Easter is a few days away and for some families that means a vision of Easter bunnies hopping around the house. While some children will beg for a pet rabbit for Easter, a Chicago rescue that takes in homeless bunnies says to rethink that idea. Red Door Animal Shelters is suggesting families skip the bunnies for Easter for very good reason. Here’s what you need to consider before adding a live rabbit to your home.
- Long-term commitment – Rabbits are a living thing and many live for 7 to 10-years when properly cared for. In the months after Easter, too many rabbits die because of neglect or misinformation about care. Many others are abandoned outdoors, which is a deadly decision since most are not equipped to live in the wild like those actually born there. Others are left at shelters, most normally don’t take in rabbits and are unsure of the care needed.
- Rabbits are not low-maintenance pets – They don’t need to be walked like dogs, but they do need daily exercise outside their pen. Their litter box needs to be cleaned daily and pen needs to be kept clean. And, they have a special diet of Timothy hay and leafy greens everyday.
- The cuddly rabbit image – Many people picture a rabbit as a cute cuddly pet. While they do show affection, most rabbits prefer this happen with four feet on the ground. Rabbits are prey animals and most don’t like to be handled and will nip when mishandled.
- Rabbits do best in homes without small children – Rabbits are physically more delicate than cats and dogs and can’t safely be dropped to the floor. They often kick-out when being mishandled and may damage their spine leading to paralysis. Children under 8 shouldn’t handle rabbits for both of their safety.
- Lack of veterinary care – Although rabbits don’t get annual vaccinations, preventative trips to the vet are very important. As prey animals, they tend to hide illness until very sick. Rabbits need to see exotic veterinarians since most cat and dog vets aren’t trained for rabbits. And, they need to be spayed and neutered just like cats and dogs.
- The gear – Rabbits don’t do well in a cage. If you adopt a rabbit, you’ll need a pen, litter box, hay, heavy crock for water, proper food and treats, toys, bunny proof area in the house, carrier, cleaning and grooming supplies.
Just like with any pet, a rabbit is a lot of responsibility. For many families, it’s not a good fit and the route of the stuffed bunny is probably their best bet. Each year after Easter, Red Door sees an increase in the number of calls for unwanted rabbits and those abandoned outdoors. Last year, they took in 41 rabbits that started off life as “Easter” pets. Learn more about Red Door online and follow them on Facebook.
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