Has it been your dream to have a rabbit as your pet? Before you begin to make that dream a reality, let us get to know about rabbits a little, and how are they as pets.
They usually have a lifespan of five to eight years, but can live up to ten years as a pet dog would.
Not many people are exposed to how to care for a rabbit, perhaps, this is one of the reasons why rabbits are the third most surrendered pet to shelters. It is recommended that you adopt a rabbit instead of using a pet shop because they’re often mistreated for breeding purposes and sales.
Children and Rabbits
Keep in mind that the primary carer of the rabbit has to be an adult. Rabbits are animals of play and will be disturbed by sudden noise or disruptions. Due to this reason, it is recommended that children under the age of eight not have rabbits as pets. If a child above eight years does welcome a rabbit into their home, an adult carer is a must.
General Welfare
Rabbits need proper housing, exercise, an appropriate diet, and ample for their well-being. Some rabbit breeds, especially long-haired rabbits, require daily grooming.
Environment
Know that rabbits need a safe environment consisting of enough spaces to interact with companions, leave their scent traces, exercise for physical health, rest well, sleep, eat and drink, as well as look out for danger and friends.
Understanding this will help you prepare yourself to adopt a rabbit by equipping yourself with essentials like:
- Vegetables
- A large cage or a habitat that you build
- Water supply
- Litterbox
- Treats
- Toys that are rabbit friendly
Eating Habits
Your rabbit friend does not have the same human diet as you. Firstly, they only eat materials from plants, they are herbivorous animals. A healthy diet that they would naturally have includes plants or bushes, the bark of trees and shrubs, weeds and grasses. However, you can also purchase commercialised rabbit food and feed them a variety of vegetables.
Adopt two rabbits?
Rabbits are social creatures that like to stay on guard, having a rabbit companion can soothe them as they can split the task of looking out for predators. That being said, you would need to make your environment safe by preventing exposure to extreme weather from rain, wind, or sun, and predators including cats, dogs, foxes, and birds of prey, both outdoors and indoors.
Costs associated with rabbits as pets
The initial cost of adopting a rabbit may be small, but the costs of caring for a rabbit add up quickly. Along with veterinary costs, there are many items that a rabbit needs and you will also have to frequently step out for groceries to fulfil their diet needs.
It is important to consider your environment, capability and time, and the needs of rabbits to take good care of them as pets. Educate yourself on other topics including handling your rabbit, feeding them, providing water for them, transporting them, and health care for them.
