What age bunny for wifebun?

After Rory's 6 weeks is up after his neuter we will be looking for a doe for him. I actually already
am. It's distressing since you see so many that need homes. Most have been raised for other than
companion animal purposes. There are no rescues anywhere near us so we will probably be looking
at buying from a breeder. They often have 'rejects' that aren't 'perfect'.

Now to the question. Rory is 13 month's old and not all that big. I think the vet said he was a bit
over 3 lbs and a lot of that is hair! Would getting a 10 ish week old bunny be too young? I was
wondering if they would bond easier if she was young and accustomed to other bunnies being
around. Even though he isn't a cuddle bunny he is quite friendly. Quite happy to hop up and take
a chunk out of the shoe sole of a visitor. We have to keep our shoes out of reach because of this!

Thank you kindly for your response.

Bonding will be much easier with an adult bun and young buns hormons get in the way of bonding, and you will have to wait longer for neutering. Don't worry too much about size. I would recommend asking the breeder if they would mind you bringing Rory along to check out the ladies and see if he has a preference. If not I would suggest you pick a quiet but friendly doe of a breed with a longer face normal fur and uppy ears (these generally equate to fewer genetic problems so smaller vets bills). Get her spayed straight away then once she had healed you can get straight on with bonding her and Rory. Also I would look for a bun that is used to living with others as she will be more likely to accept Rory.

Is it worth asking for an ex-breeding doe? I dread to think what might become of one who is no longer of any use to the breeder, and what a fabulous second half to her life you could give her

I agree that an older spayed girl would be best

I'm not sure that I would want Rory to meet her pre-spay though, I suppose it depends on their personalities...

I think This! /\ /\ /\

Sparky wrote:Is it worth asking for an ex-breeding doe? I dread to think what might become of one who is no longer of any use to the breeder, and what a fabulous second half to her life you could give her

I agree that an older spayed girl would be best

I'm not sure that I would want Rory to meet her pre-spay though, I suppose it depends on their personalities...

I asked the vet about an older ex-breeding doe and the vet said in most instances it was not a good idea because the tendency of the majority of breeders is to breed them until they are so depleted health wise that they do not live long and also the fact that many breeders do not really socialize their breeding does other than the handling they get for vet checks. That makes no sense to me. They keep them in 2x2 foot cages! The bucks have it worse!

gentl wrote:

Sparky wrote:Is it worth asking for an ex-breeding doe? I dread to think what might become of one who is no longer of any use to the breeder, and what a fabulous second half to her life you could give her

I agree that an older spayed girl would be best

I'm not sure that I would want Rory to meet her pre-spay though, I suppose it depends on their personalities...

I asked the vet about an older ex-breeding doe and the vet said in most instances it was not a good idea because the tendency of the majority of breeders is to breed them until they are so depleted health wise that they do not live long and also the fact that many breeders do not really socialize their breeding does other than the handling they get for vet checks. That makes no sense to me. They keep them in 2x2 foot cages! The bucks have it worse!

Makes me sick. The breeders should be locked up like the rabbits!!!

How awful

I am going to stick my neck out a bit here. Rosie and Hollie were bonded with Herbie before they were spayed so I wouldn't rule out a young doe. The girls were about 5 months old at that point. However it is certainly easier and less stressful if the doe is already spayed as far as you are concerned.

Is it is possible to locate a breeder that doesn't have their does breeding more than a couple of times a year ie one that is more responsible. They may be happy to let you have an older doe. What a shame there are no rescues near you

Good luck love, I hope you find a little companion bun soon.

Hugs

JO xx