IS THERE A HOUSE RABBIT IN YOUR FUTURE?
There are thousands of people around the country who have the pleasure of sharing their house with a rabbit, or rabbits, in many cases. From Dwarfs to Flemish Giants, lop-eared to upright; these wonderful creatures make excellent pets for someone willing to provide the special care and environment that they need and deserve. They are not, however, for everyone! Unlike the relatively simple care of a dog or cat, a rabbit diet requires a small amount of fresh veggies and fruits prepared daily, a maintenance pellet made from timothy hay, and lots of green, leafy plants such as dandelion greens, parsley, romaine, etc. Litter boxes bedded with an absorbing material on the bottom (recycled paper pellets work well) and fresh grassy hay on top, must be emptied, cleaned, and re-bedded at least every other day. Fresh water should be offered daily. It’s advisable to provide your bunny with a clean, safe source of wood to chew, such as apple or several other types of fruit wood. A rabbit’s teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetime and they will chew insatiably on whatever they can find; which in many cases of new, poorly prepared owners, may be your home. Some of my Flemish Giants have outgrown this behavior as they’ve gotten older, but no house rabbit should ever be left unsupervised outside of their enclosure. Destructive chewing is the number one reason why humane societies and rescue organizations are full of rabbits and why they are the third most euthanized pet in the U.S. today. A sad fate for such a wonderful animal, and the most important reason why I always urge prospective owners to do the necessary homework before bringing a rabbit into their lives. Impulsively buying a pet store Easter bunny for your child is irresponsible and should never be considered. Where your rabbit will live within your house is extremely important for his or her mental and physical health. The best course of action is to give your bunny as large of an enclosure as you possibly can. In my house, a small bedroom has been turned into the rabbit room, while still serving as a sleeping quarters. With multiple animals, metal carpeted dog runs measuring 6 ft L x 4 ft W x 4 ft H may work well to provide separation and safety. Inside of the run it's appropriate to provide a large dog carrier or hut for darkness and a sense of security, a big litter box with plenty of room for the size of your new friend, a couple of stuffed animals for company and grooming, and various food and water bowls. I also provide thick, soft rugs to lay on when they're not being chewed. And while the surface area inside your rabbit enclosure is important, it’s critical to remember the height, as well. You’d be amazed at how high even the smallest rabbit can jump when they want out of their house and into yours. This may be less of a problem if you allow your bunny plenty of supervised, free time outside of their enclosure. It is possible to house rabbits together who have bonded and have a history of getting along, but be very careful about introducing unfamiliar or new rabbits, especially females. Even roommates who live in separate enclosures in the same room can attack each other with a viciousness that will shock you. Rabbits’ teeth are like razors and can do an amazing amount of damage in a very short time; even to you while you’re trying to separate them quickly. Yes, I speak with some authority on that subject, and have the scars to prove it! In addition to regular veterinary care for your bunny, surgeries to repair fresh battle wounds can be very expensive! Single rabbits that live in a happy, healthy household and are provided with great care and plenty of exercise out of their enclosure can usually do well as single rabbits. They will bond with one or two human or animal members of the family and can be quite happy with that living arrangement. As with dogs and cats, acquiring a new friend for your pet can be beneficial in some households, but can often result in a difficult and stressful situation for both animals and humans, with no easy solutions. It’s best to consider your current environment carefully before you head to the shelter or sanctuary. My goal in writing this short article has been to provide information to prospective house rabbit owners that will enable them to make informed decisions. Don't automatically assume that your resident long ears needs a companion. That can lead to a lot more trouble than you bargained for. For me, living with a house rabbit is at times rewarding, comical, maddening, and always amazing. I was constantly delighted by Bella’s intelligence, athleticism, friendly nature, and her mischievousness. Having recently lost my sweet girl, I now have Buddy, a smaller, black rabbit that I rescued from a terrible situation and brought back to good health and happiness. He's a real comedian and I'm enjoying his company! I’ve had rabbits in my life for over 15 years and have made the commitment to the level of care that keeps them happy, healthy, and safe, all the while keeping my home intact. With the right amount of thought and research, you might arrive at the same decision. There are a lot of wonderful rabbits waiting for a new life. Your home may be the perfect place!
