Posted on March 27, 2014 by Abi Cushman
As Easter draws near, it is important to spread the word that live rabbits should not be given as Easter gifts. While rabbits make excellent companions for some families, they have a unique set of needs that not everyone can meet.
Here are a few:
You will need to bunny-proof your home or else your rabbit will wreak havok.
Rabbits need plenty of space to exercise. They are social, curious, and intelligent animals. But they also have an incessant urge to chew. Everything from wooden chair legs to electrical wires to remote control buttons to mouldings are fair game to rabbits. Rabbit owners will need to take the time to properly protect and stow away personal belongings.
Rabbits need access to fresh hay at all times.
If you have grass allergies, a rabbit probably isn’t for you. Hay provides the primary sustenance for a rabbits to maintain digestive and dental health. You can’t just give them pellets.
Rabbits generally don’t like being held.
Although rabbits can be affectionate, they’re not as “huggable” as people imagine. Children and adults alike may be disappointed when Bunnikins won’t sit contentedly in their arms or laps. Most rabbits prefer to stay on the floor and have you sit on the floor with them (quietly).
For more information, read our article, Easter and Rabbits.
About the Author
Abi Cushman is a veteran house rabbit owner and a contributing editor of My House Rabbit. She currently shares her home with one mischievous dwarf bunny named Otis.
When she's not writing about bunnies for My House Rabbit, Abi writes and illustrates funny books for kids, including Soaked! (Viking) and Animals Go Vroom! (Viking). And yes, there are bunnies in them. Learn more at abicushman.com.
I just saw an ad for a toy bunny “FurReal Friends Hop ‘n Cuddle” bunny..Looks like it would be a good alternative for anyone who is not prepared to accept the many responsibilities of owning a pet rabbit. Would be especially good for children who might be begging for one.