Young Bunnies for sale

[my lionheads]

I just wanted all to be aware that a lot of pet stores in the Kansas and Missouri area are selling very young bunnies. My mom and I jointly raise lionhead bunnies and recently have been contacted by people who have bought bunnies from pet store only to have them die a few weeks later. The number one reason for this is that the bunnies are to young, they are often only four or five weeks. A bunny is not even weaned until six weeks (we won't even sell them that early)! The other reason these young bunnies are dying is that the pet stores do not give adequate information about bunny diets to their new owners. Many shower their new pets with treats that are not easily digested by a baby. As a breeder I am appalled that anyone would sell an animal that is not ready to leave their mother! Any thoughts?

[velvetrabbit]

What is the legislation in your state regarding the sale of rabbits? I recall hearing from someone in New York (?) that it is illegal to sell rabbits under the age of 8 weeks. Is there any way you can find out about that?

As well, the best way to find out why this is happening is to go to the source. Go to the pet stores and ask why they are selling them too young. It could be ignorance, on their part, it could be ignorance on the part of the breeder they get the bunnies from. Once you know why it's happening, it's easier to come up with a solution. Either inform the pet stores about their errors and offer to help, or find out about the breeder and go from there.

[grlunderrainbow]

I'd actually try to find out about regulations here: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ You could question the store to see if they are aware..but you might not get very far. Some stores KNOW, but are more concerned with sales. Also, some breeders, of various species, falsify records to get babies to stores at certain times. Most places DO have regulations on how old various animals have to be to be sold.

[marmalade]

This sounds just like a pet store in my town. No only does the store sell young or sick animals, but the staff doesnt give the new rabbit owners information on care or diet. They threw me a bag of food with seeds, nuts and dyed grains, told me it was all my rabbit needed and sent me on my way. Rabbits actually do NOT need seeds, nuts, and certainly not color dye. They also need hay all of the time-- this aids them in digestion and provides them with nutrients. They do not "need" dried fruits or other sweets. These things should only be given as a treat. The store is "pet crazy" in canada and I would advise you to avoid it at all costs.

[Nikko]

This topic is really old.

[Purple-Hops]

i had fun digging up old topics!! heehee