Things You'll Need:
- Deep and serious thought
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Step 1
Rabbits, like wallibies are exotic petsTIME Did you know rabbits can live up to 15 years? First, consider if you are willing to make a 8-15 year time commitment to your new pet.
Secondly, consider how much time you are willing to devote to your rabbit each day. Caring for a rabbit is not as easy as caring for other animals. Each day you will need to wash, cut, and serve your rabbit fresh vegetables. The litter box will need to be cleaned almost every other day. During spring and summer you will need to brush your pet once a day (sometimes more) when he or she is shedding to prevent a potentially fatal hairball.
Your rabbit will need to spend at least 3 hours each day outside the pen (this isn't too hard if you litter train them, but you WILL need to "bunny-proof" the house).
Everyone knows wallabies are exotic pets, but did you know rabbits are exotic pets too? You will need to learn a lot about them in order to give them the care they need. For example, did you know many common plants can kill your bunny? You will need to know which ones before your beloved bunny can have a romp in the backyard. -
Step 2
Rabbit condos from Leith PetwerksMONEY Since rabbits are exotic pets the cost of keeping one can be higher than other animals. Vet fees are often higher and not all vets are trained in rabbit medicine (see my article on Finding A Good Rabbit Vet).
Your rabbit will also need a pen, condo, or large cage, plus toys. (Yes! Rabbits need toys!) You will need to purchase and setup your rabbit's residence before you bring home the bunny.
Also, consider the cost of purchasing fresh veggies (ideally organic, pesticides and other chemicals are harmful to rabbits). -
Step 3
Rabbits need to have access to hay 24 hours a dayALLERGIES Many people are allergic to pets. Are any of the members of your household allergic? What about potential future members (e.g. your fiance, aging parents, or step-children)? Additionally, your rabbit will need to have fresh hay. Is anyone allergic to that?
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Step 4
Each bunny is differentCHILDREN If you have small children in your home a rabbit might not be the best pet for your family. Rabbits are very fragile. It is easy for a child to accidentally hurt the pet by dropping, chasing, or stepping on the bunny.
DO NOT ADOPT A RABBIT TO TEACH A CHILD RESPONSIBILITY! Ultimately you will be one responsible for the rabbit if the child "outgrows" or doesn't care for the pet.
However, if you have older, patient children who understand how to handle a bunny, a rabbit can make a wonderful addition to a family. -
Step 5
My rabbit in a basketBENEFITS If you've read all of the above and still want a bunny, let me tell you about the joys of bringing one into your life. Rabbits are full of personality. They have moods, likes and dislikes, and tempers!
They will often bond to one person and be very responsive to him or her (mine runs circles around my feet and follows me through the house). Anyone who has ever had a rabbit fall asleep on their chest knows how calming their presence can be.
Rabbits are smart. They can be taught tricks (jumping into someone's lap) and litter box trained. Rabbits can bring laughter into your life. My rabbit is hilarious when throwing his food bowl around his condo, we call it "re-decorating".
If you are willing to devote the love, time, effort, and money a rabbit can be a great companion for many years.
Comments
smartmoneygrrrl said
on 3/20/2009 This is a very well written article. 5*
jenng said
on 3/20/2009 Great article mine died when he was only 2 years old never new why 5*
starlet67 said
on 3/15/2009 What a well written article about the joys of pet rabbits! Great tips and warnings with good use of photos!5 stars!
AmyRose said
on 3/15/2009 Very good list on being pro-active before choosing a pet bunny. I've had many, and love them. 5*
sonni57 said
on 3/14/2009 Good suggestions on bunny care. I have a bunny and bunny loves to play and loves attention. Too many people buy bunny's for Easter and don't take care of them properly.