PRE-BONDING 

Step one will discuss initial handling of each rabbit and the bonding arena.

Step one is to handle your bunnies separately on the bonding table so they get used to being there and being set up to stay in a position. Practice this and then add a fluffy toy bunny or slipper to put next to the bunny. 

Set up a kitchen table with a full doona over the entire table. This makes a non-territorial space about the size of an average playpen. 

It is very important that bunnies have more than one hay type. 

Adoption information:

Adoption of a bunny from The Rabbit Sanctuary includes:

Bunnies are:

🐰house trained

🐰microchipped

🐰parasite treated

🐰vet health checked

🐰desexed & vaccinated

🐰 lifetime return guarantee

Apply for pre-approval to adopt

www.rabbitsanctuary.com.au/adopt

🐰We recommend a diet of:

🌾2-3 hays

🌾Oxbow pellets

☘️hand cut grass

🍃fresh mint

You need an indoor set up for your new bunny:

Indoor playpen - 8 panels with gate 36” high or 77cm high

Large Litter Tray & Max’s Cat Litter

500 ml ceramic water bowl

Fabric pet tunnel

Hidey House

Hay bag (make one from a shopping bag. Cut hole in lower front)

Click here to apply for pre-approval to adopt

Direct Link: 

www.rabbitsanctuary.com.au/adopt

Renting? Read about renting with a pet rabbit. 

Introduction

Whether you're a responsible pet owner or a bunny-hoarding softy, it's important to make sure your rabbit is taken care of. That means giving them food and water and keeping them warm (and dry). But there are also some costs associated with owning an older pet that may surprise you--especially if it's a bunny! We're here to help explain some potential costs related to rabbits that are growing old. 

Vet Bills

It's important to remember that your rabbit will not be getting sickly in old age if it's a healthy bunny. However, there are some instances where vet bills are necessary:

• If your rabbit is sick or injured and has been taken to the vet;

• If your rabbit has some sort of disease or injury that requires medical attention from a professional;

• To keep track of vaccinations that have been given in the past.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. It can be caused by injury or disease, but it’s common in older bunnies. If you have arthritis, your vet may recommend pain medications to help reduce your bunny's discomfort. Soft flooring can also assist. 

Dental Care

Bunny teeth are especially susceptible to the effects of old age. Badly worn down by all of their chewing, they can be prone to infection and bleeding. To prevent this from happening, you should provide fresh fruit branches such as apple branches or other similar types of woody foods that rabbits love as well as a variety of top quality hays (grasses). These will help grind down their teeth and prevent them from becoming even more damaged over time!

Senior bunnies require good care.

These are the most common reasons why seniors need more care than younger rabbits. They're also more likely to have health problems and require special food, exercise, and vet visits.

• Senior bunnies require more attention and constant attention because they’re older. If a senior bunny gets lonely or bored while you’re away from the house, he could become depressed. He could get into mischief (or worse). So make sure you always keep an eye on him!

• Seniors need special foods because their digestive systems aren't as efficient as younger rabbits'. This can lead to tummy troubles like diarrhea or constipation so it's important that your pet has access at all times for fresh hay or pellets—even if he doesn't want them! Oxbow is bringing out a senior rabbit formula pellet and Burgess are also offering one. 

• The Rabbit Sanctuary sells a top grade 6 Hay Mix to keep gut and teeth healthy www.rabbitsanctuary.com.au/shop

Conclusion

The above list is a good starting point for determining how much your bunny will cost you over the years. If you have any questions about what is best for your senior animal, please contact us at www.rabbitsanctuary.com.au

Have you ever seen or thought about the seeds on your rabbit’s hay? 

Watch a short video showing The Rabbit Doctors performing a rabbit eye tear duct flushing procedure.