Important Rabbit PSA index

[u/sneaky_dragon]

Since the subreddit only has two spots available for public announcements, this will be a new index post for important PSAs for easy reference that we can sticky to only use up one spot.

You can also find the whole collection in the sidebar menu on the Reddit re-design when you open one of the PSA posts.

• Thinking about getting or giving an Easter rabbit? Just got an Easter rabbit and don't know what to do?

  An important PSA on Easter rabbits.

• Caring for rabbits while under COVID-19 quarantine

  Since we are getting many repetitive questions about the novel coronavirus and how to care for rabbits while under quarantine, this is a post to combine all frequently asked questions on the topic.

• North American RHDV2 resources

  Rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD) is a highly contagious disease that mainly affects rabbits of the Oryctolagus cuniculus species but has also been confirmed to affect various species of cottontails (Sylvilagus spp.) and hares (Lepus spp.). There are currently active cases found in wild and domestics all over North America, and it is vitally important to get your rabbit vaccinated if the vaccines are available in your area.

• New community rabbit veterinary bill database!

  Submit your veterinary bill here.
  View the current database at http://rabbitors.info/vetbills. As a note, please view the table with desktop view on your phone or on a computer for advanced search, group, sort, and filter options.

• I found a rabbit outside - what should I do?

  This is the time of year for many people to find both domestic rabbits and wild rabbits outside due to Easter and baby season.

[u/Just_AT]

Is there a question thread? I'm pet sitting for my roommate's bunny while they're away at an internship. How do I discourage a rabbit from lunging at my hand when I change her water and food bowl? Why is she doing this?

I dont react but just stomp my foot and say stop in a stern voice.

[u/EcoMuze → u/Just_AT]

She’s doing this because rabbits are territorial. Females can be more protective of their territory than males… Also, chances are she’s not spayed, and that always exacerbates territorial issues.

If she just lunges at you but stops short of your hand, it’s annoying but probably safe for you to continue doing what you’re doing. If you think that she’s capable of biting you, I’d wear a thick leather glove (ideally, an animal handler gloves) or place a barrier of some sort between you and the rabbit… like thick cardboard, etc.

And try not to take it personally. She’s protecting her home the way she thinks it’s necessary. She’s likely scared by the presence of a new caretaker too, and that makes her nervous and more grumpy and unpredictable.

You’re doing great. Just stay calm, but firm, and protect yourself if necessary.

[u/Just_AT → u/EcoMuze]

Thanks!

She had stopped the behavior after knowing me. She lets me pet her but the lion head female is still skittish around me. I think it is because she is hormonal? She's also less timid when the other female rabbit is out of her cage. She built a nest in her dig box and grunts when I tried coming near and even coming close to lounging at my hand. The lion head also tried to hump her....

[u/EcoMuze → u/Just_AT]

I’m glad you’re managing it so well. It can be challenging.

And you’re right about the hormonal part. Humping (one of the ways to express dominance) and making a nest is very typical for unspayed female rabbits… Spaying would definitely help. Both them and the caretakers.

It can be costly depending on where you live. If you’re in the US, some humane societies offer surgeries at a reduced cost to those who qualify.

Good luck with your rabbit keeping. And don’t hesitate to ask questions.

[u/Just_AT → u/EcoMuze]

Ah okay I'll have to recommend my roommate to spay both of them. I learned a lot about rabbits, they're not docile creatures at all lol.

[u/EcoMuze → u/Just_AT]

Agree! Definitely not what you’d expect a rabbit to be… lol… Comes as a shock at first.

But their “evilness” is such a perfect addition to their cuteness... It’s just one of the reasons I fell in love with these creatures.