Does the Easter Bunny Live at Your House?

Because of the Easter holiday, pet rabbits are a hot commodity at pet stores around the country.  Just like I have said before, selecting a pet is something that is very important - and purchasing a rabbit isn’t any different!  This post today will go over some basics about rabbit care and I will point out breeds you should consider for different living and family situations.  I hope you enjoy this post and happy Easter!

Let’s get started with the basics about rabbit care and things people don’t take into consideration before they purchase a rabbit.  I have to admit, even I had some misconceptions about rabbits and it wasn’t until I started reading about them and learning that I realized how dedicated you have to be to own a rabbit.  Most people may have the same opinion as what I first did, but I am here to tell you that owning a rabbit takes hard work, patience, and knowledge.

First and foremost, you need to worry about exercising your rabbit.  I know it may seem silly, but rabbits do still need it and you need to make sure your rabbit has enough room in her cage or hutch to exercise.  Do not buy a cage or hutch that is too small - this will be uncomfortable for your rabbit and will also cause stress.

If you plan on keeping your rabbit indoors, there are hidden dangers you need to protect her from.  This includes exposed electrical cords, which the rabbit can chew on and could cause electrocution.  Contrary to what I thought, rabbits can be great indoor pets.  You can teach them tricks, socialize them with people, and even teach them to use a litter box!

You may think that rabbits do not make any noise, but they do in fact grunt, purr, and honk to show their happiness.  Growling, and thumping with her hind feet are signs of anger and should be paid attention to.  Rabbits are also capable of manipulating the environment to make sounds.  This could include ringing a bell with her nose to indicate she is hungry.  Rabbits are a lot smarter than you think and I was very surprised to learn about all the things they are capable of!

Because rabbits are prey animals they will mask their discomfort or illness so rabbit owners need to know their pets very well.  Being able to tell when you rabbit is sick could save her life.  Upset digestion can kill a rabbit within a few days - so you can see how knowing the routines and behaviors of your rabbit could come in handy!  You can prevent digestion problems by making sure your rabbit has a good balance of water, food (hay pellets, fresh vegetables), and exercise.  Treatments for hairballs have also been very helpful to rabbit owners.

Another thing you should do before you purchase a rabbit is make sure you have a close veterinarian who can treat her.  You shouldn’t wait until the last minute to find a vet, and although rabbits do not need vaccination shots, they still need regular check-ups and could possibly need emergency care.

So what if you have a family with small children?  What breed should you get?  Should you even get a rabbit?  It is perfectly acceptable to get a rabbit for small children, there are just some things you want to keep in mind and breeds you need to be aware of before you purchase.  The Tan rabbit breed is incredibly hyper and will need a lot of exercise - if you don’t think you can live up to this commitment, steer clear of this breed.  The Lop is the breed I recommend if you have small children.  They are generally easy going and since they weigh a whopping 18 pounds, they are very difficult for children to pick up.  If children are not picking the rabbit up, the risk for injury to the child (from the rabbit scratching), and to the rabbit (from being dropped) does not exist.

Just remember you need to put effort into selecting a pet no matter what kind you choose.  It is a very important decision, and sadly not enough people take it seriously.  In the weeks following Easter shelters will see a huge rise in rabbits being dropped off.  If you are thinking about getting a rabbit, consider asking your local shelter if they have any available - you will save money, and you will be saving a life!  It is one of the best feelings to be able to give an animal a second chance at life, and the bonds between adopted animals and their owners is very unique!  I hope you enjoyed this post!

Thanks for reading!  As always your participation in comments and discussions are encouraged and greatly appreciated!!