Where will I pick up my bunny?
All bunny pick-ups are at Sheffield Park in Oldsmar. This is a safe, open, mutual place to meet.
1923 Cutty Bay Ct, Oldsmar FL 34677
The day of pick up..
Those first 24-72 hours with your new baby bunny are crucial!
How you go about handling your new bunny from the moment you get them into those first few days play a huge role in how him/her get acclimated to their new environment. Here are some of my tips for the first 72 hours:
- On the day of pick up, bring a carrier for your bunny to be placed in with some hay to chew on for the entire car ride home.
- Do not hold the bunny on the car ride home. This does not comfort him/her like you might think, but can actually cause your bunny to become more frightened. Car rides are scary enough in and of itself.
- If you have excited children, I understand it's exciting trust me I do, but try to refrain from passing the bunny around and forcibly holding the bunny.
- It is best to allow your new bunny to get acclimated to his/her new environment before you start trying to bond. In order for a bunny to bond or give/receive love he must first feel safe. Isn't that the same for us people? So why expect anything different from a baby bunny.
- Let the bunny come to you, let the bunny see you are a safe, calm person and someone trustworthy.
- Smell is huge for bunnies, so when they go to a new environment with all completely new smells everywhere it can be overwhelming. Allowing them the space to create a sense of security for themselves is imperative for the foundation of your bunny's ability to open up.
- "Bum-rushing" a new baby bunny because of your own excitement is always going to lead to a bunny who is more reserved and less likely to open up. Or will take longer for him/her to open up.
- I suggest getting down on their level and petting them rather pick them up.
- You can offer some oats out of your hands to get them used to your scent and your touch.
- I suggest "reading" your bunny's countenance to gauge their needs. Are they binkying and doing zoomies within an hour of getting home? Maybe then you can be more interactive with them. Or are they a little bit scared and not sure what to do? Maybe give them some space to comfort themselves.
- Keep in mind they are little babies and all have their own unique personalities. They are not a toy for your child to be entertained. They are a prey animal and may respond accordingly.
- One thing I know with bunnies is this- the more you try and force them to respond or act as you think they should, the more they will distance themselves from you.
Enjoy your new baby bunny I pray both of your lives together are filled with lots of love!