How to Decide if You Should Adopt a Bunny Rabbit

Bunny rabbits can make wonderful pets. People use them as emotional support animals to help ease depression, anxiety, and other issues. Each rabbit has a very unique personality. They also require lots of time, money, space, and work. Before adopting a rabbit, there are many things to consider.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Deep and serious thought

1. Rabbits, like wallibies are exotic pets TIME 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.
2. Rabbit condos from Leith Petwerks MONEY 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).
3. Rabbits need to have access to hay 24 hours a day ALLERGIES 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?
4. Each bunny is different CHILDREN 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.
5. My rabbit in a basket BENEFITS 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.

Tips & Warnings

• THINK ADOPTION FIRST! Consider adopting a rabbit from your local shelter. There are many sweet, loving bunnies sitting on "death row".
• Every rabbit is different. Plan on spending some time getting to know him or her before you decide on "The One".
• Make sure you have done your research. You will need to know about breeds, health, hazards, care, etc. BEFORE you pick out a rabbit.
• Leith Petwerks (www.petwerks.com) specializes in bunny rabbit supplies. I bought a condo from them and am very happy with it!
• There are many things that can harm a rabbit. You will need to research these BEFORE you adopt one.
• You will need to know how to handle a rabbit. You or the rabbit could get hurt! I have a rabbit bite scar on my hand from mishandling a rabbit as a child.