When it comes to pets, bunnies are hard to beat. Money Beach says they are one of the three cutest pets. It’s easy to see why: their soft fur, floppy ears, and wiggling nose. From Peter Rabbit to Alice in Wonderland, we’ve always felt close to these furry friends. Of course you’ll want to bring one home to live with you, and as long as you’re ready, they do make great pets.
Californian Rabbit Specialty Club wants you to have all the information you need to create a happy, healthy life for your rabbit and a satisfying, caring relationship between them and you. Therefore, we present you with this guide to understanding and caring for your pet rabbit.
What Could You Not Love?
- Rabbits are quiet, which makes them a good pet for people who live in apartments or just want a pet that won’t bark at guests.
- Rabbits love being petted, so if you want to relax with a good book and a rabbit, you should get one.
- The rabbit is very smart. You can teach them tricks and get them to come when you call. The longer you keep your rabbit, the smarter and more tamed it becomes.
- Rabbits are gentle, and while they shouldn’t live with very young children because they are so fragile, they are friendly and calm, so older children can have them as pets without worry.
- It’s easy to teach a rabbit to use a litter box because they are clean.
How to Take Care of Your Rabbit
- Because rabbits can’t stand being too hot or too cold, they need to live with you inside. There is a cute indoor hutch with a pen that you can buy for them. This will give them a place to live and area to run. When you take your rabbit outside for some fresh air and sunshine when the weather is nice, make sure they are closely watched and that the grass they eat is free of pesticides.
- It is said by the NSPCA that rabbits must always have access to clean, fresh water and good quality fresh hay. In addition to grass and hay, your rabbit will need to get minerals from other foods as well. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, so pellets made just for them have healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that will help their meals. 75% of your rabbit’s food should be hay, 20% should be pellets, and 5% can be treats, says PetSmart. This can come in the form of small amounts of vegetables and fruits, such as bell peppers, radishes, and leafy greens.
- A rabbit lives for about ten years, so if you bring one into your home, you will have to keep it for a long time. For the best care and growth of the new family member, everyone in the house should be equally dedicated.
Making Your Home Bunny-Proof
- Either put hard plastic sleeves around the wires and cords or keep them out of the way. Bunnies have sharp teeth and will quickly chew through wires, which could damage your devices or even cause them to get electrocuted.
- Take away any small things that could be picked up and chewed, as well as cleaning tools and chemicals. Make sure that all of the plants are up and out of reach. Too many plants can be poisonous enough to make your rabbit sick if it nibbles on them. To make sure you don’t miss any dangers or places they could get stuck, get down on the floor and look at things from their point of view.
Choosing Your Rabbit
- If reading this makes you think that getting a rabbit as a pet is a good idea for you and your family, you might want to start your search at your local animal shelter. The Humane Society of the United States says that along with dogs and cats, rabbits are the animals that people give up the most often. If you can’t find the rabbit you want there, they can put you in touch with a private group that takes in and finds homes for rabbits that have been donated or left behind. The safest way to get a pet is always to adopt one instead of buying one.
- What kind of rabbit do you want as a pet? Rabbits can be kept as pets in a lot of different types, such as the Harlequin, the Havana, and the Mini Lop. There are a lot of rabbits you can get as a pet, and each one has its own look, attitude, and needs.
You can feel good about taking your new pet rabbit home now that you know what to expect and have made your home rabbit-proof. You and your rabbit will have many years of happy fun and friendship.
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