I am very pleased to report that Ferdy, my rabbit, has made the move from
caged bunny to house rabbit. He has free run of the house having completed
his house training. No poops, no piddles other than in his litter box.
- Ferdy, short for Ferdinand, is a big bunny, bigger than most cats. He
is half French Lop (hits ears flop down and do not stand up)and half
Flemish Giant. Not yet fully grown, he is over 15 pounds. He may go to
20. Ferdy is already too big for a sling carrier. House bunnies, given
the right food and care, may live over 10 years.
Housebreaking was quick. Thanks to advice from other bunny owners, his
daily diet is a salad of veggies, no fruit. He always has Timothy hay
available. The rabbit food in pet shops and Walmart is contraindicated. So
one chore is preparing a bowl of salad to cover a few days.
He is learning a few simple games. In time, I hope to train him to come
when his name is called, but his outdoor walks will always be on
leash. Rabbits
are prey animals and many critters consider them food. Not just dogs and
foolish cats, but magpies, hawks, and other birds, are all dangers.
I had wanted a small dog but my mobility issues made that difficult. Never
had a rabbit before and had no idea they could be trained. So a local hunt
finally had this type of rabbit for sale. Not a miniature Lop or one of
the many other breeds. Unlike the large price of dogs these days, rabbits
to buy are inexpensive. The necessary equipment, cage and so much more,
puts the cost up. Rabbit food is inexpensive and as close as a grocery
store.
Ferdy is playful, very calm, loves to be petted, and bunnies have a strong
body language, just like dogs or cats.
He has played himself out by running around the house so he is resting at
the moment. His posture tells me he is a very contented bunny. He is,
like all rabbits, very fast.
Like other pets, there are all sorts of clubs for bunny owners. A couple
are very helpful or funny.
We have our evening cuddles. Just me stroking his soft fur as I read and
he wallows in comfort, sometimes napping.
He has been out of his cage for hours now. Not any problem at all. Ferdy
is a very good bunny - how lucky I am...
Willow
.
--
Willow
I learn a little every day, most of which I forget the day after...
