Frequently Asked Questions

For an overview of our placement process and next steps, please see our Before You Apply page.

Availability & Finding a Rabbit

How do I know which rabbits are available?
When we have rabbits available — whether babies or older, already altered rabbits — that information is shared clearly and directly.

We do not maintain a constantly updated “available list,” nor do we post rabbits across multiple sales platforms. Availability is shared through announced updates and individual listings, and placement conversations always begin with our Placement Conversation Form rather than as a first-come listing.

Because we match thoughtfully rather than by order of inquiry, availability is always discussed in the context of fit. Families interested in placement are encouraged to review our Before You Apply. We do not hold rabbits without a confirmed placement agreement.

Do you place older rabbits as well as babies?
Yes — and in many cases, adult rabbits make the very best companions.

We regularly work with adult, already altered rabbits whose personalities are known, whose habits are established, and whose needs are clear. Some of the most successful placements we’ve made have been with adult rabbits who were an excellent fit for a specific household.

In our program, “adult” generally refers to rabbits who are past babyhood and fully mature — often young adults or established adults whose personalities and habits are already well known. These are not end-of-life placements, but rabbits in a stable stage of life who can make excellent long-term companions.
(If a rabbit is not placed by approximately four years of age, he or she becomes a permanent member of the Hot Cross Buns family.)

We work best with families who are open to focusing on temperament and long-term fit rather than age alone.

Placement Process

Do you offer phone calls during the placement process?

No. All placement conversations are handled through written communication - email. This allows for clarity, thoughtful responses, and accurate record-keeping for both parties.

Is placement first-come, first-served?
No.

Rabbits are placed based on fit, not speed. Temperament, household environment, experience level, and expectations all matter. We do not rush placements, even when there is interest.

Can we adopt more than one rabbit at the same time?
Possibly — but not automatically.

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 the prospective pair must already be spayed/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. We are happy to help families think through whether a companion makes sense and how to approach that safely and responsibly.

How do bonding/companion placements work?

For families seeking a companion for an existing rabbit, the current rabbit must attend in-person introductions.

While personality descriptions are helpful, 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 intended for outdoor hutches, sheds, or garage living.

Do you require spaying or neutering?
Yes.

Spaying and neutering dramatically reduce reproductive cancers, improve litter habits, support long-term health, and make safe bonding possible. This requirement applies to all rabbits placed through our program, whether babies or adults. (Adults will typically already be altered prior to placement.)

Why do you require spaying or neutering even if we don’t plan to breed?
The benefits of spaying/neutering are medical and behavioral, and thus are not optional.

Rabbits, particularly does, face significant health risks when left intact. Requiring spaying and neutering is part of our responsibility to the lives we bring into the world.

Practical Rabbit Questions

Are bucks or does better pets?
Neither is “better.”

Once altered, personality matters far more than sex. We encourage families to choose based on temperament and household fit rather than assumptions based upon gender.

How do you recommend bonding rabbits?
We believe in slow, careful, and intentional bonding.

Bonding requires spaying or neutering first, neutral territory, patience, and a willingness to move at the rabbits’ pace. Bonding is a process, not a guarantee, and we do not rush it or promise outcomes.

What treats can rabbits eat?
Treats should be simple, limited, and species-appropriate.

We recommend small amounts of fresh herbs and leafy greens, occasional fruit in very small portions, and unlimited high-quality hay as the foundation of the diet. Sugary, processed, seed-based, or yogurt-style treats are not appropriate for rabbits.

How do I find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian?
Not all veterinarians are trained in rabbit care.

We recommend searching for exotic-experienced or rabbit-savvy veterinarians, contacting local rabbit rescues for recommendations, and establishing veterinary care before bringing a rabbit home. We are happy to help guide families in this process.

Logistics & Boundaries

Do you ship rabbits?
No.

Do you deliver or meet partway?
No.

All placements are handled in person. This protects both rabbits and families and allows for clear communication at placement time.

Do you place rabbits as surprises or gifts?
No.

Rabbits require planning, education, and commitment. We only place rabbits with households where all decision-makers are informed and prepared.

What does the placement fee include?

Placement fees reflect age, veterinary status, and the time invested in each rabbit, including care, socialization, and — for altered rabbits — surgery and recovery.

A Final Word

We know this page sets firm boundaries — and that is intentional.

Our goal is not to place as many rabbits as possible, but to place each rabbit well. If our approach feels aligned with your values, we welcome you to review our Before You Apply page to learn more about next steps. If it doesn’t, we genuinely wish you well in finding the right path forward.