Bunny ownership requires special care
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
Carolyn L. Cheney
Board of Directors
Rabbits as household pets are more common than most of us realize. I have always enjoyed visiting the rabbits in the rabbit tent at the Northern Maine Fair.
There are always many different breeds, many sizes and they are all beautiful. That is my very limited knowledge of rabbits as companion animals, so I did some research at www.petfinder.com and other rabbit websites to learn more about rabbits as family pets.
Rabbits can be wonderful pets, and they seem to do particularly well in adult households. Households with young children can be acceptable as long as the children are supervised when handling a rabbit. It is most important to hold a rabbit correctly as he could be seriously injured if held too tightly or dropped.
Before bringing any animal into your home — whether it is a dog, a cat or a rabbit — it is most important to know what you are getting yourself and your family into. Rabbits can range in size from two to 20 pounds and require a fairly large cage. Rabbits can be litter box trained, and they can learn their name, other words, and come to you when called. From my research, I got the impression they are quite smart.
Because a rabbit’s teeth grow continuously throughout life, they need to be worn down and kept at a correct length. Eating unlimited grass, hay and dark green leafy vegetables accomplishes this. Also, fresh drinking water is essential for a rabbit’s health; without it they can become seriously ill. For additional nutrition, commercial rabbit pellets can be given sparingly.
It is also important that rabbits receive at least four hours of exercise daily outside of the cage which necessitates “bunny-proofing” your house before bringing the bunny home, as rabbits are known for chewing electrical cords and anything else that suits their fancy.
It is very important before bringing a rabbit home to do research about the care needed for a rabbit and what to expect. It is similar to bringing home a puppy. It can be very satisfying, but preparation is the key; it is quite a commitment.
Some folks like to gift their children at Easter with a live bunny. Trust me, a stuffed animal is probably a better gift. Often with children, the newness of having a bunny wears off quickly. A rabbit has a life span of 10 years-plus; as it is with any domestic animal, there is a very serious commitment. Domestic rabbits should never be gotten rid of by putting them out thinking they could survive on their own; they cannot. Occasionally we have rabbits turned in to the shelter, and we try very hard to place them in the best homes possible.
If you are interested in a rabbit, a dog or cat, please stop in to visit us at the Central Aroostook Humane Society, 26 Cross St., Presque Isle (look for the big tower).
