Rabbits are undeniably adorable with their twitching noses and floppy ears. They’ve captured the hearts of many and their gentle and friendly nature makes them a great pet. But, before deciding to become a new owner to one, it is important to understand the level of commitment it takes to be a responsible rabbit parent. In this blog post, we aim to highlight the significant commitment required to care for them and explore whether a rabbit is the right pet for you.
Commitment & Companionship
Rabbits are often underestimated. While they are believed to be low-maintenance pets due to their small size and docile demeanour, the reality is quite different.
Having a rabbit is a long term commitment. They have quite a long life span and many can live up to 15 years. Rabbits require a sizable degree of daily and weekly care over the course of their lives. E.g. Providing them with a balanced diet, regular grooming and veterinary care. It will also require you to make a few lifestyle changes, such as rearranging furniture or getting up earlier before going to work.
Furthermore, bunnies are social animals and they thrive in the companionship of another bunny. It is advisable to get them in pairs but this will double up your responsibility as a pawrent.
Enclosure
Rabbits are active and playful animals. Unlike the popular belief that they can thrive in small cages, they need ample space to hop, stretch and exercise. Their enclosure should be spacious enough to fit their essentials such as food and water bowls, a litter box and at least one hideout, while still allowing them space to take several unobstructed hops in a row. In general, the more space you’re able to provide your bunny, the better. It is also important to keep their enclosures sanitary and odour free by cleaning it at least once or twice a week.
Aside from being in their cage, it is best to plan for exercise out of the cage, either in bigger playpens or supervised time in your living areas. This keeps your rabbits from boredom and stimulates them both physically and mentally.
Diet
Rabbits are herbivores and require a balanced diet of hay, fresh vegetables and specially formulated rabbit pellets. Hay makes up the majority of their diet and an unlimited supply of it is required to maintain their natural grazing behaviour. This helps them to wear down their teeth which continuously grow.
Rabbits also need leafy greens like dark leaf lettuces, collard greens and carrot tops which provides them with nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. On top of that, pellets and other treats can also be fed in moderation.
Grooming
Rabbits need to be groomed regularly, especially when they are shedding. Like cats, rabbits are meticulous in grooming themselves and may swallow some of their fur. But when hair is ingested while grooming, they are biologically unable to bring up the hairball by vomiting it out, as cats sometimes do. This leaves the hairball in their digestive tract and could potentially become a problem that requires veterinary attention. For that reason, routine brushing to keep their coats clean and mat free is important, especially for long haired breeds.
Enrichment
Rabbits do benefit significantly from enrichment activities and an enriched environment. It is essential for both their mental and physical well-being. Owners should not expect that a rabbit will be satisfied hopping in its enclosure all day.
To stimulate them and encourage their foraging behaviour, chew toys, hay towers and even puzzle feeders should be used to keep them entertained and occupied. It is essential to tailor these activities to your specific rabbit’s preferences and needs. However, always ensure that any materials provided are safe and non-toxic for your bunny.
Health checks
Like any other animal, regular vet visits for your rabbit is essential for maintaining their overall health and well-being. Routine visits allow your veterinarians to conduct health assessments and help them to detect early signs of illness or health issues that may not be apparent to you. It is also advantageous to learn the subtle signs and cues in figuring out if your rabbit is sick or not. E.g. Change in their eating or drinking habits, weight loss or gain and lethargy.
Incompatible with young children
While rabbits are often considered cute and appealing, they are not always the best choice as pets for young children. As a prey animal, rabbits are delicate animals who can be easily frightened and stressed by loud noises, fast movements and rough handling. All of which are common with young children who may not fully grasp the concept of gentle handling.
Once threatened or stressed, rabbits may feel the need to bite or scratch as a defence mechanism. Young children might not recognise a rabbit’s body language and may unintentionally provoke such reactions.
Bunny proofing
Bunny proofing your home is a crucial step prior to bringing your bunny home. This is a process that may require some time and effort, but it is a fundamental step in providing a safe and comfortable environment for your rabbit.
Rabbits are curious creatures that possess a natural instinct to explore and chew, which can lead to accidental injuries or ingestion of harmful items. They have an innate instinct to dig into and chew on everything, including your furniture, carpets and even wirings from electronic devices.
To start, you might start covering electrical cords with protective tubing, securing furniture legs with chew-resistant covers and removing houseplants that could be toxic to rabbits. Baby gates and barriers can also be used to restrict access to rooms or areas where your rabbit should not go.
Rabbits can be wonderful pets for the right person or family, but they are not the right choice for everyone. All in all, it is important to do your research before deciding to bring one into your home. If you are ready for the commitment, you’ll be rewarded with the companionship of a loving and charming furry friend for many years to come!
Please do consider adopting a rabbit from our local shelters below:
