I'm going to adopt a lionhead rabbit and?

Question

I was reading somewhere that adopted lionheads have a great chance of dying earlier because of genetic problems, more than other bunnies. She just seems so sweet and adorable, and I fell in love with her at the shelter. I'm still planning on adopting her, she needs a home no matter what could be wrong with her, I just wanted to know everything ahead of time. Also, if anyone has ANY other tips for bunnies or anything I'd love it!

Answer 1

I don't think it's just adopted lionheads, it's any lionheads- so from pet stores and breeders and shelters too.

This may be because, like most breeds of dogs, lionhead rabbits are fairly inbreed to get the right sort of look- the mane rather than just weird looking hair, the right length ears etc. etc.

To be honest, like with most breeds of animals, crosses/mutts are most likely to be the most healthy as they're not so inbreed and rarely have such speicfic problems such as ingrowing teeth, allergies, etc.

HOWEVER, this rabbit could be a cross. I work in a pet shop, and we have a lot of mixes fall through the door from the breeder- we rarely get a full breed, so chances are your lionhead is an unwanted cross from a pet store, as opposed to an unwanted pure breed from a specialist breeder.

Answer 2

If they have a better chance at dying, that means at birth. If she is alive now, shes good.

But as of tips, I would feed her HAY. not pellets. Pellets are candenced hay, and can be very bay for the bunny. Hay is a lot heathier, and they like it better.  

Answer 3

i have 3 rabbits and i had no idea on how to take care of them and i dont want you to do the same....so here's a few tips :)

1.NEVER put 2 of the same gender in the same cage.this will lead to fighting and can be a problem.

2.clean out their cage twice a day.no worms will be in your bunny's cage if you do this.

3.take your bunny out to play with at least once a day for 30min-to an hour.this will make your bunny feel like she/he is loved.

4.if your bunny ever has diahrreha then change the bedding completley,change food and water,offer LOTS of grass,offer lettuce.

5.NEVER pick your bunny up by the stomach.bunnys can get very sick very easily.

6.dont pick them up to much.this will lead to scratches on your arms because they feel if there is ever something around to eat them they can just quickley run away.they dont like being the world's dinner.

7.dont ever give them baths.they cant get wet because they can get sick and they clean themselves off.

                                                             hope i helped ^.^

Answer 4

Kudos to you for adopting!!!

Here is a great site with information on taking care of rabbits: http://www.sandiegorabbits.org/

Answer 5

Make sure u dont get another bunny of the opposite s*x, this happened to me we had baby bunnies running wild !!

Answer 6

Hey

Good on you for adopting her! There is a chance that she could die early but that's not 100% chance. Just make sure you don't breed her, that's the worst thing you could do.

Visit my site

www.irishrabbitcare.webs.com

I have lots of info there even though it's not quite finished!

Answer 7

I have a bunny who is half lionhead. He is a sweetheart too. I would definately say adopt her. All rabbits can have health problems or not. I don't think her chances would be worse than any other rabbit as long as she is well taken care of, which i'm sure you would do. I have had rabbits for 5 years. They are so sweet and the best pets ever. Mine are litter box trained and only stay in their cage at night when they sleep. I have two little boys that are best friends. Let me know of ANY questions you might have. I'd recommend this site http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html to make sure you are feeding her right. I've had it suggested by 3 different vets. Also you can never go wrong with www.rabbit.org Good luck with your new baby!

Answer 8

No that isn't true. My lionhead, Spot, is 5. Don't worry, give it lots of love