Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Bought Too Young
You know that selling rabbits too young is unethical and dangerous to the life of the bunny. You may also live in a state where it is illegal to sell rabbits under the age of 8 weeks.
But that doesn't mean that you won't run into people who have gotten a baby way too young and now need help.
I remember going to buy feed one day when I saw a woman with a baby bunny in her hand. I'd estimate that it was 4 to 5 weeks old. She saw a gorgeous, fun bunny. I saw a woman who would soon be grieving.
I just got an email from a woman who bought a bunny at the flea market that was 4 weeks old. The person who sold it said that it was fine because it was eating on its own okay. The new owner found my Precious Pet Rabbits website and realized that the bunny was too young to have been moved to a new home. So she wrote me and asked me what she should do.
Here's the advice I give people who realize all too late that they should not have purchased a baby bunny so young:
But that doesn't mean that you won't run into people who have gotten a baby way too young and now need help.
I remember going to buy feed one day when I saw a woman with a baby bunny in her hand. I'd estimate that it was 4 to 5 weeks old. She saw a gorgeous, fun bunny. I saw a woman who would soon be grieving.
I just got an email from a woman who bought a bunny at the flea market that was 4 weeks old. The person who sold it said that it was fine because it was eating on its own okay. The new owner found my Precious Pet Rabbits website and realized that the bunny was too young to have been moved to a new home. So she wrote me and asked me what she should do.
Here's the advice I give people who realize all too late that they should not have purchased a baby bunny so young:
- Put the bunny on a probiotic. I recommend Fast Track liquid dispersible for exotics, Benebac Gel, or Acid Pak 4-Way, in that order. If they can't find one, give it a small amount of plain yogurt (1 tsp.)
- Make sure the bunny has hay every day.
- Be consistent in the type of pellets that you give the bunny.
- No treats of any kind, especially vegetables.
- Take the baby to the vet if it is lethargic, has loose stool, or quits eating.
The last step is mostly a matter of assuaging guilt if the baby dies. I think that most people who have purchased bunnies too young have done so on a whim (otherwise, they would have done some research and realized that they should get an older bunny) and may not be committed enough to the bunny to pay a vet bill for it.
I hope you never have to pass on this advice. But it might make the difference to a baby bunny if you do.
Laurie
¶ 12:12 PM
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I read your blog every few days and agree with most of the things you preach. I'm sorry, not here.
I've been raising and showing rabbits for over 30 years. I raised meat breeds in the 70/80's and switched to mini rex in 1987. I wean at 4 weeks and often sell culls at 5. I've NEVER had anyone call and say their baby died from being weaned too early(only time I've had someone loose one was when it jumped out of her arms, in the early 2000's). I always give a card and beg for people to call.
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I've been raising and showing rabbits for over 30 years. I raised meat breeds in the 70/80's and switched to mini rex in 1987. I wean at 4 weeks and often sell culls at 5. I've NEVER had anyone call and say their baby died from being weaned too early(only time I've had someone loose one was when it jumped out of her arms, in the early 2000's). I always give a card and beg for people to call.
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