Sunday, April 28, 2024

The Pros and Cons of Having Rabbits as House Pets

house rabbit

While certain things are straightforward enough, rabbits are actually quite complicated creatures who need more than just the occasional food and water change. Rabbits poop a lot, but it’s pretty easy to clean up after them when they are litter trained. If you adopt a rabbit as an adult, many of them will already be trained to use a litter box. But even if they don’t know how to use one when you first bring them home, it’s usually pretty easy to teach them. As you go through this list, take the time to consider whether or not a rabbit is the pet for you and your living situation. If you’re ready to take on the challenges of becoming a bunny caretaker, go for it!

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Ensure house cleaners and sprays and any medicines are kept out of the way, too. Remember rabbits can jump very high and squeeze through quite narrow spaces. Take this into account when putting things “out of reach”. Rabbits are crepuscular, which means they are active in the mornings and evenings, but spend most of the day asleep or relaxing. So if your bunny lives in a cage, it's a good idea to plan exercise and play time around the times your rabbit is most alert.

Rabbits need a lot of space

Instead, they may start to scratch or bite to protect themselves from well-meaning children. Thousands are abandoned to animal shelters for this reason. Many rabbits are also dropped accidentally by children, resulting in broken legs and backs. While rabbits may be appropriate family companions, an adult should be the primary caretaker. Our culture is so filled with images of children and rabbits together (the Easter Bunny, Peter Rabbit, etc.) that many parents see rabbits as low-maintenance starter pets for kids.

Thinking About Getting a Pet Bunny?

A lot of rabbits really don’t like it when I have any kind of strongly scented... Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. She helps to socialize the rabbits and educate volunteers on the care and behavior of these small mammals. If you get a rabbit, you will have clouds of fur to clean up.

House Rabbit Society How do you stop your bunnies peeing everywhere - Bio For Facebook

House Rabbit Society How do you stop your bunnies peeing everywhere.

Posted: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

To give you an idea of costs, check out our article How Much Does a Pet Rabbit Cost?. According to the Animal Humane Society, one of the five freedoms of animal welfare is that species who live naturally in pairs or groups should be provided with the company. Rabbits in the wild live in extended family groups, and as such spend a lot of the day socialising, grooming and interacting with each other. Your house rabbit will be much happier housed with at least one other rabbit – keeping rabbits on their own, or with another species (like a guinea pig), is not recommended. Rabbits have very specific dietary requirements, and they require appropriate housing and exercise to maximize their quality of life.

house rabbit

If there's a way to get in trouble, they'll find it. You'll find these little mammals to be extremely inquisitive and curious about everything in their surroundings. Pet stores often sell bunnies for as little as $30, but they also give terrible advice.

If they have an unhealthy diet, rabbits run a serious risk of developing gastrointestinal complications. Their gut can slow down, or even stop, causing a rabbit a lot of distress. In worst case scenarios this can be fatal for rabbits.

house rabbit

Are rabbits high or low maintenance?

The moment I knew: I watched him nurse our pet rabbit to health – and I felt at peace - The Guardian

The moment I knew: I watched him nurse our pet rabbit to health – and I felt at peace.

Posted: Sat, 02 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

This is unfortunate for our many chargers and appliances that no longer work. But it’s also incredibly dangerous to our pet rabbits. When they chew on a wire, they run the risk of getting electrocuted. To keep your rabbit safe, you will need to either remove all the wires from your rabbits reach, or cover them with plastic split tube wire covers. They can be great house pets if you take the time to socialize them and learn about their basic body language. However, rabbits require a lot more care than people typically expect, so it’s important to be prepared before bringing home a new bunny.

Rabbits are much more easily hurt than cats or dogs. They can get injured if they are squeezed too hard or held in the wrong way. You always have to be very careful when handling a rabbit to make sure you don’t hurt them. You can’t just give rabbits a bowl full of kibble, like you can for a cat or a dog. Rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system that requires a very specific diet.

Bedding hay can be dustier dusty and is much lower in nutrients – plus, it isn’t as tasty. Food plays an essential role in your rabbit’s’ health and wellbeing. The wrong diet, including ‘muesli’ based diets, can cause all sorts of health problems, such as dental issues and obesity. Are you trying to find a home for an unwanted rabbit? We can give you tips on ways to make the bunny more adoptable, fostering her until you find her a suitable home, or you can educate yourself in rabbit care and keep her. If you don't have the space for a rabbit, you can consider getting a guinea pig instead.

Bunnies are quite costly compared to other animals like cats and dogs. Your primary expenses will be food (both dry and fresh) and litter. Depending on where you get these items, you can expect to pay anything between $50 to over $300 per month. Now you still need a playpen, litter box, food, water bowls, toys, a hay feeder and hide. If done properly, expect to pay around $1000 or more.

My House Rabbit promotes rabbits as indoor pets and provides tips on creating a safe, welcoming environment for your pet bunny. Rabbits can be quite affectionate animals, but personalities definitely vary from individual to individual. Most rabbits don’t particularly like being held/picked up, and some bunnies are more aloof than others. Bunnies like company, so if they live with you indoors it's easier for them to avoid them getting bored as they are able to constantly interact with the family. Owning a pet rabbit comes with added financial responsibility. Be prepared to spend money up front on the adoption fee ($60+), as well as housing/food/bunny proofing supplies.

She has 15 years of clinical experience as a small animal veterinarian, treating dogs, cats, and occasional exotic patients. She now works as a freelance veterinary writer, creating educational content for veterinarians, veterinary team members, and dedicated pet owners. Dr. Barnette lives in southwest Florida with her husband and daughter (plus two cats, a dog, and a rescued dove!) and enjoys kayaking, biking, and hiking. Learn more about Dr. Barnette at /in/catherinebarnette.

Bunnies don't need a lot of pellets to stay healthy. Pellets are great for supplying the vitamins and minerals they need, however. If you're feeding pellets, make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. Rabbits can be very destructive if starved of entertainment.

By putting a litter box where they chose to make their bathroom, you can teach your rabbit to use it. This means that you don’t have to worry about your rabbit peeing and pooping all over your house. Just like a cat, they’ll be able to go back and use the bathroom whenever they need to. Founded in 1993, House Rabbit Resource Network is a 501(c)(3) rabbit rescue located 15 minutes from Austin, TX. We are dedicated to improving the lives of domestic rabbits through education, facilitating rabbit rescue and adoption, and promoting rabbit advocacy and welfare.

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