Baby rabbit vs adult rabbit - Paw Talk

Fizz · #1 01-07-2009, 05:07 PM

I own a 2 year old rabbit and I adopted him when he was a little over a year - and he was already nuetered and litter trained, ect. I've been looking for a companion for him and there is a litter at a local shelter that I'm considering adopting from. The thing is these bunnies are only 2 months old. So I'm wondering if there is a huge difference between adopting a baby rabbit and adopting an older rabbit and what I would need to know.

I'm not sure yet if she will be spayed before adoption - I'm waiting on more information.

ChelMwahh · #2 01-07-2009, 07:31 PM

Well if she is spayed it really doesn't matter in rabbit ages. It is a good idea, if the shelter lets you, to take your rabbit in and meet the rabbit you are thinking about adopting. That way you can tell if they are a good match or not.

kathydip · #3 01-07-2009, 08:54 PM

We adopted two bunnies at the same time that were 3 months old. They needed to be spayed and neutered - which can be pricey. They did litter train rather easily although it took until after they were spayed and neutered for about a month or so for them to really perfect it.
We also adopted an older bun from the SPCA and we have an older bun that was found as a stray. They were both intact when they came to us and we had both spayed and neutered. Again I thought they took to the litter quickly.
However, I felt that the older buns were calmer and more cuddley than the ones that we adopted as babies. I do think that is partially my fault. I didn't have any real bunny experience when we adopted the babies. Plus they bonded to each other and not us - but you already have a bunny that is bonded to you that can show the baby how wonderful you are.
I don't see why you shouldn't adopt a baby just note that spaying or neutering a bunny can be pricey in some areas - but if your baby is at a shelter that deals primarily with cats and dogs and does not have a lot of experience with operating on buns you may not want them to do it. You may want to find a good bunner vet.
Good luck!

marmalade · #4 01-28-2009, 06:24 PM

I'm not too sure, but might you be able to foster and see how it works out? We're able to do that here.

Jennicat · #5 01-29-2009, 06:12 AM

If it's a baby and has not been spayed, you can't be sure of the bond. Once hormones kick in, they may fight, and one she's spayed, she may not want to rebond.

cleoUK · #6 01-29-2009, 01:46 PM

Fostering sounds like a good idea.

Luckybunny · #7 01-30-2009, 11:15 AM

Lucky was 3 when we got Molly as a baby. He seemed rather annoyed by her level of activity...but once she was spayed she calmed down so much that they are quite happy together....except when she humps him all the time. That is the only time they seem to be annoyed with each other. They mostly just snuggle now. I don't know...babies are always so cute that they are hard to resist but you can't guarantee their temperment and trainability as they grow...but with an older one you can probably tell their disposition before bringing them home. Good luck.