|
Frequently Asked Questions
A soft, simple guide to common bunny questions   All answers are written with gentleness, clarity, and Poppy-approved care. **Are Bunnies Hard to Care For?
The honest answer: both yes… and no.** Rabbits aren’t difficult in the way people think — they’re not loud, messy, or destructive by nature. But they do require a very specific kind of care, and that’s where the learning curve comes in. Bunnies are gentle, sensitive prey animals with delicate digestive systems, emotional needs, and very real routines that help them thrive. Once you understand these basics, caring for a bunny becomes peaceful, predictable, and incredibly rewarding. Here’s what every future bunny parent should know: ⸻ 🌙 They Need Daily Interaction & Out-of-Pen Time Rabbits should get 3–4 hours of safe, supervised free-roam time every day. This doesn’t mean intense play — often they simply explore, loaf, or stretch out in a sunbeam. But they need the space to move, express natural behaviors, and feel part of your home. Bunnies cannot be left in a cage or kept in garages, outside hutches, basements, or isolated areas. They’re social creatures who need connection, routine, and gentle presence. ⸻ 🌿 Their Care Is Unique — Not “Hard,” Just Different Rabbit care isn’t instinctive for most people — it has to be learned. Once you understand: • proper diet (hay, limited pellets, safe greens) • safe habitats • enrichment needs • bunny communication • bonding & handling • litter training • what not to feed or do …it becomes second nature. I strongly encourage new owners to read through my: ✨ Bunny Care Page ✨ Supply List ✨ Adoption Packet These resources walk you through everything step-by-step so nothing feels overwhelming. ⸻ ⚠️ Understanding GI Stasis Is Essential This is the number one emergency rabbits face — and it can be fatal if not caught quickly. But here’s the empowering part: most cases can be prevented or treated early if you know the signs. I teach all adopters: • what symptoms to watch for • what emergency supplies to keep on hand • what to do while contacting a rabbit-savvy vet Knowledge truly saves lives. ⸻ 💛 With Proper Care, Bunnies Are Magical Pets Once you understand their needs, bunnies are: • quiet • affectionate • expressive • playful • clean • deeply bonding • incredibly therapeutic companions They become part of your daily rhythm… and they give back more love than you expect. So are bunnies hard to care for? They’re not hard — they’re intentional. And if you’re willing to learn, they are absolutely worth every soft, sweet, celestial moment. 🌙 Will You Teach Us What They Need?
Absolutely — education is the heart of Setareh Bunnies. When you reserve your bunny, you’ll receive: ✨ A full checklist of what to buy and prepare ✨ Our curated supply page explaining what we use and why ✨ Links to trusted rabbit-care resources ✨ A printed care packet that goes home with every bunny ✨ A walkthrough at pickup to make sure you feel ready We love answering questions — it shows you’re invested. But we do expect new owners to take time to learn before arrival. 💛 Please don’t show up on pickup day with zero supplies or zero knowledge. Your bunny deserves a calm, prepared environment from the moment they arrive. After adoption, you’re never alone: 📱 You can text me anytime: 385-414-5938 📸 Instagram: @setarehbunnies 🎥 TikTok: @setareh.bunnies I share care tips, reminders, safe-food lists, enrichment ideas, setup inspiration, and gentle education daily. Setareh families aren’t just buyers — ✨ You’re part of our little galaxy of bunny lovers, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. ✨ 🌙 Can We Come Visit Before Reserving a Bunny?
For the health, safety, and biosecurity of our herd, we do not offer in-person visits prior to adoption. Our bunnies live in our home, not a public facility, and we take every precaution to keep them safe from outside illnesses, stress, and environmental exposure. Because of this, visits are only allowed on your scheduled Go-Home Day appointment once a bunny has been reserved. This helps ensure: ✨ a calm, low-stress environment for our rabbits ✨ protection from outside germs, parasites, and pathogens ✨ safe newborn and expecting mamas ✨ a predictable, gentle routine for every rabbit in our care We know how exciting choosing your dream bunny is, so to help you feel confident in your choice, we’re always happy to provide: 📸 updated photos 🎥 videos and personality clips 💬 temperament descriptions 🐰 side-by-side comparisons (if choosing between buns) Your peace of mind matters — and so does the health of our little stars. Thank you for understanding and helping us keep our Holland Lops safe, soft, and thriving. 🌙💜 ⸻ 🌙 Does My Bunny Need a Vet? (And Other Vet Topics)
Yes — 1000% yes. Your bunny absolutely needs a rabbit-knowledgeable veterinarian lined up before they come home, just like you would prepare for a dog or a cat. Rabbits are delicate, prey animals with unique medical needs, and having proper veterinary care is non-negotiable. Here’s what every new bunny parent should know: ⸻ 🩺 Find a Rabbit-Savvy Vet First (Not During an Emergency) Not all vets treat rabbits — and many general practices have very limited rabbit knowledge. Before your bunny comes home, you should: • Call local clinics and confirm they see rabbits regularly • Ask how many rabbit cases they see per week/month • Ask if they have emergency hours or partner with an ER that sees exotics • Make sure you feel comfortable with their knowledge Rabbits hide illness extremely well, and waiting too long to find a vet can cost precious time. ⸻ 🌿 Required: 7-Day Wellness Exam Per our Setareh Bunnies Adoption Agreement, we strongly recommend that you schedule a wellness check within 7 days of bringing your bunny home. This appointment: ✔ Confirms your bunny is healthy ✔ Establishes a patient record so your vet knows them ✔ Helps your vet detect subtle issues early ✔ Gives you peace of mind during the adjustment period Think of it as your bunny’s official “Welcome Home” appointment. ⸻ 💉 Do Rabbits Need Vaccines? This depends on your location and your vet — some recommend RHDV2 vaccination, others do not. Please discuss the RHDV2 vaccine with your rabbit-knowledgeable vet to determine what’s safest in your area. ⸻ ✂️ Spaying & Neutering (Highly Recommended) Fixing your bunny is essential for both health and behavior: Recommended ages: • Males: 4–6 months • Females: ~6 months • (Females have a high risk of reproductive cancers if left intact.) A rabbit-savvy vet performs these surgeries with a high success rate (around 98%) when done on healthy, age-appropriate rabbits. Benefits include: ✔ Reduced hormone-driven behaviors ✔ Better litter training ✔ Prevention of reproductive cancers ✔ Longer, healthier life ⸻ 🆘 Emergencies: Why a Vet Relationship Matters You don’t want to be calling random clinics during an emergency. When rabbits get sick, they decline fast. Having a vet who already knows you and your bunny can make the difference between life and loss. ⸻ 🌟 Need Help Finding a Vet? We’re happy to provide recommendations for bunny-experienced vets. You can also text us anytime at 385-414-5938 if you need support or have questions. ⸻ 🌙 Final Takeaway Your bunny deserves the same level of veterinary care as any other pet — maybe even more. Preparedness = protection. A trusted vet is a core part of your bunny’s long, happy, healthy life. ⸻ Should I get more than one bunny? (And what about bonding?)
Short answer: maybe. It really depends on you, your lifestyle, and your space. Some families are perfectly happy with one deeply bonded house bunny. Others… discover that bunny math is very real. 😉 Before you add a second bun, think about: • Time – Each rabbit needs daily interaction, 3–4 hours of out-of-pen time, and bonding sessions if you’re pairing them. • Space – You’ll need separate safe spaces at first (and sometimes long-term if bonding doesn’t work). • Budget – Double the food, hay, litter, vet care, and emergency fund. ⸻ Bunny Bonding 101 Rabbits are social, but that doesn’t mean every bunny is going to love every other bunny. Some pairs click easily, others never fully bond, and some will fight if pushed too fast. No matter what combo you choose, plan on: • Slow, neutral-introduction bonding (not just “toss them together and hope”) • Supervision during early sessions • Backup housing if they don’t bond or need a break ⸻ Boy + Girl Pairings A male/female pair is often one of the most successful bond types, if it’s done right. • Both bunnies must be spayed/neutered and fully healed. • They must stay separated until your vet says it’s safe to introduce. • Intact rabbits can (and will!) breed very quickly, even at young ages. Spaying/neutering helps: • Reduce hormone-driven behavior (spraying, mounting, aggression) • Lower the risk of reproductive cancers (especially in females) • Make bonding smoother and more stable long-term ⸻ Two Girls Two females can bond, but: • Hormones can make puberty a really spicy phase. • Spaying is very important — unspayed females have a high risk of reproductive cancer if left intact long-term. • You’ll need separate enclosures ready in case they decide they’re not friends. ⸻ Two Boys Two males are often the trickiest pairing: • Intact boys will almost always fight and can seriously injure each other. • Both need to be neutered and fully healed, then introduced slowly. • Even neutered, some boys are just too territorial to safely share space. That said, a neutered boy with a calm personality can be an amazing companion—many families find neutered males to be wonderful, cuddly pets. ⸻ So… do you need more than one? No. A single bunny who: • Lives indoors • Has daily interaction with their humans • Gets 3–4 hours of out-of-pen time • Has toys, foraging, and enrichment …can live a happy, deeply bonded life with you as their person. 🌙 A second bunny can be beautiful if you’re ready for: • The bonding work • The extra cost • The possibility that they may never fully bond and need separate setups If you ever want help deciding what pairing might fit your family best, or how to plan for a future bond, you’re always welcome to reach out. 💜 🌸 Do Bunnies Make Good Pets for Kids?
Short answer: yes… with the right family involvement. As a mom myself, I’ve learned that this question is never one-size-fits-all. Bunnies can be wonderful family companions — gentle, quiet, comforting, and full of personality — but they are not low-maintenance pets and should never be the sole responsibility of a child. Here’s what I tell every family: 🐰 Bunnies are delicate, emotional animals. They need: • Unlimited fresh hay • Clean water • Daily checks • Safe handling • Proper diet • Hours outside their pen each day • A calm environment Missing even a day of proper care (no hay, wrong food, dirty water, etc.) can quickly become life-threatening. Kids, even very responsible ones, can forget — and that’s normal. 💛 Kids can absolutely enjoy and love a bunny — but adults must be the primary caregivers. In my home, Charlotte (9) helps with daily bunny duties: • snuggle time • supervised play • “fluff gym” sessions • filling hay with guidance But I never expect her to manage care alone. She’s still young, learning, and growing — and bunnies are too fragile to rely on a child’s memory. 🐇 Bunnies don’t enjoy being carried around. This is a big one. Most rabbits prefer: • sitting beside you • gentle floor-level interaction • quiet affection They are prey animals, so being lifted can be scary for them. Kids who dream of carrying a bunny around like a kitten often become disappointed — and the bunny stressed. 🌿 When do bunnies thrive in homes with kids? When: • the whole family participates • adults take ultimate responsibility • kids are taught safe rabbit handling • expectations are set realistically • everyone respects bunny boundaries • the home is calm, gentle, and bunny-educated Many of our bunnies live in homes with children and are thriving — but that success is because the entire family is involved, committed, and informed. ✨ Final Thoughts Bunnies are magical additions to households with children when: • parents handle the daily care • kids are taught to interact gently • the family understands rabbit behavior • the bunny’s needs come first They teach responsibility, empathy, patience, and gentleness — but only when adults are actively guiding the experience. If you’re considering a bunny for your family, I’m always here to chat, guide, and help you decide what’s best. 💛 You can text me anytime: 385-414-5938 🌙 Are Bunnies Expensive to Care For?
In short — they can be, but it depends on your setup, routine, and how prepared you are. Bunnies aren’t “cheap” pets, and they definitely aren’t low-maintenance. They’re more similar to caring for a cat than a hamster. Here’s a soft + honest breakdown: ⸻ 🌿 Initial Setup Costs The first month is usually the most expensive because you’re gathering everything your bunny needs to thrive: • A safe x-pen or large enclosure • High-quality hay (they’ll eat a lot of it!) • Pellets + greens • Litter + litter box • Bowls (ceramic or stainless steel) • Hides, toys, and enrichment • Grooming supplies Most families spend $150–$300 getting fully set up. ⸻ 🌙 Ongoing Monthly Costs Once you’re established, bunnies average around: • $30–$60/month for hay, greens, pellets, and litter • More if you like to spoil them with toys, enrichment, or specialty items (which most people do—bunny math is real!) ⸻ ✨ Medical & Vet Care This is the part many new bunny owners don’t expect. • Rabbits need a yearly wellness exam • You should have an exotics-experienced vet before bringing your bunny home • Emergency care can be expensive, and rabbits can go downhill fast • Spays/neuters typically cost: • $150–$300 for males • $250–$500 for females (Females need to be spayed due to high risk of reproductive cancer) At Setareh Bunnies, we require that you take your bunny to the vet within 7 days of pickup for a wellness check — this protects your bunny and establishes care early. ⸻ 💛 The Real Cost: Time & Attention Bunnies need: • Daily fresh hay + greens • Clean water • Litter box upkeep • 3–4 hours of out-of-pen free roam time • Enrichment + interaction Time is a big part of bunny ownership — and the part people underestimate most. ⸻ 🌸 Are they worth it? Absolutely. Bunnies are gentle, magical, emotional little souls. They’re comforting, hilarious, expressive, and they bond deeply with their people. If you’re prepared, educated, and fully committed — the cost becomes part of the joy. Have a question that's not listed here? You're always welcome to contact us or check our Bunny Care Hub for more detailed guides. Every bunny parent starts somewhere we're here to help guide you with gentleness and confidence. |
|
|
Softly Bred, Deeply Loved |
     | Privacy Policy |