‘Tis the season: bunny fever will soon be upon us. And, Easter traditions notwithstanding, bunnies ARE pretty cute.
Plus they seem like a low-maintenance pet É a little lettuce and a few carrots, and they’re good to go, happily twitching their adorable little noses in their hutch.
Not so fast. Bunnies are actually a bit of work, so before you make an impulse buy, consider what’s involved. Each year, shelters get inundated with rabbits that were given up when people decided they couldn’t take care of them.
PetMD points out that domestic rabbits are indoor pets that require as much attention as any other pet; including a specific diet and daily meals, regular cleaning of their quarters, daily monitoring and time out of their cage, plus medical care from a veterinarian with knowledge and experience working with rabbits.
They’re also highly social and love contact and interaction with their caretakers.
Other considerations include habitat: they like to hop around, so a big dog cage or puppy playpen Ñ at least four feet by two feet Ñ is ideal. They also need a litter box in there. And, perhaps surprising to new owners: they need four to five hours outside of the crate each day to exercise and socialize.
Rabbits eat hay, vegetables, and pellets, and need fresh water daily. Grooming tools and toys are also necessary to keep them healthy.
With the right care, domestic rabbits can live 10 years or more, sometimes into their teens.
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