hop over to us when we call him and sit there while we pet him. he does get into mischief, though, so you do have to be careful and keep buns confined.

he is litter box trained and for the most part keeps his litter in his box (though occasionally he'll tip it over). the messiest part is all the hay that's involved. buns go through a LOT of hay, and it gets everywhere.

i wouldn't trade him for anything, though. if you're seriously about getting one, consider adopting one. there are so many unwanted rabbits -- many from families who got them for their children and didn't understand the level of responsibility involved. we adopted ours.

[AshleyJordan]

we have a bunny. he must have an anomaly, because he's totally sweet and lovable. he'll actually hop over to us when we call him and sit there while we pet him. he does get into mischief, though, so you do have to be careful and keep buns confined.

he is litter box trained and for the most part keeps his litter in his box (though occasionally he'll tip it over). the messiest part is all the hay that's involved. buns go through a LOT of hay, and it gets everywhere.

i wouldn't trade him for anything, though. if you're seriously about getting one, consider adopting one. there are so many unwanted rabbits -- many from families who got them for their children and didn't understand the level of responsibility involved. we adopted ours.


Sky-- Would it be OK if I pm'd you later, should I decide to go bunny shopping?

[embrassezla]

Funny bunny behavior:

My friend has two bunnies - a boy and a girl. The girl bunny, when she gets mad or agitated for whatever reason, will stomp her back foot, LOUD, to get my friend's attention. She said it would actually shake the whole cage and wake her up at night. She spoke to her vet about it, and the vet told her that the appropriate response is to stomp back! Hah!

[AshleyJordan]

Funny bunny behavior:

My friend has two bunnies - a boy and a girl. The girl bunny, when she gets mad or agitated for whatever reason, will stomp her back foot, LOUD, to get my friend's attention. She said it would actually shake the whole cage and wake her up at night. She spoke to her vet about it, and the vet told her that the appropriate response is to stomp back! Hah!

Very cute! I'm afraid of getting two bunnies of opposite genders, unless of course you get em fixed.

[embrassezla]

Very cute! I'm afraid of getting two bunnies of opposite genders, unless of course you get em fixed.
Get em fixed - there are enough in the world already.

[weary]

Funny bunny behavior:

My friend has two bunnies - a boy and a girl. The girl bunny, when she gets mad or agitated for whatever reason, will stomp her back foot, LOUD, to get my friend's attention. She said it would actually shake the whole cage and wake her up at night. She spoke to her vet about it, and the vet told her that the appropriate response is to stomp back! Hah!
cute....just like thumper in bambi. i didn't know rabbits really did that.

[skyesque]

Sky-- Would it be OK if I pm'd you later, should I decide to go bunny shopping?

sure! i'm happy to help.