So this is another good reason to make sure you get your rabbit fixed. Bizylizy3@aol.com; (415) 459-6735. There are over 50 breeds of rabbits out there … Caring for your pet rabbit. Housing a rabbit in a child’s room or an extra bedroom, where there are sporadic bursts of activity, may actually delay the rabbit’s adjustment to normal family life. I have had rabbits for 11 years and I have done a few mistakes that cost me the life of one of my bunny and I still regreted for not taking good … British poet William Cowper kept hares in his home to help combat his severe depression, and he wrote eloquently of his love and appreciation for these creatures as companion animals. Iris Farrand, whose rabbit Lance was rescued from a meat market, sent this account to the HRS: “Perhaps the most wonderful thing about Lance is the joy he takes in social interaction. Rabbits can also be harness trained so you can bring them for walks outside. If they are kept in the family area as pets, they are more likely to get a lot of socialization. Learn Before You Leap More and more people celebrate the presence of rabbits whether it’s in China or around the world. And long-time rabbit owners claim that domestic rabbits are, in their own way, every bit as smart as cats and dogs. Joanne Hamoy, rabbit-care coordinator at Stevens-Swan Humane Society in Utica, NY, is blunt about it: “Young children and rabbits do not mix, and this fact cannot be emphasized enough.”, Children are naturally loving. Some children are calm and able to be gentle with rabbits, but many more have a tendency to pull and poke. Rabbits can make good pets and may be the ideal choice for people living in small apartments. Rabbits are a lot of responsibility for a child to take on. They don’t settle down for extended periods of time. Some rabbits will become territorial and aggressively protect their space if they have not been spayed or neutered. Choosing a Bunny Buddy Rabbits are truly awesome pets and I think more people should consider rabbits as possible companions. If you’re ready to take on the challenges of becoming a bunny caretaker, go for it! They can give a rabbit that adorable inquisitive look, like a puppy when they look confused. Opt to Adopt If you are new to caring for rabbits, check out the Bunny Lady bimonthly newsletter. After decades of being categorized as “pocket pets,” rabbits are coming into their own as companions comparable to dogs, cats and birds. If you work a regular 9-5 job during the week, your rabbit’s schedule … They don’t have a discernible body odor, and even their poop doesn’t have a strong smell. If your rabbit stops eating and moving his bowels for 12 hours or longer, seek expert care immediately. -Rabbits are Small Though rabbits come in many sizes, you can get some that are quite tiny, making them perfect for lap-pets. Their initial low cost (usually less than $20) encourages impulse purchases, especially for “occasions” such as Easter and birthdays, and their rapid reproduction rate (they can have a new litter approximately every 30 days) encourages the view that they are easily replaceable. But if you’re open to interacting with your rabbit on their level, petting them on the floor, then you and your rabbit have a much better chance at getting along. Follow the Bunny Lady and her bunny partner Elusive and they seek to educate rabbit caretakers and make sure everyone is able to have a happy and healthy bunny in their home. They Have Sensitive Stomachs. You always have to be very careful when handling a rabbit to make sure you don’t hurt them. They are also quite acceptable for commercial bunny farming business for creating meat and fur. Keeping and Caring for Rabbits as Pets. An altered rabbit is also less likely to exhibit aggressive behavioral problems. Why Does My Rabbit link to 10 Ways to Play With Your Pet Rabbit, link to How to Detect and Prevent GI Stasis in Rabbits, Rabbits are also very affectionate animals, cover them with plastic split tube wire covers. There are now approximately 5.3 million companion rabbits owned by 2.2 million households in America. As prey animals, rabbits steer clear of open spaces where they feel exposed, preferring to hug the wall and hide under furniture. Their gut can slow down, or even stop, causing a rabbit a lot of distress. They may be adorable, social bundles of joy, but these little bunnies have a knack for getting into trouble. Are rabbits smart? Rabbits have teeth that continue to grow longer (like fingernails), so they need to chew on things to keep them from overgrowing. You will need to rabbit-proof your house in a way that keeps your rabbits away from anything you don’t want them to chew on. The animal shelter where I socialize rabbits will always spay and neuter their animals before putting them up for adoption, and many other shelters have similar policies. In worst case scenarios this can be fatal for rabbits. They are adroit at getting over, under, around or through barriers intended to restrict them, and some owners seem almost proud of their rabbits’ ability to negotiate household obstacles. The ideal owner for a pet rabbit is an individual or family with the time and space to dedicate to an active pet that enjoys cuddling and playing and requires a bit of maintenance. They are among the most adorable creatures in the world. However, “loving” to a small child often means holding, cuddling and carrying an animal around—behaviors that make most rabbits feel insecure and frightened, as they would in the grasp of a predator. Your rabbit will become an integral part of your life and family. But if you don’t think you’ll be able to handle a rabbit at their worst, it might be better to wait a couple years to give yourself the chance to prepare a home for a new bunny. Sometimes pet rabbits are a little more trouble than you bargained for. If they have an unhealthy diet, rabbits run a serious risk of developing gastrointestinal complications. Additionally, consider getting at least two rabbits at a time, since they are social animals and can develop abnormal behaviors if left alone. Check out more of my recommendations for rabbit-proofing your home! The two of you can easily occupy the same space without stressing each other out. www.rabbit.org As you go through this list, take the time to consider whether or not a rabbit is the pet for you and your living situation. Rabbits have strikingly distinctive personalities. Or they will stand up on their hindlegs to beg for treats with those big bunny eyes and cute twitching nose. As with other species, however, the mixed breed often has a kind of offbeat appeal, and what breeders see as faults can add charm and distinctiveness. “Their intelligence is very different from other species” she says, “but is just as adaptive and just as elegant.” Rabbits can easily learn to respond to their names, as well as to simple words, and they learn to use litterboxes readily. For at least 1 to 2 hours a day, your rabbit will need to have access to an exercise space. Important: As an Amazon Associate and an associate to other companies I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. On top of that, many rabbits don’t like to be groomed. It can be a little difficult at times to teach them tricks, but if you’re up to the challenge, rabbits can be a great pet for you. Rabbits that are left alone all day tend to become bored. BOOKS Territory is claimed and marked in several different ways—some of which can be disconcerting to new owners. You need to interact with your rabbit. www.morfz.com Shelters and rescue organizations that know their foster rabbits as individuals can match an owner with a rabbit whose personality will be a “good fit,” and many rabbits offered through shelters or rescue organizations are already neutered. Rabbits are indeed lucky animals and that is a big reason for their survival as as species. Just like a cat, they’ll be able to go back and use the bathroom whenever they need to. Many people interested in acquiring a rabbit visit their local pet store, unaware that scores of rabbits—purebred and mixed breed—are relinquished to shelters each year. Many people aren't aware just how great rabbits are, and how funny their personalities can be. A practical guide that teaches children how to be responsible rabbit owners. excellent resource for finding a rabbit-savvy vet, rabbits are also not the best pet for children. Rabbits make great pets. But this doesn’t mean that rabbits and children can never coexist happily. RABBIT-PROOFING: A rabbit’s teeth grow continuously throughout her life, and many rabbits are prodigious chewers. I put together a guide that goes over all the basics of rabbit care so you have it all in one place. (All rabbits are really good pets!) Rabbits have notoriously fragile digestive systems, and the wrong … They’ll be more likely to act out to try to get your attention or they’ll get depressed and lose interest in everything. Rabbits will be able to grow with you and become great companion animals. The bunnies themselves aren't smelly, in fact, the fur of a healthy rabbit smells rather like fresh hay. Netherland Dwarfs, for example, are one of the smallest rabbit breeds, weighing only 2.5lbs as adult rabbits. Rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system that requires a very specific diet. The answer is yes! Young rabbits tend to be fidgety and full of energy. One of the scariest parts of being a rabbit caretaker is when our pet rabbits get sick. If you are doing what you can to keep the rabbit’s environment calm and stress-free, they’ll only thump continuously if there is something scary around (like the vacuum cleaner). Sometimes, rarely, rabbits thump their strong hindlegs against the ground. Do you think you’re a good match for a bunny? Rabbits are social creatures. Compared to other small pets rabbits have a better lifespan. DIET: A mature rabbit should be fed a daily diet of fresh, unlimited grass hay, supplemented with a salad of dark green leafy vegetables daily. Sure, compared to the amount of space a dog needs, rabbits don’t need that much. If you stop petting them, most rabbits will nudge your hand to ask you to keep going because they like it so much. Rabbits can indeed make wonderful pets—for the right people. Although the rabbit’s earliest relationship with humans was as a fur-and-food commodity, people were already keeping rabbits as pets by the 18th century. In fact, the potential lifespan of a well-cared-for indoor rabbit is seven to 10 years—and some live into their teens. Rabbits are very social creatures, and you can’t just feed them and then leave them alone. Rabbits come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and colors. You’ll know when they’re happy and you’ll understand when they are upset with you. Like dogs, rabbits are very intelligent and can be trained to do tricks. They need owners who understand that they are pet animals that are best kept on the ground. But this is a myth. When Kelly comes home from work, Eric awakens from his daytime snooze and is ready for action again. And if you want a long haired rabbit, such as an angora, then you’ll need to be prepared for a lot of hair. Rabbits can indeed make wonderful pets—for the right people. If your child is one who likes to squeeze the life out of their stuffed animals, they may end up accidentally injuring a real rabbit. Useful for anyone seeking to understand common clinical problems. Check out more of my recommendations for rabbit-proofing your home! ASPCA Pet Care Guide for Kids 1. There are three parts to a healthy rabbit diet: Rabbit anatomy is not like cats and dogs, so they need to be taken to a veterinarian that specializes in small animals. My rabbit likes to always know where I am. They’ll often lick their caretakers to groom them, or lay down next to you to show their trust. Even a small apartment will give a rabbit enough space to exercise, and there are ways of arranging the space to make sure they can have a big enough enclosure. Unaltered rabbits will spray urine and scatter poop as a way to claim their territory. Together, they have developed successful fostering programs that place shelter rabbits in foster care until appropriate homes can be found, as well as owner-education programs that head off surrenders by helping owners solve problems when they first arise. Rabbits are not the most difficult pet to take care of, but they do have a number of drawbacks that you will need to be prepared for. However, they do need exercise to stay healthy. They also need to be spayed or neutered to cut down on behavioral problems and health risks. You, as the adult, can take primary responsibility for a pet rabbit, while your child is a helper! You can’t just give rabbits a bowl full of kibble, like you can for a cat or a dog. Hillyer & Quesenberry, eds. Size: 3.5–4.5 lbs. Pet owners frequently characterize themselves in terms of their animals—“I’m a dog person” or “I’m a cat person.” But exactly what is a “rabbit person”? Some breeds of rabbits, particularly the longer haired rabbits, may require daily grooming. Temperaments of individual rabbits—even within a breed—can vary tremendously. You’ll need to supervise any interactions very carefully, and really consider if a rabbit is the best pet for your family. They can also be trained to come when you call them or even jump through agility courses. Rabbits will literally jump for joy as they binky and zoom all around the room. This is when a rabbit will be continuously thumping, and their behavior will also have a very, The first thing you want to consider is hay. Kids and Rabbits: Delight or Dilemma? Next you want to give them 1 to 2 cups of fresh leafy greens on a daily basis. Kelly lets Eric out for a run in the living room each morning. To raise a lop-eared rabbit as a pet, start by preparing a cage or hutch lined with hay, including a litter box for good hygiene. You can “rabbit-proof” an indoor exercise area by covering (or making inaccessible) all electrical wires, house plants and anything else your rabbit is likely to chew. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to clip your rabbit’s nails, and trim them regularly. Small rabbits are light, so they won’t place too much pressure on frail legs and fragile skin. (Sometimes called Mini Lop. One thing that most people … Adopting from a shelter or foster home, rather than purchasing from a pet store or breeder, is a win-win situation. My rabbit will even hop into my lap and settle down while I give her a nice massage. In the United States, rabbits do not require annual vaccinations; however, regular checkups can help detect small problems before they become big ones. Companion rabbits should also be spayed or neutered once they reach sexual maturity (about four to six months of age) by a veterinarian experienced in rabbit surgery. Commercial rabbit pellets—preferably a high-fiber brand—may be given in very limited quantities. Rabbits are much more easily hurt than cats or dogs. To stop them from destroying your flooring, you’ll want to place a plastic mat down in the corners of rooms. From 1992 to 2000, the percentage of “small animal households” owning rabbits jumped from 24 percent to 40 percent. (One of the smallest breeds. I have had 5 rabbits in the past 3 years my first rabbit was killed, me second rabbit started to bite my younger siblings my 3ed rabbit i gave to my dad as he fell in love with her my 4th rabbit did the same as my 3ed and my last rabbit was put down last year. A rabbit’s typical pattern of exploration is to start from an area of perceived safety and to venture out a few feet at a time, increasing his range with each successive trip. This behavior means one of two things: As a rabbit caretaker you will likely hear a thumping rabbit at some point, but it’s not a particularly common behavior. Allergies. They have really cool coloring and their ears flop down instead of up like most rabbit breeds.) All trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., or used with permission. Rabbits are often a lot more work than people expect. And bunnies need space to exercise too. They can be great house pets if you take the time to socialize them and learn about their basic body language. The inside story on rabbit behavior, based on the author’s doctoral dissertation. Thanks to him, the sadness and solemnity of that time was often relieved with laughter.”, A rabbit’s natural schedule is convenient for working people. Finding a skilled rabbit veterinarian can be difficult. They will run out before the end of the day, but they’ll still have all that hay available to eat. Rabbits need a lot more space than you expect. Excessively long nails can break off at the base and open a path for infection. There are also those owners who, thinking that they have succeeded in training their rabbits, discover that their rabbits have actually trained them. You’ll need to interact with your rabbit regularly to socialize it and keep it happy. But given time and the freedom to explore, he will quickly make himself at home. Pet them and give them the love that they need. Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. Give them scritches on the top of their head or behind their ears and they will melt into the floor. The rabbit won’t be solely relying on the attention of a child, who might already be getting bored of their new pet. To keep your rabbit safe, you will need to either remove all the wires from your rabbits reach, or cover them with plastic split tube wire covers. But as they get older, rabbits will inevitably calm down and enjoy a good massage while spending time with you. Because of rabbits’ enormous appeal, people often acquire them for the wrong reasons, and without first doing the necessary homework. Dana Krempels, Ph.D., an evolutionary biologist at the University of Miami, sees daily examples of this in her group of 16 rabbits. Therefore, bunnies should not be given to children as pets. They don’t... 2. Male rabbits tend to spray, and females tend to be territorial, but these patterns are significantly reduced or eliminated by neutering. I am here to make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy. If you are concerned about the price of getting your rabbit fixed, you could look into adopting a rabbit who already had the surgery. They’ll bring joy to your life for a long time while you learn about all the quirks of rabbit behavior. People who have never had a rabbit as a pet don’t realize that rabbits … They don’t need to be the same breed, just another bunny. They won’t even come up to you to be pet anymore because they want to avoid being picked up. Rabbits are quiet Wire-bottom cages, though common in large “rabbitries,” can cause, or exacerbate, foot ulcerations. Rabbits are also very affectionate animals. Many new rabbit owners are surprised at their pets’ gregariousness. They enjoy the company of humans and other pets, but they really thrive in the company of other rabbits. If you aren’t adopting a rabbit who has already been spayed or neutered, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment for them as soon as they reach adulthood. You may find it difficult to litter train a rabbit who has not been spayed or neutered though. Books and Internet resources can help close the knowledge gap, but there’s nothing like interacting with rabbits “up close and personal” to give you a feel for this species. “Rabbit ownership,” says Heidi Hoefer, D.V.M., “requires the same commitment as owning a puppy, and should be taken just as seriously.” Marinell Harriman, president of the national House Rabbit Society (HRS) concurs: “A rabbit has the best chance of becoming a well-loved companion if the adopter is well-prepared.”. This is unfortunate for our many chargers and appliances that no longer work. While rabbits are capable of making sounds, they are among the quietest pets to own. They love to hang out around people and demand attention. Common health problems include dental abnormalities (incisor overgrowth and molar spurs), gastrointestinal problems and ear and upper respiratory infections. But I wouldn’t be here talking about rabbits if they couldn’t also be bouncing bundles of joy and great pets. Rabbits are also known for being a menace to household wires. The national House Rabbit Society’s comprehensive site on rabbit health, care and behavior, with articles by licensed HRS educators and expert veterinarians, along with links for adoptable rabbits across the country. Some rabbit breeds even stay tiny forever. Regular brushing helps remove excess hair. Rabbits are crepuscular animals, which means they are most active around dawn and dusk, so these are the ideal times to interact with a pet rabbit. Fresh water should always be available. This is a lot of fun and a great way to bond with a pet rabbit. They love to be pet and massaged. What about you? So if you want a fur-free house, you’ll have to do a lot of daily vacuuming and dusting. And … Another rabbit is stretched out under the coffee table, while two more cuddle together by the entrance to the dining room. It’s especially good if you can spend time with them in the morning and the evening. After the cute and cuddly nature of baby rabbits wears off, some people are bored because they can’t be played with in the same way that dogs... How to Detect and Prevent GI Stasis in Rabbits. Even short haired rabbits, such as rex rabbits, will have a lot of fur to clean up. The HRS maintains a list of recommended veterinarians across the country, which can be accessed at www.rabbit.org. Rabbits can also get along quite well with most domestic cats and many breeds of dogs. Rabbits are a great match for people who enjoy a quiet lifestyle. Rabbits can be very nice, affectionate pets. This gives the rabbit a safe place from which to see, hear and smell all that is going on. Rabbits should always have an. This means that if you live in an apartment or in any close-together housing, you don’t have to worry about your rabbit annoying your neighbors. A source of recommended veterinarians, a drug-dosage calculator, articles on health and behavior and links to other rabbit-related sites. As long as you know what to expect from a pet rabbit, they have the potential to be wonderful pets. Most of the time, rabbits will not smell up anyone’s house and you won’t have to worry about covering up their odor. Their soft fur and cuddly appearance give the impression that they are akin to animated stuffed toys—perfect low-maintenance “starter pets.” As a result, when uninformed owners are faced with the daily reality of rabbit care and maintenance, the rabbit often ends up in a shelter. The rabbit is frustrated or angry with you. So don’t get sucked in by the marketing. The pros of owning a pet rabbit 1. Rabbits make wonderful indoor pets. When you first bring your rabbit home, he is likely to be somewhat timid in his new surroundings. If you want a rabbit because you think they’ll be easy to handle and hug, then this might not be the pet for you. According to current data from the American Pet Products Manufacturers’ Association (APPMA), rabbit ownership has increased dramatically over the past decade. Rabbits are characterized as good pets, with a woolly thick coat, and oval head along with large eyes. The age can vary based on the rabbit’s breed and living conditions. Also do I have to get more then one or would it be alright if I got one? Rabbits are social creatures, so it’s good when they have more time to spend with the family. These little creatures can create a surprisingly loud sound when they thump. As you spend 3 hours time afternoon in our backyard, just … Rabbits are amazing, affectionate, and social pets. Owners of mixed breeds delight, for example, in their “unicorn lops” (one ear up, one ear down) or “helicop lops” (both ears straight out to the side). Once you’ve gained their trust, a rabbit will groom you, or happily run circles around your feet to show their affection. Short, smooth fur that … Really sweet. Rabbits are really amazing creatures, and it’s so interesting to work with them and see how their little brains work. 2) Netherland Dwarf. Because of this your options for finding a less expensive vet are very limited. If you’ve ever wanted a pet you could sit with for hours, rabbits are for you. You’ve heard they’re good beginner pets, but figured it was best to look up how to care for a rabbit first. To get the latest on pet adoption and pet care, sign up to hear from us. Hang out with your rabbit by sitting on the floor with them. Learn before you adopt. Indoor rabbits tend to have a longer life expectancy than outdoor rabbits. (herself a rabbit owner), a rabbit person is someone who enjoys observing as much as handling, and who does not get overly upset at a rabbit’s natural tendencies, such as chewing and digging. Neither diurnal nor nocturnal, rabbits are crepuscular—most active in early mornings and evenings. But it’s also incredibly dangerous to our pet rabbits. By putting a litter box where they chose to make their bathroom, you can teach your rabbit to use it. They sure are. You are also going to want to spay or neuter your rabbit as soon as they reach adulthood. The House Rabbit Society has an excellent resource for finding a rabbit-savvy vet in the U.S., and they have some international locations listed as well. Do not set a pet rabbit free outside! Mini Rex. LITTER TRAINING: To litter-train your bunny, watch to see which corner of his cage he selects as his “bathroom,” and place a litterbox there. So when rabbits are trapped in someone’s arms, with no way to run away, they get very scared. Rabbits aren't great pets for kids. Although statistics are remarkably hard to come by, Connie Howard, director of shelter programs for the Englewood, CO-based American Humane Association, reports that rabbits are the third most frequently surrendered animals (right after cats and dogs). A frequent misunderstanding is that smaller breeds require less living space than larger ones, but even the smallest dwarf bunny can be extremely energetic and needs room to run. The Internet also makes it easy for new owners to get the information and support they need to care for rabbits as house pets. Finances: Owning a pet rabbit comes with added financial responsibility. All in all, the best way to select a companion rabbit is to set aside preconceptions regarding breed, sex and age, and to meet the rabbit and interact with him for long enough to get a feel for his individual personality. They are adorable and brimming with personality. Rabbits are social animals. Last and least important is the pellets. Some people mistakenly think rabbits are boring pets. Never pick up a rabbit by the ears; this can cause serious injury. Rabbits shed a lot, and their fur will get all over everything. If the next decade is like the last, by 2010 more Americans will have learned what Bill and Cindy Stutts—and 7.4 million others—already know: If you want a fascinating, funny, warm and wonderful companion animal, try a rabbit. While there are rare exceptions, most rabbits hate to be held. This is why rabbits are also not the best pet for children. It will get onto all your clothes and into your coffee mug. They can learn to come when they're called, and play fetch with small toys. Adopting more than one rabbit can be tricky. However, rabbits can still make great family pets. There are so many people who would be great rabbit caretakers. And good thing you did! It’s difficult to brush them and help them shed all their fur at once. A bunny can entertain herself for hours with a simple cardboard carton, toys such as plastic baby keys, an untreated grass mat or some old towels or fabric. Some spirited thumping is not unusual as the rabbit encounters new aspects of his environment. Most rabbits adapt remarkably quickly to the hustle, bustle and noise of a normal household, particularly if their cage or pen is placed in a high-activity area, such as a family room. But you can still expect a rabbit to live much longer than you first thought. In general rabbits need appropriate housing, exercise, socialisation and a specific diet for good welfare. These little fluffers are full of personality. If so do they do well with other animals like dogs or rats (my sister has rats and I wanted to know if it'd be alright for then to socialize if I do get a rabbit)? However, their connection with being a good luck charm stems from their role in societal narratives and religious activities over the years. He acted as a host, greeting friends who came to pay condolences and sitting next to each person on the couch. Then you will receive tips and tricks about rabbit care straight to your inbox so that you know you’ll be taking excellent care of your new rabbit. 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