Finally ready to get a new bunny...but what breed to get?

[Rilly10]

I had a bunny who I LOVED but mysteriously passed away while I was on my honeymoon in June. She was an ADORABLE black holland lop. She was fine when I left but died while I was away. All I was told by the sitter was that her one eye turned white for a day or two and then she died. She was burried by the sitter because my vet no longer does necropsys other than animals that die at the clinic so I don't know what ever happened which killed me.

I finally feel ready to get another bunny. I was wondering if anyone could advise me on a breed. I would like a small breed that is very friendly. Also should I get a boy or a girl as a pet? I have always had girls but none have ever been particularly friendly. My Holland Lop was my favorite but even she hated to be held.

Any reccommendations on breed, sex, or a breeder in PA would be MUCH appreciated!

 

[AlaskanShepherdess]

I absolutely <3 my Holland Lop, I think it may be a breed thing. Although Oreo will sit and snuggle on my lap or next to me for HOURS.

How sweet your new bunny will be I think will depend on how the breeder raised it. Look for a breeder that LOVES the animals. You can tell by how they talk about them, how the rabbits react to them etc. And look for ones that have been handled since they were old enough. I think that really made a big difference in Oreo. But I have been able to take mean, wont let me touch them rabbits, and through some techniques I learned in a wonderful rabbit book, have that rabbit love to be pet too.

 

[Rilly10]

What was the name of the book? I would love to read it! My HL was sweet and liked to be pet and near me but not picked up. I am thinking of another HL or a Dwarf Hotot. They are soooo cute! My last one was from a pet store so I am trying to find a pet quality bunny from a show breeder this time! Thanks for the advice!

 

[CrimsonRose]

I haven't raised many small breeds... So not sure what to advise you on there... But as for sex of the rabbit... For a pet I would always go with a male! I've raised buns for years and the boys are always much more lovable and less moody... I have one boy who is like a dog... you open his cage and he sticks he head out to be petted... once you stop he keeps nudging you till you pet him some more! I had another boy who would thump and dance around for me when I opened his cage... my daughter taught him to "turn" for a treat! It was so cute... She would say turn he would circle around and come back for a few blades of grass... he would also sprawl out so you could scratch his back he would pat his back paws like a cat kneads a blanket when you pet them... I have a few lovable girls but they can still have their moods when they don't want touched... Boys have a bit more smell to them than the girls that is the only downfall if keeping them inside as a pet... but you will get way more love from the boys!

 

[ksalvagno]

Why not adopt from a rescue group? There are lots of bunnies in need of a good home. Plus the bunny will already be spayed/neutered and vet checked. Petfinder.com has lots of rabbits on it.

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

Why not adopt from a rescue group? There are lots of bunnies in need of a good home. Plus the bunny will already be spayed/neutered and vet checked. Petfinder.com has lots of rabbits on it.

Thanks Karen!! I was just thinking the same thing!!! I got my boy from the shelter I volunteered at. And low and behold he's a beautiful californian!! And one of the loves of my lives!! He hangs out like a cat in our house. He is litter trained!! I love him around!!!

There are so many to choose from...you can go and find someone who will snuggle and all! And meet them to boot first!!!

Great suggestion!! I fully agree!! So many bunnies are in shelters and it tough...cuz they dont get adopted like cats and dogs.

This is my cat Murphy and my rabbit Phineas J. Rabbit napping on the couch together!!! Highly recomend the shelter!! Good luck!!!

 

[ksalvagno]

Emmett - that is just too cute. I used to be able to let my rabbits run around. Now my dogs would kill them so I can't have any running around with us. I definitely miss that.

 

[Rilly10]

I actually was turned down by one rescue because I have 2 dogs and they do not adopt rabbits to homes with dogs. The other one I emailed about I have not heard back from yet. Other than those two I found none of the ones listed were breeds I was interested in (most are meat rabbits around here and my last bunny was a dwarf so all of the stuff I had from her would be a tad small for a huge rabbit). Also most of the bunnies were over 2 or 3 years old. I would really like a younger bunny so I can make sure it is socialized and bonded to me. My cats and dog are all resuces but they were all babies and there are a lot more of them to choose from to find the right match!

I will keep looking on petfinder but I also found a breeder of Dwarf Hotots who is getting out the breed to focus on Netherland Dwarfs so I may get a pair of her retired show bunnies!

 

[Rilly10]

Emmits Dairy...love the pic! It looks like you really lucked out with that sweetie!

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

Oh that stinks...Im sorry to hear that. But good luck on your search!!

And yes...I lucked out with Phineas J Rabbit!!! He is a sweetie!! I was volunteering and the dog warden brought him in...and he was just the sweetiest little guy ever...well he's not so little...he's 11.5 lbs. But no one ever adopts them...so I fiqure he could live out his days at the farm with us!! They usually always bring the rabbits to the santuary we have around here.

But we just love him!! He's a beautiful boy! Thanks!!