* ([info]kaonamai) wrote in [info]bunnyowners,
@ 2004-11-09 15:11:00
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Current mood: sad

This might be inappropriate
But I wanted to address the last post of [info]chaikai. Chai, I think i speak for everyone when i say that we are not trying to be mean or bitchy in our replies to your earlier post. I was just re-reading it and all the comments, and it made me really upset. You see, male and female unneutered rabbits cannot bond. It is just not possible. If they are neutered, they will get along great. So you can see why we are all up in arms because you will most likely now have a whole bunch of baby bunnies that you will have to care for, when you can't afford to care for 2.

Another reason why I am so upset is that i see the results of breeding and impulse rabbit-purchasing EVERYDAY. I hadn't posted this in the community, but I just rescued a bunny from a shelter and had to have his teeth removed. That procedure cost $235 + food dishes, water bottle, food + shelter fee + driving him to his new home = $350.

I just wanted to cry to think that your grandparents are going to make you put the bunnies in the shed. Do you really not understand that these bunnies can never be put together unless they are spayed and neutered? If you can't afford both, please please please spay the female. I listed a bunch of TX rabbit-savvy vets. Even if they are far away, it is worth it to see a rabbit vet.

Please please do the right thing here.


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[info]littlehounddog
2004-11-09 12:48 pm UTC (link)
Thanks for summing up our thoughts, [info]kaonamai. I think this post is quite appropriate.

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[info]kaonamai
2004-11-09 12:52 pm UTC (link)
thank you. :)

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[info]poisonheadache
2004-11-09 12:51 pm UTC (link)
I also see the effects of over-breeding and impulse rabbit buying and I own a rabbit that was a product of both. I don't have anything else to add, but I think what you've said is great :-)

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[info]kaonamai
2004-11-09 12:53 pm UTC (link)
thank you. i just wish there was some way to better educate people as to the effects of breeding.

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[info]poisonheadache
2004-11-09 02:00 pm UTC (link)
Yes me too. It's really hard when you see the mistreated and unwanted rabbits that come out of it :-(
I tried to commment in your diary, as I wanted to friend you but it wouldn't let me. I always like to meet new bunny owners, especially those that like the Amalfi Coast!

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[info]geezluweez
2004-11-09 02:13 pm UTC (link)
i just have a question for you, leighc... why is it better to spay the female then neuter the male if you have to choose one? I only have a male and don't plan on getting a female, but I was just wondering. I was under the impression that males behaved the worst as a result of not being neutered, such as spraying etc. Is it because females are more likely to develop cancer earlier?

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[info]fridgedicebunny
2004-11-09 02:18 pm UTC (link)
Female's life expectancies increases by around 5 years. That's the main thing... They can be subject to all kinds of cancer when they're not spayed.

Both will spray if they're not altered. Maybe the males a little more the females will still do it.

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[info]geezluweez
2004-11-09 02:21 pm UTC (link)
ah, thanks. all I know is I have a male who is getting neutered in 2 weeks and I can not WAIT.

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[info]kaonamai
2004-11-09 05:38 pm UTC (link)
yes, thank you

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[info]stars_that_fall
2004-11-09 06:52 pm UTC (link)
plus the female can go through the whole false pregnacy thing.. where they think they are pregnant but aren't... I'm not really sure what really happens..

maybe someone can embellish for me?

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[info]mixmastermolly
2004-12-07 02:14 pm UTC (link)
Besides the life thing (I know I'm late on posting to all of this) I read somewhere the female can still get pregnant even though the male is fixed because it takes awhile for everything to get out of his system. But if the female doesn't have the reproductive organ then she can't get pregnant even if he hasn't gotten it all out of his system yet.

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[info]chaikai
2004-11-09 03:03 pm UTC (link)
Heh, I actually left my entry after my last post and I haven't went back to read anymore of the comments. I don't plan on reading them, only because I think I've said all that I need to say, and have heard all I need to hear. Or read all I need to read, whichever you prefer. o__o;; If anything, I have learned a most valuable lesson from that entry.

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[info]blackthorn45
2004-11-09 03:06 pm UTC (link)
Yeah, there's a real solution. Ignore asked-for advice. Great job.

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[info]chaikai
2004-11-09 03:13 pm UTC (link)
I'm extremely satisfied with the advice I was given during the time I was posting there. Now that I have a new opinion, a new way to think about it, it was well worth the entry, I think. I've also talked to some other people, for their opinions, to kind of grasp what everyone thinks. Now I can decide the best method to use, which I think is keeping them apart and giving them seperate time to excersize, and they can at least touch noses through the cage until they are more familiar with each other's scent.

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[info]chaikai
2004-11-09 03:39 pm UTC (link)
Perhaps they wont. Perhaps all my efforts are in vain.

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[info]blackthorn45
2004-11-09 03:11 pm UTC (link)
And considering a lot of people took the time to post their responses to you, many with the intention of HELPING you, it really is rather rude to ignore what they have to say. But, whatever.

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[info]tonapah
2004-11-09 04:57 pm UTC (link)
What, exactly, is the lesson you learned? I'm dying to know. It doesn't seem to have been "for God's sake, fix the rabbits!" which is the main message I gleaned from those postings.

Oh, and if you'd gotten your bunnies from a shelter instead of from an irresponsible backyard breeder or pet store, they would have been fixed before you took them home. Perhaps you can take this into consideration next time, though hopefully next time won't be for many years.

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[info]glittergeek
2004-11-09 04:08 pm UTC (link)
A cheaper option is to get in touch with a humane society--they often have a veterinarian on site 1-3 days a week who might b ewilling to help out with the financial aspect of a spay/neuter!

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[info]chaikai
2004-11-09 04:18 pm UTC (link)
I asked one of my teachers today (She owns 6 rabbits, all the males are altered) about the cost and she said all hers were discounted, but only because she adopted the rabbits and they GAVE her the discount for adopting. I wish they would give discounts like that to the open public, because the costs of those operations are ridiculous. I could take my baby to the doctor and not have to pay the amount vets are charging.

Now if someone cares about it enough to donate the money...haha. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if someone did. You guys really seem to care about my bunnies well being, and I really appreciate that. I really didn't expect ayone to reply or care at all. I like being in a community with people that love bunnies enough to feel concern about ALL bunnies and not just their own.

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[info]kaonamai
2004-11-09 05:40 pm UTC (link)
i think we all really do care.
have you visited www.rabbit.org? they have really good info.

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Yeah
[info]chaikai
2004-11-09 06:21 pm UTC (link)
That's definately a great website. A lot of their information is priceless, rules to live by, you know? In fact, nearly every time I'm talking to another bunny person this site comes in to the conversation. I must admit, I don't follow their reccomended diet for bunnies, but Kairi's always been quite healthy anyway.

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[info]stars_that_fall
2004-11-09 06:57 pm UTC (link)
"I could take my baby to the doctor and not have to pay the amount vets are charging."


you have a child?

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So?
[info]chaikai
2004-11-09 07:07 pm UTC (link)
Well, lots of people have kids...I was just using mine as an example. Her doctor visit would cost less than altering a bunny, even if she was prescribed medication. (I guess I use her as an example because she's been sick this week, so it's been on my mind).

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Re: So?
[info]dandylionkats
2004-11-09 08:23 pm UTC (link)
Have you gone to the doctor recently? Doctors are FAR more expensive than vets! Seriously! Most vets aren't rich- contrary to popular belief... and if they were in it for the money- they would be going into human medicine (it's easier to get into med school than vet school).

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Re: So?
[info]stars_that_fall
2004-11-09 09:45 pm UTC (link)
I was just asking. And yes alot of people have kids. Also, insurance helps with medical bills for humans. But vet bills.. not really..

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Re: So?
[info]ex_icepriest846
2004-11-10 10:06 am UTC (link)
Well... there is animal insurance too. I know a few people who have it.

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Re: So?
[info]kaonamai
2004-11-10 05:41 am UTC (link)
you are 16 and have a child AND live with your grandparents AND just bought another rabbit AND are broke?

i think you have your priorities a little messed up. you should have never bought another rabbit if you are having monetary problems and you have a baby.

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Re: So?
[info]chaikai
2004-11-10 01:51 pm UTC (link)
I'm not 16. The baby lives with her daddy, not me, and he is taking good care of her, without any financial help from me (but he's a lot older then me, out of High School, has a job, etc, unlike me, so I'm okay with that arrangement). Also, despite the fact there's nothing wrong with living with grandparents, I have plans to move out soon, with my boyfriend, who has no problem with me having rabbits and keeping them where I see fit to keep them. But, to legally be able to move out, I need to be at least 18, so I have a few months to wait. And yes, I did just buy another rabbit. His name is Riku. ^^;; Pictures coming!

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[info]lorraineb
2004-11-09 07:03 pm UTC (link)
Have you heard of an organization called "Friends Of Animals"? They sell VERY low cost certificates to cover the costs of spaying/neutering cats and dogs and many vets accept the certificates. The prices for the dog and cat neuter/spay certificates are EXTREMELY low compared to the regular cost of the surgery. They don't officially list that they have certificates available for rabbits, but it's worth asking. Some vets may even be willing to accept the "dog neuter" certificate for neutering a rabbit. Check out their website: http://friendsofanimals.org/programs/spay-neuter/index.html
Or call them to find out if they offer any kind of spay/neuter assistance for rabbits: 1-800-321-PETS

Also, try to find out if your state has an ASPCA chapter. In MA, the MSPCA offers a spay/neuter assistance program called SNAP. There might be something similar in your area.

Another option could be that if there is a Vet school at a university in your area, they might do the surgery at a very low cost or even free...I know they do at Tufts vet school here in MA.

In any case, please please please spay and neuter your bunnies. There are low cost options out there.

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[info]ex_icepriest846
2004-11-10 10:03 am UTC (link)
Many shelters (all of my local ones now do it) have a special at some point of the year where they will give those discounts to anyone who really needs to get their pet fixed.

By contacting the shelter, you could see if they have that option there.

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[info]whenmostiwink
2004-11-09 07:16 pm UTC (link)
yup.
I long ago made the discovery that if you don't like drama, livejournal is not the place for you. It's inevitable, no matter what community you join.

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[info]dandylionkats
2004-11-09 08:23 pm UTC (link)
very true... = p

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[info]ex_icepriest846
2004-11-10 10:10 am UTC (link)
eh, I'd say there's no place without drama in the internet at large. Too many people with too few inhibitions. ;)

(hehe, LJ just went looney on me. ;) sorry if you get sent multiple, nonsensicle replies ;))

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[info]jnlldxn
2004-11-09 10:24 pm UTC (link)
Those rabbits are just gonna get sick from not being used to the outdoors, and outside immediately. She could put them outside in a well made hutch for a few hours a day just to see how they would do. Lets just hope that shed is well lit. And they have seperate cages.

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[info]jnlldxn
2004-11-09 10:25 pm UTC (link)
Meant thrown outside immedaitley.

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[info]mvdp
2004-11-10 10:01 pm UTC (link)
Well.. I'm sorry that person won't change their mind. But if it helps you guys any.. my bunny isn't fixed and I was planning on getting him fixed eventually but then I decided I wanted to wait and sometime in the futeure breed him. I wanted to keep all the babies and the mom though and then get them all fixed.. I thought it'd be cool to have a bun family. But after reading all of this and the posts before.. I am going to save up and get him fixed as soon as I can. Then I'll adop him a mate and any other buns I can from shelters or the house rabbit society here. Thats just awful. I feel soo bad. When my husband can drive I'm and I'm healthier I'm going to do start volunteering at the rabbit place or if my doctor will let me the shelter too. It really sucks that someone would be so irrisponible and I knew there were lots of other rabbits out there but I thought if I bred mine and kept all the babies I wouldnt be making a problem but now I don't think thats true. So thank you all very much. I really love this community and am glad I found it. I love rabbits so much and its so fun hearing all your stories not mention all the helpful stuff. Thanks again. really

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[info]blackthorn45
2004-12-07 10:50 am UTC (link)
I just now saw this.. a little late, but I wanted to thank you for this comment. Too often I feel like I have no effect, that no one listens. :) You will be doing a wonderful thing by adopting more rabbits and saving them. I'm so glad that this futile argument with [info]chaikai at least had some positive effect!

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