New bunny pet

Question
I actually have a few. I bought the bunny yesterday and it is 3 months old they said. But the people can't tell if it is a boy or girl. It is also hard for me to carry the rabbit. Is it because it is unhappy? Plus it was eating a lot at Petland but not as much in my house why? It is also always kicking the bedding and covering the food. If I can't take good care of the bunny I'm going to have to give it away. Please help

Answer
Dear Monita,

You should always research an animal *before* you make the commitment to buy it!  Now that you have already bought the bunny, you owe it to this dear little creature to learn as much as you can about proper diet and care so that you can have a safe and happy life together, which should be about 10 years.  Rabbits are not like goldfish or gerbils. They are highly intelligent, social, interactive, and they need a LOT of attention, not to mention the proper care.  

For help on sexing the bunny, go here:

www.bio.miami.edu/sexing.html

For more information on proper handling, and NOT handling (which is much more important), please read:

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

and

http://www.mnhouserabbit.org/care/handling.html

For full information on proper diet (the MOST important thing of all, and not what you'd expect!):

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

Your bunny will eventually need to be spayed/neutered:

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

I'm not sure why you're upset with the bunny for engaging in normal play behavior, such as kicking his bedding and covering his food.  He's bored, and trying to entertain himself!  Rabbits are active and wonderful, and if you expect a pet who sits and looks pretty, then please consider a goldfish instead.

I hope this puts you on the right track to understanding your bunny and learning to think the way he does.  It will be well worth the trouble you take, once you have a lifelong companion who loves you.

Dana