Rabbit Adoption
Most people already know how popular cats and dogs are as pets– how about rabbits? There are many reasons to consider owning a rabbit, and here are just a few–
- They’re entertaining! And personable, each with their own individual personality. They love to play with toys!
- They live for a long time– 8 to12 years.
- They’re quiet! They’ll never annoy your neighbors.
- You don’t need to take them for long walks– exercise in your home is all they need!
Housing– The first thing to think about is having an adequate cage for them to live in; their cage is their ‘safe spot’, where they feel safe and comfortable. They will live here while you’re away at work, and at night. Their cage needs to be at least four times the length of your rabbit– many cages found at pet shops are too small. Rabbits also appreciate second stories in their houses, solid flooring (no wire floors to injure their feet). This will hold their litter box, food, and toys. A grass mat for them to chew on is appreciated.
Exercise– Rabbits are curious, and love to explore. They also love to chew, so rabbit–proofing your home is essential for their safety. Sectioning off part of a room with an exercise pen is a good place to start– it’s much easier to monitor their activity and keep them, and your belongings, safe. Electrical wires, if chewed, can be deadly. You can encase them in plastic tubing found in hardware stores or pond supply stores, or use PVC tubing. Don’t forget your telephone lines also. Do not let them have access to house plants. You will want to give your rabbits lots of things you WANT him to chew on– cardboard boxes filled with shredded paper, telephone books, and sea grass mats are some ideas. Non–treated wicker baskets are favorites with bunnies. Non–slip surfaces, like short–napped throw rugs, help them keep traction. Outside time is not necessary, but if you like, keep them well under eye and safe. Everything is a predator to a rabbit, and rabbits are natural escape artists. Remember they dig and jump. Much safer to be indoors!
Socialization! Rabbits are not solitary creatures! But unlike cats, they generally don’t like being picked up and held, although some do. It’s best to let your bunny seek you out; sitting in your bunny play area with them is great. This is the main reason bunnies may be best with older kids– they can be tricky to handle for young ones, and they are easily frightened.
Here are some interesting things rabbits do–
- Thump– this is a sign they’re annoyed, scared, or nervous.
- Teeth grinding– if it’s gentle and soft, sort of like a cat purring, it’s a sign of rabbit contentment. If it’s loud, and their bodies are hunched and tight, it’s a sign of pain, and a vet visit is in order.
- Chin rubbing– rabbits have scent glands on their chins; rubbing is a way of marking!
- Binkys– If your rabbit jumps in the air, twisting and turning, he’s a happy rabbit!
- Licking– if your rabbit licks you, consider yourself lucky! Your rabbit is telling you he likes you.
Rabbits are not low–maintenance. They require vet care, and should be spayed or neutered both for health and behavior reasons. All rabbits from our shelter have been fixed. We’ve only covered a tiny bit of rabbit care here; there are many great resources available for caring for your rabbit; one website is www.saveabunny.org; they’ve got lots of good information, and we recommend you check it out! We just about always have bunnies available for adoption, and we hope you’ll consider one for your own family!
