Thinking about welcoming a bunny into your home? Rabbits are incredibly popular pets, ranking as the third most beloved furry companion after cats and dogs, and for very good reasons! They are intelligent, social, and can be wonderfully affectionate. However, it’s crucial to understand that bunnies have specific needs and behaviors that differ significantly from those of cats or dogs. To ensure you’re well-prepared for rabbit ownership, here are 12 key things you should know before bringing a bunny home.
1. Bunnies Have a Surprisingly Long Lifespan
One of the first things to consider is the longevity of bunnies. Unlike smaller rodents like rats or hamsters, rabbits have a considerable lifespan. Depending on their breed and care, your bunny can live anywhere from 8 to 12 years, and some breeds even up to 15 years! This is a long-term commitment, similar to owning a cat or dog, so be prepared to provide care for your bunny for many years to come.
2. Indoor Living is Best for Bunnies
Forget the outdated image of rabbits confined to hutches in the backyard. Modern bunny care emphasizes indoor living. Bunnies thrive when they are kept indoors, in a safe and enriching environment within your home. Ideally, this should be in a room where your family spends a lot of time. This allows them to become an integral part of your household and enjoy social interaction.
Their living space, whether a large enclosure or a bunny-proofed room, should be spacious enough to accommodate food and water bowls, at least one litter box, and a comfortable hideout. Crucially, it should allow them to hop around freely. The more room you can offer, the happier and healthier your bunny will be.
Avoid small pet store cages, which are generally inadequate for rabbits. Instead, consider using dog exercise pens or constructing a habitat with wire storage cubes. Larger enclosures are not only better for your bunny but also easier to maintain and decorate with toys, perches, and hiding spots.
Ensure the base of their habitat is solid, not wire or mesh, to protect their sensitive feet. For bedding, opt for aspen wood shavings (avoid pine or cedar), recycled paper bedding, or soft, clean blankets.
3. Bunnies Retain Their Wild Instincts
It’s important to remember that bunnies are prey animals. This instinctual behavior shapes how they react to their environment. In the wild, when frightened, rabbits will either freeze or flee to safety. Pet bunnies retain these instincts. To feel secure and comfortable, your bunny needs access to shelters or hideaways, both within their enclosure and in any areas they explore freely. This could be a cardboard box, a tunnel, or even under a piece of furniture.
4. Bunnies are Active and Need Space to Exercise
Bunnies are naturally active and playful creatures requiring ample space to move around. Confining them to a small cage for extended periods is detrimental to their physical and mental well-being. Your bunny should have at least four hours of exercise outside of their enclosure daily. This could involve free-roaming in a bunny-proofed room or within a safe area created with dog exercise pens. “Bunny-proofing” your home is essential – this includes moving houseplants out of reach, covering or blocking access to electrical cords, and removing any other potential hazards.
5. Bunnies are Intelligent and Need Mental Stimulation
Beyond physical exercise, bunnies are also smart animals that require mental stimulation. To prevent boredom and destructive behavior, especially during times when you are away, provide your bunny with a variety of engaging toys. Safe chew toys, hay towers, and puzzle feeders are excellent options. Hide healthy treats within cardboard mazes or food balls to encourage foraging behavior. Ensure they always have plenty of hay available in their litter box, as chewing is a natural and essential behavior for bunnies, helping to wear down their continuously growing teeth.
6. Bunnies Thrive on Companionship
Rabbits are social animals that naturally live in groups in the wild. They are happiest when they have company. Consider adopting a pair of bunnies so they can provide each other with companionship, especially when you are not at home. A bonded pair of bunnies will engage in mutual grooming, play together, and sleep alongside each other, enriching their lives significantly.
7. Bunnies Need Regular Grooming
While bunnies are meticulous groomers and keep themselves clean, they still require grooming assistance from their human companions. Bathing is generally unnecessary and can be stressful for rabbits. However, regular brushing, especially for long-haired breeds, is essential to prevent fur matting and minimize the ingestion of loose fur during self-grooming. Unlike cats, bunnies cannot effectively cough up hairballs, making hair ingestion a potential health issue.
Nail trimming is another crucial aspect of bunny grooming, typically needed every four to six weeks. Rabbit nails contain a quick, similar to dogs and cats, and cutting too short can cause pain and bleeding. It’s often helpful to have someone assist you – one person to gently hold the bunny and the other to trim the nails.
8. Carrots Alone Are Not a Complete Diet for Bunnies
Bunnies are herbivores, meaning their diet should consist entirely of plant-based foods. Grass hay should form the cornerstone of their diet, making up about 80% of their food intake. Offer a variety of grass hays such as Timothy hay and orchard grass, ensuring they have unlimited access to it. Hay is vital for digestion and helps to grind down their teeth naturally. Avoid alfalfa hay, as it is too rich in calcium and protein for most adult rabbits.
Fresh vegetables, especially leafy greens like bok choy, romaine lettuce, parsley, cilantro, and carrot tops, should be offered daily. Fruits and carrots should be given only as occasional treats due to their high sugar content. Introduce any new foods gradually to prevent digestive upset.
High-quality, high-fiber rabbit pellets can supplement their diet but should be given in limited quantities. Overfeeding pellets can lead to weight gain and other health problems, and it can also reduce their hay consumption, which is detrimental to their health. Remember, a bunny’s digestive system is sensitive, so prioritize a diet that is high in fiber and low in sugar. Consult resources like the BC SPCA Rabbit Food Guide for detailed dietary recommendations.
9. Bunnies Can Be Litter Trained
Yes, bunnies are intelligent and can be successfully litter trained! This makes them cleaner house pets than many people realize. Using a litter box not only simplifies cleanup but also helps to keep their living area hygienic. Regularly clean the litter box every 1-2 days and perform a full cage clean weekly.
A large, plastic cat litter pan works well as a bunny litter box, ensuring it’s spacious enough for the bunny to comfortably fit inside. Line the bottom with a rabbit-safe litter material such as paper-based or wood-based pellets. Crucially, place a generous amount of Timothy hay in the litter box. Bunnies often enjoy eating hay while they use the litter box, encouraging consistent litter habits.
10. Bunnies Require Veterinary Care
Just like any other pet, bunnies require regular veterinary care to maintain their health and well-being. Becoming familiar with your bunny’s normal behavior is essential so you can quickly recognize any signs of illness. Symptoms like diarrhea, hunched posture, or loss of appetite should be addressed immediately by a veterinarian experienced with rabbits. As prey animals, bunnies are adept at hiding signs of illness, making prompt veterinary attention even more critical. Routine check-ups with a rabbit-savvy vet are also important for preventative care.
In some regions, like British Columbia, bunnies require vaccination against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD), a fatal disease. Consult with your veterinarian about necessary vaccinations and preventative healthcare measures specific to your location.
11. Bunnies Prefer to Be on the Ground
Despite their fluffy and cuddly appearance, most bunnies do not enjoy being picked up or held. Lifting a bunny can trigger their prey animal instincts, causing them to feel frightened and struggle to escape. This struggle can result in scratches for you and potential injuries for the bunny, as they may kick forcefully with their strong hind legs.
Instead of picking up your bunny, interact with them at their level. Sit or lie on the floor and allow them to approach and investigate you on their own terms. Some bunnies are naturally shy and may take time to become comfortable. Once they are relaxed, you can gently pet them. A content bunny might even lick you or “chin” you – rubbing their chin on you to mark you with their scent as their own.
If it is absolutely necessary to pick up your bunny, always use two hands. Place one hand under their hindquarters and the other around their chest. Hold them securely against your chest to help them feel more safe.
12. Bunnies Can Multiply Rapidly
A crucial point to understand about bunnies is their reproductive potential. An unspayed female rabbit can be responsible for hundreds of offspring in just a year. To combat pet overpopulation and for the health and well-being of your bunny, spaying or neutering is highly recommended. In fact, many adoption organizations, like the BC SPCA, ensure all rabbits are spayed or neutered before adoption. Spaying or neutering not only prevents unwanted litters but also makes litter box training easier and contributes to a healthier and calmer companion.
Are Bunnies the Right Pet for You?
Adopting a bunny can be a rewarding experience. They bring joy, companionship, and unique personalities into our lives. However, responsible bunny ownership requires commitment, understanding, and providing for their specific needs. By being well-informed about bunny care, you can make an educated decision about whether bunnies are the right pets for your lifestyle and home.
If you are ready to open your heart and home to a bunny, consider adoption!
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