February is National Adopt-a-Rabbit month and if you’re thinking about adopting a floppy-eared friend, I thought I’d bust the top five myths about rabbits.
1. Rabbits are Outdoor Pets
A common misconception of visitors is that rabbits should live outside in a cage or hutch. In a recent article for Rabbits USA 2011, Laura Fulda, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for HSSV, explained that rabbits should be indoors. There are many fun and easy pen options available for house rabbits. Most bunny enthusiasts have gone beyond cage living to give their rabbits amazing inside habitats.
2. Rabbits are Messy
Did you know that rabbits can be litter trained, just like cats? They also groom themselves like cats and do not need baths. Rabbits can be interior designers at heart and love to redecorate. The bigger space they are provided the more they will focus on their own appropriate toys and leave your stuff alone.
3. Rabbits Prefer to be
Alone
Companion rabbits are social creatures who love to be with their people. When it comes to adding a second rabbit to the home, Allison Tally, HSSV’s Director of Behavior and Training suggests not rushing into romance. All relationships take time and if the right steps are taken in the beginning your rabbits could become best friends.
4. Rabbits Only Eat Pellets
Sounds pretty bland to me and thankfully for rabbits, a diet of hay varieties and fresh, leafy veggies in addition to pellets can keep rabbits at a healthy weight.
5. Rabbits are Sedentary
Far from it! Rabbits enjoy all kinds of activities. With proper training, rabbits can even learn to walk on a leash outside! They also enjoy playing with toys and exploring bunny-safe environments.
Are you interested in adopting a rabbit? Click here to see adoptable rabbits at HSSV!
Rabbit make great pets. We've had a Netherland Dwarf bunny for six years and he's very fun loving, affectionate, and social. With regular outside playtime, a healthy diet, and diligence in keeping his habitat clean, he's been a very happy hopper.
ReplyDeleteI've been the happy owner of rabbits for the last 20+ years; I've had my current companion rabbit(a rescue from HSSV) for 8 years now. They really do make great pets and this article and the comment above pretty much cover the major points about raising ouse rabbits. To me, they fall somewhere in between cats and dogs in terms of effort spent on general care and oversight - make sure you and/or your family are ready to invest the time before you get one for a pet, and be patient if you've never raised one before. The experience can be ultimately very rewarding. Another point I'd add is to be aware they do have delicate systems so also take the time get learn about health issues/warnings.
ReplyDeleteLove the comments! Great to hear of so many happy bunny parents! With regard to the 'delicate systems' item posted previously referring to health issues and things to look for - the article I referenced makes a really good point of finding a vet with plenty of experience working with rabbits. Just like any member of your family, preventative health care and awareness is so important! Definitely check out the Rabbits USA 2011 article if you haven't already and visit HSSV as well as the satellite adoption center at PETCO in the El Paseo de Saratoga shopping center in San Jose to meet some of the rabbits!
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