Easter is around the corner and as a companion to an amazing bun, I feel obligated to advocate for their health and wellbeing. If you're considering getting a rabbit, keep in mind that like any pet, they are a long term commitment. It's like having a toddler for 10+ years. Rabbits are in the top three most common pets, right up there with cats and dogs. This also means that for one reason or another, many of them end up in shelters. One of the biggest reasons for this is that people don't have a thorough understanding of what their needs are. I'll include some links at the end, but here are some things you should keep in mind:
1) Consider adoption. Your rabbit-to-be will have had a thorough check up and will be fixed. This is important because they are susceptible to reproductive cancers. Getting them fixed will reduce their risk, and can also help with any behavioral problems. Vets will also check for any tooth or jaw problems which are very common in rabbits
2) There are many places to adopt from aside from your local shelter. If you're near a college with a veterinary programme, you may try giving them a call. You can even ask at your local vet's office, or perhaps at a local groomers. There's also the House Rabbit Society (HRS). They have chapters nationwide and offer a wealth of information and resources as well. And of course, you can always check your local newspaper, pet finder, or Craigslist
3) You can also foster a rabbit, or even help to sponsor a bun that might not be able to be adopted. Check the HRS website for more information
4) Learn to 'speak' rabbit. They have a social hierarchy and many different ways of communicating. It helps to know where you fit in if you want well behaved bunnies
5) Rabbits are food! This is important to be aware of in a multi-pet home. However, they can coexist just fine with other critters. Voltaire herself is just fine with cats and dogs. In fact, I've seen her put a much larger dog in place by standing on her hind legs and whacking him right across his snout
6) Don't expect them to be cuddly. They have different 'personalities' just like we do. They can be aloof, grumpy, energetic, all of the above, or none of those things. Realize that they do things on their terms and work to correct their behavior if necessary. There are times when Voltaire doesn't want to be held and she'll squirm, grunt, huff, dig, and even nip. Just learn to listen to what your rabbit is telling you
7) They can be talkative. It's unusual for an older rabbit to talk much, but they do communicate with a variety of sounds. They purr, chatter, and 'oink' (it's actually referred to as 'honking', but it sounds like a piglet to me). Voltaire happens to be a chatterbox. All of my other buns were quiet
8) Keep them occupied! This is the secret to well behaved buns. They can be highly intelligent-- and just like a bored intelligent toddler-- they can be destructive when left to their own devices
9) Rabbits need a designated toilet spot and appropriate litter material. Clay kitty litter can bind up their digestive system and irritate their lungs. Voltaire litter trained herself- she went right to the cat box (we used the recycled newspaper pellet type litter). If she can't go in her cage for some reason, she'll go in her pet bed, a cat box, or in the bathroom. Specifically, she'll poop next to the toilet, and pee behind it cuz she's a goober :)
I put down a layer of newspaper in her cage followed by some pet bedding and hay. She's prone to getting sore hocks, so bedding is a must for her
10) If you elect to have a cage for your rabbit, be sure that there's enough room for them to take three good hops
11) Get your flea stuff from your vet! I don't care if it's more expensive. Flea solution is a poison, and isn't something you want to mess around with. Be sure that you're seeing someone that deals specifically with rabbits and that they weigh your bun before prescribing anything. Most medications are based on weight. You don't have to use a flea product, but it's a good idea if you have multiple pets, let your rabbit outside, or have a seasonal influx of rodents. The HRS website has resources for finding an appropriate vet in your area as well as information about anti flea medications
12) Rabbits are social creatures, but that doesn't mean they'll automatically get along with another rabbit. Love at first sight is rare and bonding two rabbits may take a while, if they even bond at all. It's possible to adopt a bonded pair. Doing it yourself can get ugly and result in both human and lagomorph injury. It's best to use caution when introducing any new critters or people. Even though Voltaire is super chill and loves traveling, I'm still a little cautious with her just in case. Most rabbits stress out very easily- she's one of the rare ones that doesn't
13) This one is a personal choice, but I'll never take her or any other rabbit on an airplane. I'm sure she'd handle the traveling just fine (I take her everywhere I can with me), but I'd be concerned about her ears being sensitive to the air pressure change. If it's uncomfortable for humans, I can't imagine how it would be for such a sensitive little critter
And there you have it, my Easter PSA. Here's the link to HRS website:
https://rabbit.org/
Link for finding a reputable veterinarian:
http://www.hopline.org/veterinary-referrals/
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