If deciding or advising someone else on whether they should get a rabbit, the most important thing to do is think carefully. Rabbits have complex needs and they need an owner that is willing to do everything to provide these for them at all times of their life.
Potential owners must do their research to understand what it is they are taking on and what is to be expected as a rabbit owner.
Some very important things to remember are:
Rabbits are a long term commitment of 12+ years. If cared for well, they do not have short lifespans as commonly thought by many people.
Rabbits are not good pets for children. Children often want to pick up and cuddle their pets. Rabbits are a prey animal and this can be very scary and stressful for them. Also think, in 10 years time, where will your child be? At university, college or moved out of the family home? Are you willing to take care and continue to give your rabbit the best life when the child has grown up or lost interest once the novelty has worn off?
Rabbits need lots of space for exercise and housing. The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) recommends a minimum of 3m x 2m x 1m high for a pair of rabbits. Rabbits should have an indoor and outdoor area or a hide to feel safe and secure in as well as toys and enrichment. Can you provide this?
A rabbits diet is very specific and they need this to keep happy and healthy. Their diet should be made up of at least 85% hay, 10% leafy fresh greens / herbs / veggies and 5% pellets or nuggets (about an egg cup full) per day.
Rabbits enjoy play and social interaction. They cannot get this from being in a cage or hutch with little space to move around. Rabbits should also be bonded to another neutered rabbit for company as they do not like being alone.
Rabbits need constant daily care. They are not easy to look after. Each day they need feeding, toys, enrichment, play and cleaning. They should have regular top ups of hay and their water changed.
Rabbits are relatively cheap to buy from pet shops / breeders (we recommend giving a rabbit a second chance from a rescue). But they are expensive to provide for and maintain their health.
Rabbits need to be vaccinated yearly and neutered to stay healthy, as well as being bonded to at least one other rabbit.
These are all things needed for rabbits to thrive and enjoy their life as they should. If an owner is not willing to provide these essential needs then maybe a rabbit is not for them.
There are so many people who get a rabbit without thinking it through. I mean how many of you have seen the cute rabbits in pet shops and been impulsed to buy one? I know I certainly have in the past and have purchased one. I knew nothing about a rabbits care and housing to begin with. Luckily I learnt as I went along and now would never dream of keeping my rabbit in a cage or hutch and want only what is best for them.
Remember, think "Is a rabbit the right pet for me"?
Rabbits deserve a life of love with all their needs met as much as any other animal.
Comments