What You Must Know about Rearing Rabbits as Pets

Just last year alone, almost four thousands pet rabbits were dumped at two of our local shelters. If people did not thoughtlessly buy rabbits in the first place, there would be few unwanted ones.

Never assume any animal is “low maintenance,” even if you read it somewhere or hear it from another pet owner. What one person considers “easy,” another may find taxing.

Rabbits need more than to sit pretty in cages. They need exercise, companionship, grooming, clean bedding, proper food and medical care.

Before you Impulsively Buy that Cute Bunny…

at the pet store, know these facts:

• Rabbits need space—perhaps not as much as a Doberman Pinscher, but they are nonetheless active creatures who require room for exercise, so keeping them huddled in small cages is cruel.
• Rabbits breed like…well, rabbits. Your children may be thrilled about their bunnies producing little bunnies, but are you ready for more than you can handle? House males and females separately, but be warned—rabbits mature fast, and even some experts have difficulty sexing young rabbits, so if your mating pair has produced a brood, the juveniles may breed among themselves before you know it!
• A balanced diet of pellets, hay and greens is essential. Leftover vegetables are not good enough.
• Rabbits need kind, daily attention from humans they have come to trust.
• Various health problems, including scabies, bloating and constipation must be treated, and vets’ services are not cheap. Follow-up and preventive care at home also take much commitment on the owner’s part.