Frequently Asked Questions
ADOPTION | HOUSING | NUTRITION
ADOPTION
What is the adoption process?
To adopt you must fill out an application. Provide photos of the room a bunny will call their home base, the veterinary office you work with, and a non related reference. We will do a public background check on the applicant, verify the address and owner of the property and residents. The process if the bunny is spayed/neutered already will take approximately a week depending on how quick you provide supplemental materials.
Why do we need photos?
The photos allow us to point out hazards or bunny proofing to complete before bringing a bunny home. When Covid happened we switched from home visits to photos and have kept the change that way.
Why do you need our veterinary office info?
We ask for your veterinary office because rabbits require an exotic-experienced vet. If you don’t have a proper veterinarian we will provide a list as a resource to find one.
Why do I need a reference and why can’t they be related to me?
We reach out to a non-related reference to verify the environment you have presented to us is what others you are close with also see. Your family loves you unconditionally and are too close to be objective.
Why is there a public background check?
We do a public background check to make sure you haven’t been arrested for a crime against or with animals.
Why do you check my address?
We verify your address and the property owner to make sure it’s not a dummy address, and if you aren’t the owner you must provide confirmation that you are allowed to have a pet on the premises.
How much does it cost to adopt?
We do not have set fees. We believe you know your budget best. We look at donations quarterly and can tell you the average donation for the past quarter so you get an idea of what others are doing and what is common. For example, in the 3rd quarter a single spayed/neutered bun averaged $125 while a pair was $152. The numbers change by the quarter.
Why don’t you adopt all year?
We don’t adopt two weeks before or after any major gift-giving holidays. We believe pets aren’t presents, they are a family decision. We want everyone to be involved and on the same page with the pet they want to take home. Having a rescue that deals with an animal attached to a holiday holds an extra sense of responsibility so that the animal is placed in a forever home and wasn’t a spontaneous idea during that holiday.
I’m not 18, can I adopt?
A parent or legal guardian would have to sign the adoption paperwork and would be the legal owner. A minor can not participate in a legal contract. At 18 you are an adult and can legally sign contracts.
HOUSING
Can they live outside?
In this climate, no not really. The optimum temperature for a bunny is 65-70 degrees. Our seasons in the northeast do not allow for that consistent temperature.
What size cage should we get?
A bunny should be in a space that is 12 sq ft minimum. A cage or hutch doesn’t fit this criteria; an xpen is a better and more economical choice. A cage is a good choice for a medical need if your bunny needs to be in a confined space for health and safety reasons temporarily.
What do we need to buy?
Buy the following:
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An xpen (example)
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Floor protection for the xpen
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2-3 bowls for pellets, salad, and water
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A cat-sized litter pan
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Litter; either paper, aspen, kiln-dried shavings or horse pellets.
They all work well. Our bunnies mostly use kiln-dried shavings. -
Toys to chew
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A tunnel or hidey house
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A fleece blanket. Nothing with a thread count.
NUTRITION
What is their diet made of?
Rabbits have a diet made up of 80% hay, and the rest consisting of greens, pellets (hay), fruits and occasional treats.
What do they eat?
They should have hay and water available all the time. The amount of pellets should be based on weight. Give 1-2 cups of greens a day with other veggies.
What shouldn’t they eat?
Potatoes, peas, green beans, anything in the onion family, or small seeds. They should never have crackers, cereal, or dairy including yogurt drop treats.
What’s a cruciferous vegetable?
Cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower. Bunnies should have these minimally as they can cause bloat. One small piece.
What can I give as treats?
They can have a piece of carrot, banana or banana chip, raisin, apple slice, blueberry, or strawberry are among their favorite treats. Sugar should be kept to a minimum as it causes weight gain and diarrhea. They are vegan and can’t process dairy, corn and certain grains well. DO NOT GIVE crackers or cereal that humans eat. DO NOT GIVE yogurt drops or treats with seeds from the store. They don’t process seeds well.
Can they have herbs?
Yes! Toss them with your greens. They tend to like basil, oregano, cilantro, parsley, lavender and dill.
What kind of pellets should I buy?
You should buy a 16% plain protein pellet. The protein is what maintains your bunnies weight, causes them to gain or lose. 16% is a maintenance protein to keep them at their current weight.
Is one brand better than another?
The nutritional label is more important than the brand name. Look for a quality product and read the ingredients and percentages.
When should I feed them?
Naturally dawn and dusk are the times of day they forage for food so giving them a diet where they are fed in the morning and then in the evening is best.