Rabbit help...I don't know what to do?

Question

I got a rabbit off of Craigslist last week and the rabbits cage was a mess and very un-kept. (Tons of p**p)When I got home I wanted to change his bedding (she had wood chip for bedding) and clean his cage but he won’t let me touch him so I can’t take him out. It’s been a week and there is a very bad odor and lots and lots of p**p. I tried calling the women I purchase the rabbit from and she does not answer or return my calls. I have no idea what to do. I was thinking of driving back to her house and giving him back.

I got him from a town called Hadley in MA

Answer 1

Clean his cage. s***w him if he won't let you touch him. Is he trying to bite you? Rabbits don't like to be picked up, but too bad. If he's not tying to bite you,  then just pick him up with an old towel, and wrap him in it. He'll feel a little more secure. And he won't try to kick. Hold his back feet when picking him up. He can break his back if he tries to struggle. Holding his feet will prevent him from hurting himself.

He's probably not used to you yet or the owner may have neglected him and he just doesn't trust anyone now. I have a boy rabbit and their urine smells stronger than the females. You don't want him to get an infection from it. My last rabbit had something like a rash on her feet  b/c of the urine. It made her very sick. BWT the pine wood is not good for them. Try the paper litter instead of the wood chips.

Answer 2

Don't give the rabbit back. The person was a bad bunny owner and shouldn't get that oppertunity. Open the cage door and let the rabbit come out on its own. Then once the bunny is out and running around, thats when you clean the cage. The rabbit is scared thats why it is acting the way it is. It doesn't trust you yet so it doesn't want to come out. If you use wood chippings for bedding then use only aspen. Pine and cedar are deadly to rabbits. Give the rabbit treats that are healthy for him, and toys that he could toss. Fresh hay, pellets, and water. Your new bunny might be cage aggressive. So always let the bunny come out on its own terms. Never go into the cage to grab it.

And bunnies bite! Thats what they do. All rabbits do it. its not unnatural. If you can't handle that fact then you weren't ready for a rabbit just yet. "s***w it" doesn't cut it though. How can some one say "s***w the d**n thing its just a  rabbit!" You can tell that there is a lot of compassion in that person.

Answer 3

Welcome to the fun of buying animals on Craig's List.  Many of the animals that people are finding homes for are selling the problems (or giving them away) along with the animal.  Don't expect her to answer your call - she's most likely happy to be rid of it.    

He definitely needs a cage cleaning and it sounds like his previous owner didn't clean or handle him the way he should've been cared for.  A rabbit who hasn't been handled can be very scared, and may even scratch or bite (which REALLY hurts).  

You're going to need to work on getting him calm but don't risk hurting yourself, either.  Move slowly, talk in a low, calm voice and try wrapping him in a towel to remove him from the cage.  Wear gloves and long sleeves if you need to so you don't get scratched.  Put him in a small cat carrier (or even a box with ventilation) so that he feels protected while you clean the cage.  I would recommend emptying it completely and cleaning it with a mild solution of bleach and water.

If you can safely restrain him in a towel, try to check his nails, as they will probably need trimmed as well.  If he's very nervous, I'd recommend making an appointment with a vet for the first trimming.  

You're going to have to slowly start working with the rabbit to get him used to being handled.  A new home is stressful for any rabbit, moreso for one who hasn't been handled.  Offer treats and watch for certain body language - hunched back, ears back - that might indicate he is scared or threatened and might bite.

It may take some work, but you could calm him down.  If you don't have much experience with rabbits and don't feel you can handle him, you may consider giving him to a rabbit rescue instead.  Unfortunately with Craig's List, it is definitely buyer beware.  

Hope it works out for you.

Answer 4

please do not give the rabbit back to someone who clearly did not take proper care of the rabbit.  try and contact a rabbit rescue in  your area for care for this poor abused rabbit.  perhaps they can send a volunteer over to help you.

Answer 5

Okay, I know i've an swered this question before, but leave him alone for 3 days, don't touch him, just leave him and his cage alone, then put on some gloves and get him{3 Days later} put him in a box or a closet, or something, and then clean out the cage.

If he bites, I do suggest taking him to a shelter or somewhere good, because it sounds to me like this lady didn't take care of him, biting you can't usually fix, but give it a week, or two, still biting/Being a brat? Bring him to a shelte,r and leave a message for the lady who you got him from, saying you would like her to refund you money, because you couldn't take of him, because of his bad behavior.