March 19, 2008
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Every Easter, pet shops sell out of baby bunnies, often to parents buying them for their kids. Every few months after Easter, shelters fill up with the same rabbits after people realize that bunnies are not what they had expected.
(I've been to a shelter; it's really sad.) Here are the facts:
- Rabbits are not good pets for children or impatient adults. Rabbits do not like to be held and cuddled and are easily frightened by such actions. If you cannot handle this, please do not adopt a rabbit.
- Rabbits have unique personalities that are unlike other animals. Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits are naturally prey animals and often take awhile to trust you and/or approach you. If you do not have the heart to learn and understand how they are, please do not adopt a rabbit.
- Rabbits like and need to chew, partly for exploration, partly to keep their teeth trimmed down. I have all my wires covered up and I try to keep things put away so that they don't damage it. If you can't do this and are a stickler of keeping things pristine, do not adopt a rabbit.
- Rabbits require a diet of fresh vegetables, hay, and pellets. Every morning I need to chop up veggies for their breakfast and every week or so, I need to stop by the grocery store to replenish. Every few months I need to order more pellets and hay. If you cannot do this, do not adopt a rabbit.
- Rabbits live 10+ years. If you cannot commit to taking care of one for a decade or more, please do not adopt a rabbit.
- Rabbits will mark their territory by spraying or dropping poop and showing aggression, particularly if they have not been neutered or spayed. They also require special veterinary care. If you do not have the time or money to take them to a vet for their needs, please do not adopt a rabbit.
- Rabbits require time outside of a cage to roam. Both my bunnies are free-roam, which I feel is the best arrangement for them. If you do not have time to allow them exercise for a few hours a day, please do not adopt a rabbit.
In summary, there are many reasons not to adopt a bunny, especially especially on the spur of the moment, and especially for children. If you are considering adopting one, please talk to me or visit sites like www.rabbit.org before you do so. With that said, if you educate yourself and are responsible, you will find many great reasons to adopt a bunny.
Rabbits are inquisitive and very intelligent. I was in the process of clickertraining Jlo to do tricks before Appa came along and interrupted our plans. She picked things up really quickly and even started performing on her own just to beg for treats. Watching her stand up like a little person waiting expectantly for reward was so endearing.
- Rabbits can easily be litter-trained. In the wild, they naturally have to relieve themselves in one area to reduce the likelihood of a predator finding them. In the domestic setting, one just needs to show them where to keep that pile. Their poop is also just solid balls. Any that happen to be left outside the box are easily vacuumed up without any mess.
- Rabbits are entertaining and adorable. Many people think that bunnies just sit in cages and don't do anything but that's far from the truth. Jlo sometimes waits for me when I'm in the shower and binkies (this wobbly hop of joy) when I come out. Appa also does crazy awkward acrobatics when it's time for food. They're often exploring, getting into trouble and always, always nosy.
- Rabbits sleep most of the day and night and are active during dawn and sunset. This works out well for working adults but they will also adjust to any schedule you keep.
- Rabbits have NO SCENT. None whatsoever. Since they are prey animals, in the wild, leaving a strong scent means they will become food for some predator very soon. I think most people get the misconception that rabbits smell because so many people don't take the time to clean out their cages or litter box train them. This is sad. I can put my face in Jlo or Appa's fur and just feel warmth.
- Rabbits are very clean. They groom themselves as often as cats and never need baths. There is nothing cuter than watching a bunny wash her face and ears, as if she's brushing long hair.
- Bonded, spayed or neutered rabbits are a joy to watch as they snuggle and interact with each other. Appa still is the groomer of Jlo as she's a bit too spoiled to groom him too much. It's obvious she adores him though since she smushes herself against him often.
All in all, please educate yourself before adopting any animal. There is a lot more information out there on cats and dogs than there is on rabbits. This is why there is so much misunderstanding and it is the bunnies who suffer.
I am always available if you have questions 
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