Frequently Asked Quesions
We believe clear expectations are an act of kindness — for rabbits and for people.
This page answers the questions we receive most often about availability, placement, care expectations, fees, and logistics.
For the full overview of expectations and next steps, please read our Before You Apply page before submitting a Placement Form.
Availability & Finding a Rabbit
How do I know which rabbits are available?
Rabbits currently seeking families are listed on our Available Buns page. Each rabbit has an individual profile with basic details, personality notes, placement information, and the next steps for families who may be interested.
Because we place thoughtfully rather than first-come, first-served, availability is always considered in the context of fit. A rabbit being listed does not mean every home will be the right match for that rabbit.
Families interested in placement should begin by reviewing our Before You Apply page.
Do you place older rabbits as well as babies?
Yes — and in many cases, adult rabbits make wonderful companions.
Adult rabbits often have more established personalities, clearer habits, and a steadier sense of who they are. For many families, an adult rabbit may actually be a better fit than a baby.
In our program, “adult” usually refers to rabbits who are past babyhood and fully mature — often young adults or established adults whose personalities are already well known. A rabbit is an adult at 6 months of age. When spayed/neutered at 6 months and given a month or two to recuperate, these rabbits are usually ready for their new homes at 7-8 months of age. We often retire breeding rabbits from our program if they aren't suited to parenthood, so these Buns are also altered and listed for pet homes at the appropriate time. If a rabbit is not placed by approximately 6 years of age, he or she remains here as a permanent member of the Hot Cross Buns family.
We work best with families who are open to considering temperament, lifestyle, and long-term fit rather than age alone.
Can I choose a rabbit based on color or markings?
Color and markings may be part of what initially draws someone to a rabbit, but they should not be the main reason for choosing one. Temperament, confidence level, household fit, energy level, and long-term compatibility matter much more in daily life than color.
Our goal is not simply to match a family with the cutest available rabbit. Our goal is to help each rabbit go to a home where he or she is likely to feel secure, understood, and well loved.
Placement Process
Is placement first-come, first-served?
No. Rabbits are placed based on fit, not speed. Temperament, household environment, experience level, expectations, and readiness all matter.
We do not rush placements simply because there is interest.
Where should I start if I am interested in a rabbit?
Start with these pages in this order:
Thoughtful Rabbit Placement
Before You Apply
Available Buns
Placement Form
The Placement Form is the starting point for a more thoughtful conversation, but it should be submitted only after you have reviewed our expectations and feel prepared to move forward.
Do you offer phone calls during the placement process?
No. Placement conversations are handled through written communication by email. This allows for clearer communication, thoughtful responses, and accurate record-keeping for both parties.
Does submitting a Placement Form guarantee a rabbit?
No. The Placement Form helps us learn more about your home, expectations, experience level, and what kind of rabbit may be a good fit.
Submitting a form does not guarantee placement of a specific rabbit.
Do you hold rabbits?
In some situations, yes.
Once a Placement Form has been approved and a pick-up appointment has been scheduled, we may hold a rabbit for up to one week.
We do not hold rabbits casually, indefinitely, or without clear communication. Because rabbits grow and change quickly, and because placement timing affects both the rabbit and other interested families, holds are handled carefully and case by case.
There are also times when we prefer not to reserve a rabbit before an in-person meeting, especially when we are helping match an older rabbit, considering temperament fit, or introducing a rabbit as a possible bonding companion. In those situations, meeting the rabbit first may be the wiser and kinder approach.
Our goal is always the best fit for both the rabbit and the family, not simply the fastest reservation.
Do you place rabbits as surprises or gifts?
No. Rabbits require planning, education, and long-term commitment. We only place rabbits with households where the responsible decision-makers are informed, prepared, and involved.
Babies, Adults, & Multiple Rabbits
Can we adopt more than one rabbit at the same time?
Possibly, depending upon the situation.
Placing multiple rabbits together depends on the rabbits themselves, whether they are already bonded, your experience level, and your ability to safely house and manage them.
We do not place unbonded pairs casually or without careful planning. At least one rabbit in a prospective pair should already be spayed or neutered.
Do rabbits need a companion?
Rabbits are social animals, but companionship is not one-size-fits-all. Some rabbits thrive with a bonded partner. Others do well as single rabbits with consistent human interaction and daily involvement.
We are happy to help families think through whether a bonding companion makes sense as part of the placement process.
How do bonding or companion placements work?
For families seeking a companion for an existing rabbit, the resident rabbit must attend in-person introductions. Personality descriptions are helpful, but true compatibility can only be assessed through carefully supervised meetings. Rabbits often surprise us in who they choose.
Our priority is a successful, low-stress bond for both rabbits. For this reason, we do not finalize bonding placements without the resident rabbit present.
Care Expectations
Do you require indoor housing?
Yes. All Hot Cross Buns rabbits are raised indoors and are placed as indoor family companions. We do not place rabbits for outdoor hutches, sheds, barns, garage living, or primarily caged living.
Do you require spaying or neutering?
Yes. Spaying and neutering support long-term health, improve litter habits, reduce hormonally driven behaviors, and make safe bonding possible.
This requirement applies to all rabbits placed through our program, whether babies or adults. Adult rabbits are typically already altered before placement.
Why do you require spaying or neutering if we do not plan to breed?
Because the benefits are medical and behavioral, not just related to breeding. Rabbits, especially does, face serious health risks when left intact. Requiring spaying and neutering is part of our responsibility to the lives we bring into the world.
Are bucks or does better pets?
Neither is automatically better. Once altered, personality matters far more than sex. We encourage families to consider temperament and household fit rather than assumptions based on gender.
Practical Rabbit Care
What treats can rabbits eat?
Treats should be simple, limited, and species-appropriate. If treats are used, we recommend small amounts of fresh herbs or leafy greens and occasional fruit in very small portions. Sugary, processed, seed-based, or yogurt-style treats are not appropriate for rabbits. Unlimited high-quality hay should always be the foundation of the diet.
How do I find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian?
Not all veterinarians are trained in rabbit care. We recommend looking for an exotic-experienced or rabbit-savvy veterinarian before bringing a rabbit home. Local rabbit rescues may also be helpful sources for recommendations. Families should plan ahead for both routine care and urgent medical needs.
Do you provide care guidance after placement?
Yes. Every Hot Cross Buns family receives ongoing support, encouragement, and guidance throughout the life of their rabbit. Families also receive transition information to help them settle their rabbit in calmly and confidently.
Logistics & Fees
Where are you located?
Hot Cross Buns is located in Oberlin, Ohio. All placements are handled in person.
Do you ship rabbits?
No. We do not ship rabbits.
Do you deliver or meet partway?
No. All placements are handled in person here. This protects both rabbits and families and allows for clear communication at placement time.
What does the placement fee include?
Placement fees reflect age, veterinary status, and the time invested in each rabbit, including care, socialization, temperament observation, and — for altered rabbits — surgery and recovery. Current placement fees are listed on the Before You Apply page.
What comes with a Hot Cross Buns rabbit?
Every Hot Cross Buns family receives ongoing support and guidance.
To help ease the transition to its new home, each rabbit goes home with:
bunny care information
a small supply of current pellets and hay
a toy
a fleece snuggle mat
Rabbits born at Hot Cross Buns also receive an official Bunny Birth Certificate as a keepsake of their beginnings.
Families additionally receive our First 30 Days Starter Guide and Placement Day Information to support a calm and confident transition home.
A Final Word
Our goal is not to place as many rabbits as possible. Our goal is to place each rabbit well.
If our approach feels like a good fit for your home, we invite you to read Before You Apply and then complete the Placement Form when you are realistically prepared to move forward.
hcbhollands@gmail.com
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