"I've Brought My New Bunny Home, Now What?"
Thank you for purchasing a bunny from Verity Farm and supporting our small family business. Your support helps us to bring solid Biblical material to people in third world countries.
Are you excited and nervous about your new addition? You will do just fine :) If you have not read the Taking Care of Mini Lops page, you may want to begin there and then come back to this page...that way we do not need to repeat information that we have mentioned there. We also have many other blogs that we wrote and hope they will be helpful to you as you adjust to being a new bunny parent.
Feeding your bunny:
You will want to add a little bit of transition food with the food that you purchased so your new little one gets used to your food slowly. Too much change at once can kill a bunny, so transition them over to their new food slowly. Do not give them any added treats until their poop is solid and they have fully adjusted. Bamboo sticks are okay. You can give added treats slowly after that...but it is best not to add a lot of treats until after 5 months old. Even after that, watch their poop....that is an indicator on how your bunny is feeling. If you ever sense that your bunny is not feeling well, take them off of food pellets and all treats, and give him/her only timothy hay for about three days and that usually works out digestive issues that they are having. See the Taking Care of Mini Lop page and our Keeping Rabbits Healthy pages for more information on amounts of food and digestive issues.
Each bunny is unique and different...sometimes they eat normal when they first go to their new home, and other times, it takes them a few days to adjust to eating and drinking regularly. If they are not eating and drinking right away, it is reasonable to assume that they are a little more nervous, so, doing what you can to help them have a peaceful transition is best. Play with them, but also give them a peaceful environment to transition to.
Water dishes:
Your bunny has used different types of water containers (both a bowl and a ball drip). Bunnies are also very smart, so any type of watering container is fine. Just make sure that they are drinking and the container is not clogged and/or working improperly. We also think filtered water is best.
How do I hold my bunny?:
If your bunny is on the ground, you will want to scoop them up and round them like a ball. As you are picking them up or setting them down, do it slowly, so they are not scared (this also helps prevent you from getting scratched and helps them feel safe). Always support their feet. If you keep your hands underneath their feet, they will feel more secure. As you move slowly, you will be able to move them into different positions because they feel more secure. As you hold them more and they become comfortable with their new home, they will become more laid back and snuggly.
How much time should I spend with my bunny?
Your bunny is coming to you pre-loved. Your bunny is used to getting attention every day. The first couple of days, acclimate him/her slowly. It is all about balance. Hold your little one a few short periods of time the first several days, increasing the amount of time that you hold them. As they adjust to the new smells, sounds, and surroundings, they should calm down if they are nervous. Some bunnies handle this transition better than others. After a day or two, hold your bunny often...this will help you bond with your bunny. Think about what you would want, if you were going to a new home. Your bunny is wanting love and attention in balance, but also a little space to adjust to his/her new home. If you are holding your bunny for a while and the bunny begins nibbling on your clothes, they are most likely trying to tell you that they need to go potty. Remember to move slowly and support their feet so they feel as secure as possible. For potty training information, see the Taking Care of Mini Lops page.
Spaying and Neutering:
If you are not breeding, spaying and neutering is very important to the health of your bunny, especially to females. If females are not spayed or breeding, their chance of getting cancer is very high (80%). If you are hoping to successfully potty-train your new addition, it is easier to do this if they are spayed and neutered, because males especially will sometimes try to spray or mark their territory. Generally spaying and neutering happens between 4-8 months old. Around this time, you will notice that your bunny is going through some changes because they might keep to themselves more or stomp at you. Just love them through this process...it should end once their body's have adjusted or once they are spayed/neutered; and they will return again to their lovable selves.
Toys: Please see our recommended toys page for more fun ideas :)
Each bunny is unique and has a different personality. They are all so special and sweet. Please let us know if you have any questions about your new addition. We are happy to help however we can. Thank you again! We hope that your new addition is a blessing and fit for your family.
Blessings,
Verity Farm
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