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They
can be trained to use the litter box, they'll come
when called, and they may even learn to open doors
and cabinets. We're not talking about cats or even
ferrets, but the sometimes sweet, sometimes sassy
rabbit! Bunny ownership has seen an increase in
numbers over the past ten years, and these days
there are more than 5 million companion rabbits
in the United States, many happily co-existing in
multi-bun households. Read on if you are interested
in joining the ranks of rabbit caretakers.
Many Types of Rabbits
There's
a lot of variety among rabbits. Your dream bunny
may have a long, thin nose and short, stubby ears
(that would be the two-pound mini Rex) or the floppy
ears and flat nose of a 12-pound French lop. In
between are the super-furry Cashmere rabbit and
the highly popular Dutch rabbit, who generally has
a white face with a black, blue or brown band on
his back. A well-cared-for, much-loved rabbit can
live seven to ten years, and individuals reaching
their 11th or 12th birthdays are not unheard of.
Important Rabbit or Bunny Facts
Your
new pet has some important needs that must be met.
First, she must be treated like part of the family--and
that means she'll need to live indoors, in your
home, with you. Although pet rabbits may have been
traditionally kept in backyard hutches, these days
responsible caretakers know better. Outdoors, a
rabbit can die of fright at the mere approach of
a predator, and will also be susceptible to diseases
spread by fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. And all too
often, rabbits who are kept outside are forgotten
once the novelty wears off, their needs neglected.
What's
a rabbit's favorite thing to do? Chew, dig and chew
some more! As a potential owner, you must understand
that these are perfectly natural bunny behaviors,
and if you don't provide opportunities and toys
to indulge these behaviors, your rabbit will satisfy
her urges in inappropriate ways! Don't let your
bunny teethe on your new sofa or exotic houseplants.
Instead, give her some chew toys, such as an old
phone book or a log that hasn't been painted or
treated with chemicals. If your rabbit really likes
to dig, set up a special digging box for her and
fill it with straw, paper or litter.
Also
note that your pet will need exercise out of the
cage every day in a safe area. You'll have to do
some major rabbit proofing, as bunnies can get into
pretty much anything. Flexibility is an asset here,
as you may have to rearrange your furniture in order
to hide electrical wires. If you cannot fully engage
your rabbit during playtime or will be away most
of the day, please consider getting another rabbit.
A bored, lonely rabbit is a definitely unhappy,
possibly destructive rabbit!
Veterinary Care
In
addition to the initial cost of the rabbit, cage
and accessories, you must bring your pet to the
veterinarian for annual check-ups. Most shelters
alter the rabbits they adopt out, but if you got
your bun from a breeder or pet shop, chances are
he or she hasn't been neutered or spayed. If yours
has not, be sure to schedule a date for the surgery
once your pet reaches sexual maturity at four to
six months. Spaying your female will virtually eliminate
the risk of ovarian, uterine and mammarian cancers.
Unneutered male rabbits are prone to negative behaviors
such as destructive chewing and digging, and will
spray urine to mark their territory. Additionally,
intact rabbits tend to be aggressive with members
of the same sex--and will, of course, breed with
the opposite sex. But once your pet is altered,
you'll be able to get another bunny buddy for him
or her.
Rabbit Review
Has
this little critter met your criteria so far? A
rabbit may be right for you, but not for your family.
In most cases, rabbits and young children are a
very bad match. Your child may love a bunny, but
he'll want to show that love by hugging, picking
up and carrying the animal. Rabbits naturally feel
insecure when picked up off the ground, and will
scratch and kick in an attempt to get down. Should
a bunny be accidentally dropped, he could sustain
serious injuries, such as a broken back or leg.
And what about your other pets? Rabbits can get
along with cats and dogs, but you will have to take
the time to properly introduce them, and always
be there to supervise their visits together.
If
you're all set to bring a rabbit home, we recommend
getting yours from a reputable breeder or, best
of all, adopting one from a shelter or rabbit rescue
group. Search on sites like www.petfinder.com and
www.rabbit.org for bunnies looking for a second
chance at a good life--and good luck with your little
bundle of joy!
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