Can I keep a bunny in my closet?

[4 Georgia Hens]

My bunny is a male and if you don’t intend to breed or anything like that you can get them fixed. Getting them fixed will stop spraying and unwanted breeding if you ever want a friend for that rabbit.

I plan to adopt a rabbit from a local shelter in which they spay/neuter their animals, so the bunny will already be fixed.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I plan to adopt a rabbit from a local shelter in which they spay/neuter their animals, so the bunny will already be fixed.

Kudos to you on two counts: first, for doing the research and the homework and getting informed BEFORE getting an animal, so you know what you're getting yourself into, rather than jumping in feet first and possibly finding yourself in over your head, wondering "what was I thinking," and having to re-home an animal -

And second, for being willing to rescue an animal in need of a home! As you are no doubt aware, taking responsibility for another life can be a major commitment! It's people like you that make BYC a community I'm happy to be a part of! Can't wait to meet the new member of your family, and see its new "digs" when you get it all squared away! I know the rabbit community here will welcome the two of you!

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

I LOVE rabbits and highly recommend you keep them in a super rabbit home outside! Great that you are adopting! Can you adopt two? They are so much happier with a buddy to cuddle. It's a long scary lonely life as a solitary prey animal.

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

Kudos to you on two counts: first, for doing the research and the homework and getting informed BEFORE getting an animal, so you know what you're getting yourself into, rather than jumping in feet first and possibly finding yourself in over your head, wondering "what was I thinking," and having to re-home an animal -

And second, for being willing to rescue an animal in need of a home! As you are no doubt aware, taking responsibility for another life can be a major commitment! It's people like you that make BYC a community I'm happy to be a part of! Can't wait to meet the new member of your family, and see its new "digs" when you get it all squared away! I know the rabbit community here will welcome the two of you!

Oh my heavens! Thank you so much for the encouragement! I am really excited to eventually welcome a little rabbit into my family and I will keep y’all updated!

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

I LOVE rabbits and highly recommend you keep them in a super rabbit home outside! Great that you are adopting! Can you adopt two? They are so much happier with a buddy to cuddle. It's a long scary lonely life as a solitary prey animal.

My plan is to start with one rabbit and go from there! I just don’t want to get in over my head. But, I know that 2 is ideal so I guess that I will just play it by ear. Thank you for your kind post!

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

Also-- they take to litter pans really well, as was already stated--you just have to use a litter that won't hurt them. So you can bring them inside daily for visits! They love to dig and much like we are happy when our chickens are happy scratching away... I believe you'll find you're happy when you see your bunnies burrowing. It does mean you have to keep their fenced-in run safe and check holes often! Getting to dig is part of who they are. Chewing is also part of who they are. They need lots of things to chew. Both digging and chewing will naturally keep their nails and teeth filed down...otherwise be prepared to trim both. They are a very vulnerable pet and need your daily care and consideration...so I think that's what the youtube videos were trying to impart. They need pet guardians who are actively involved. If you are researching on youtube and posting on this website... you seem like a spectacular candidate!!

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

Also-- they take to litter pans really well, as was already stated--you just have to use a litter that won't hurt them. So you can bring them inside daily for visits! They love to dig and much like we are happy when our chickens are happy scratching away... I believe you'll find you're happy when you see your bunnies burrowing. It does mean you have to keep their fenced-in run safe and check holes often! Getting to dig is part of who they are. Chewing is also part of who they are. They need lots of things to chew. Both digging and chewing will naturally keep their nails and teeth filed down...otherwise be prepared to trim both. They are a very vulnerable pet and need your daily care and consideration...so I think that's what the youtube videos where trying to impart. They need pet guardians who are actively involved. If you are researching on youtube and posting on this website... you seem like a spectacular candidate!!

Thank you! I really appreciate your suggestions!

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

I’m actually a 4H rabbit club leader and in the process of opening a nonprofit rabbit sanctuary/shelter, so here’s my input:

I absolutely agree that rabbits should not be kept outside 24/7, as these are domesticated pets. Also they are exposed to diseases spread by wild animals and insects.

I personally believe that rabbits can be more work than cats or dogs.

They should NOT be kept in hutches or cages as most do not have sufficient room. Please never keep a rabbit on wire, as they can easily get injured or infections.

Rabbits are incredibly intelligent and clean as long as they are given the proper things like a litter box. I find the best litter to be pine pellets, as it’s inexpensive, very absorbent, and odor neutralizing.

The best housing for a rabbit would be free roam or their own room. However a large dog pen also works really well.

Don’t use water bottles as rabbits can get dehydrated using these, just use a regular pet bowl. For feed, you should look for one that has the first ingredient of Timothy hay. And believe it or not, pellets should be the smallest portion of their diet. Most of their diet should be Timothy hay or orchard grass, don’t use Timothy hay unless it’s a baby. And the second part of their diet should be fresh greens.

I’d HIGHLY recommend getting your rabbit spayed or neutered. This prevents cancer and helps with territorial behavior. The operation can be expensive but there are many low cost clinics, and it’s definitely worth it!

I don’t know if you’ve heard of them, but Lennon the rabbit, is a really great YouTube channel that’s incredibly knowledgeable on rabbit care. I’d definitely check them out!

Rabbits are not for everyone, as most people don’t realize that they need a lot of work. There are soooo many that are abandoned, so please do adopt if you decide to get a rabbit. I’d also like to add that rabbits really are so social, intelligent, and friendly! I swear my rabbits act more like my dog!

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

My bunny lives indoors and I love it it’s a great way to bond with them and get to know them even more compared to them living outside. My bunny has half of my room for his pen until I fix up my room for him to be freely roaming the house. And yes rabbits can be litter box trained.View attachment 1981771 View attachment 1981773

That's a nice set-up

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

Thank you! I really appreciate your suggestions!

of course! And I had rabbits where it was very hot --not here in Portland. So there are lots of options for keeping them happy in heat. Iced water jugs they can lay against is one. They are really sweet pets and you're kind to consider adopting. Hoping it goes great!