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The numbers game

Here’s an arithmetic problem. A female rabbit matures at three months. She bears eight to 12 rabbits per litter. Her gestation period lasts one month. This same rabbit may become impregnated the day after she’s given birth. This means she can carry six to eight litters a year. The most fertile case scenario: 12 rabbits in eight litters translate into 96 rabbits born annually. Now multiply that figure by 800 and you get 76,800 rabbits. Assuming half those 76,800 rabbits are females and only a quarter of them are spayed in time and, well, you get the idea.

It could have happened. At one point 1,600 rabbits lived at the rabbit ranch in Reno; about half were female. Had it not been for the round-the-clock efforts of all the vets, vet techs and volunteers who worked over-time squared from day one to get the situation under control, the human-to-rabbit ratio in Reno could have weighed in at 2-1. That’s the stuff of science fiction novels. Just let Stephen King play around with those figures and see what he comes up with…

But it didn’t happen. The latest stats: 1424 spay/neuter operations with 42 left to go. 110 rabbits have left the rescue ranch for new homes. There are now less than 1300 rabbits looking to adopt a companion or companion family. Our goal is to place all remaining rabbits in happy domiciles by the end of this month. Can we do it? This isn’t a math problem folks, it’s a request. Anyone interested in finding fun, humor and love with a soft, furry bunny should consider adopting 2, 3, 4 or more rabbits from the Reno ranch. (Rabbits like having other rabbits around to rough-house and cuddle with when they’re human companions aren’t available.)

Give some bunnies a home. You’ll be glad you did. And so will they.

Written by Amy Abern. Photos by Clay Myers.

Posted Jul 04 2006, 12:00 AM by debbies

Comments

Posted 4 Jul 2006 6:59 PM by zookeeper

Aren't bunnies just mathmatical wizards!! Or is it just the wonders of nature??? Placing 1300 by the end of the month is an amazing goal. I am anxiously waiting on news of when my 10-20 new buns will arrive.... so now it's 1280 to go!!!!

Posted 5 Jul 2006 4:55 PM by iamk9mom

I'm foster 2 (used to be) babies from Reno. I never realized how much fun they are! Their personalities are so cute and they both have their likes and dislikes. It is really fun with a bonded pair that can run and chase each other. I would highly recommend considering adding a couple bun-buns to any household!

Posted 7 Jul 2006 7:34 AM by blackcatsmom

I've been following the story of the Great Bunny Rescue with total amazement. That many bunnies in one spot! I want to take my hat off to all the volunteers that worked ground zero. You have my deepest respect.

Sherry~

Posted 9 Jul 2006 4:24 PM by KGannon

Wonderful to see the numbers getting smaller-best wishes and thanks to all who have adopted!

Posted 13 Jul 2006 1:37 PM by sugrfrejaz

Why does Best Freinds think they will be able to "get rid" of their rabbits faster than the other rabbit rescues in the area??? Are they adopting them to indoor living situations only???

Posted 13 Jul 2006 8:12 PM by rangerlina

Sugarfree has issues. Still. Of course Best Friends doesn't think any such thing. Your issues with Best Friends are what you are putting first, not the bunnies. They are not "getting rid" of bunnies, but finding them homes. If you have questions, call the sanctuary and stop acting like a child.

Posted 16 Jul 2006 1:19 PM by zookeeper

I can atest to the fact that Best Friends is being careful and selective with the potential homes for the bunnies. Everyone of my references were called and an inspection was done on my newly built rabbitat. And, no, the bunnies are not going only to indoor living arrangements. While that is probable the absolute ideal situation, bunnies can be properly kept and enjoyed in an outside setting. Indeed, some of these bunnies will do better staying in the groups or communities that they have been familiar with and moving to a new home together!

Posted 18 Jul 2006 6:46 PM by BrokenHeartAnimalRescue

I can only thank Best Friends for stepping up to the plate for these bunnies. You can take another 50 off the list as I am taking them. They check each person out thoroughly to make sure they meet the standards for the bunnies. I surely respect that very much. Thank you Sherry and all the others who are trying to find correct homes for the bunnies.

Posted 20 Jul 2006 9:26 AM by Alex

After keeping up with the Bunny Rescue here for the past few months, I have been tempted to get a couple myself...but I have kitties...I don't imagine cats and bunnies get along so well, do they? I have yet to hear any stories of this unlikely friendship but if anyone else has had good experiences, please let me know, I'd be interested to hear them and it may help others who are wondering if they can take a few little bunnies make their decisions. :-)

Posted 21 Jul 2006 2:27 AM by lucindobunny

Hi Alex-

Our cat gets along with all of our rabbits, except Billy, a 3 1/2 pound foster boy who LOVES to chase her! She hangs out with her favorites, and has worked out agreements with the others so that they can share space without anyone getting upset.

If you give your bunnies an exercise pen for an initial home, they can meet the cats through the pen at first. The pen will be the bunnies' territory (they are more territorial than cats) and the rest of the house will be neutral territory. Then as you gradually allow the rabbits more space to run in (with the pen as home base), you will be able to watch the interactions between the cats and rabbits (and the rabbits and your possessions- don't forget to cover your cords!) to determine how much supervision you need to give them.

So, unless your kitties are big game hunters that kill and bring home wild rabbits, go for it! Bunnies are GREAT!!