New addition

Question
I am planning to get a Lionhead bunny from a breeder nearby this week, but I have a weekend RV trip coming up in a couple of weeks.  I'm concerned with the stress level caused by traveling, but I also worry about the stress of leaving it with my neighbor.  What should I do?  Also, this is the first time I've personally cared for a bunny, so the research I'm doing regarding the subject appears to contradict itself.  I plan to keep it in a 55 gallon aquarium setting and feed it some pellets from the local feed store that are high in fiber.  Should I provide a salt wheel for it?  Also, are cedar shavings a bad idea for a bedding?  If so, what is a good idea?

Answer
Dear Melissa,

I would urge you to put off getting this bunny until you are properly prepared to care for him and give him the introduction to your care that he'll need when he first arrives.

An aquarium is NOT a suitable home for a rabbit any more than it would be for a dog or cat.  A rabbit needs good ventilation, and a puppy pen is far more conducive to health and fun than an aquarium, which would be like a prison.

Cedar shavings are a BIG no no.  They produce harmful volatiles that can cause both liver changes and respiratory irriation, especially in an enclosed area.

Before you consider getting a rabbit, please read this:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/firstrabbit.html

and all the links here:

http://www.rabbit.org/care/new-bunny-index.html

A rabbit is NOT a low maintenance pet.  If you do it right, a rabbit will take a lot of time, money and attention to be happy and healthy.  Your rabbit should be a member of the family, and you'll wonder how you ever got along without one so long, once you prepare yourself properly and get to know your new pal with purpose, patience, and aforethought.

To tell you the truth, though, a lionhead is not a great "first rabbit." They are already so inbred and prone to health problems such as molar misalignment and general immune system weakness that I seem to get more health questions about Lionheads than any other type of rabbit!

I'd recommend that you do a bit more research first, and possibly *adopt* a bunny (maybe even a Lionhead or two, since a LOT of them are being dumped now...) from your local rabbit rescuer:

www.rabbit.org/chapters

The rescuer can help you with the right kind of housing, information on proper diet:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html

and all the little details that will make this addition to the family and happy and wonderful affair.

I hope this helps!

Dana