Hello guys, i don't see this forum in cheapies so thought of creating it for anybody who is thinking of adopting bunnies.
We gonna get 2 bunnies on 6th feb for my 4yo daughter. Male and female which we will get neutered/sprayed so we dont end up with millions of babies.
Hutch:
https://www.herculesstore.co.nz/rabbit-hutch-015-421
$199
I am thinking of this one as it can be kept on deck or grass and easy to scoop the poop as the trays slide out. Please advice if there are any other better or cheaper options or if this will be too small for my 2 mini lops when they grow up.
Rabbit play pen/ rabbit run:
Outside the hutch, i am thinking of creating secure rabbit run area for daytime where bunnies can spend their day and also my daughter can play with them. I saw a pet pen at warehouse but its only .6m high, i have been told bunnies will jump out of it easily.
So here is my big question, how do i create my own rabbit fenced enclosure using square weld mesh or chicken wire from bunnings? What sort of fence posts i need? Or is there any other option available? The dog pens on trademe are high but expensive $260
Food:
I understand they shd be eating 80% hay but which hay is ok? I see timothy hay is costly but meadow hay is way cheaper. Where do u guys buy it from? Im Auckland based. And what pellets do i need please? Anything else i need for initial setup or get prepared before my new pets arrive?
Good on you for seeking advice for rabbits!
They require a lot of time and attention, and hutches aren't typically enough space for them to stay in 24/7. The average recommended area for rabbits at any given time is 3mx3m.
Be careful with any housing or runs that have chicken mesh, as they can get their toes stuck and can get injuries from the metal or mesh flooring.
For outdoor fencing, check out Trade Tested. They have great prices and products and I have bought two of this exact fence myself at 99$ each.
https://www.tradetested.co.nz/p/home-outdoor-living/pet-gear…
For hay and food, meadow or timothy hay are both good options! Your local farmers store may have some higher quality hay at a cheaper price than a pet store.
For pellets, stick with good reputable brands such as Harringtons, Oxbow or Burgess. A lot of 'cheaper' brands have seeds etc which are actually quite bad for a rabbit's digestive system.
Be sure to give them fresh water in a bowl, it's a common misconception that they only need a bottle, they actually drink as much water as dogs and stay hydrated better with a bowl.
The International House Rabbit society at https://rabbit.org/ has a lot of great resources on providing good rabbit care if you are interested in further information. There are also many New Zealand based Facebook groups that offer great rabbit advice.
Good luck with your new buddies! They are wonderful pets to have with giant personalities. :-)