A Pet Rabbit is For Life, Not Easter

04/04/2012

Some Hare-Raising Facts to Make You Think Twice...

Did you know that rabbits require the same amount of care and attention as a dog or cat? Unfortunately, many well-meaning people give a live animal as an Easter "present" on a whim, but in a few weeks, they realize they've made a mistake. Local shelters are inundated with bunnies, ducklings and chicks right after Easter, and many wind up being euthanized. In fact, as of this writing - even before Easter, Petfinder.com, has more than 5,157 orphaned bunnies waiting for their forever home, including the darling little bunny Samantha at right >!

Another misunderstanding is that rabbits can just hang out in a small hutch all day. Wrong! A standard pet shop hutch, even with a 'run' attached, simply does not provide sufficient space for a rabbit to thrive. Bunnies require lots of space to run, play and dig and yet still be safe from predators and they also crave companionship. Learn more about the care of rabbits at Animal Planet's Pets 101.

If you do feel you can provide the level of care they deserve, please don't buy from a pet shop.
Instead, adopt from a rescue centre and give abandoned rabbits a second chance for a happy life. Check out Petfinder.com or visit the BunnyWorldFoundation to learn more about the care and feeding of bunnies.

 

Comments

[Brenda]

i have a pet bunny tht looks just like dat but hes bigger and i've had him for like 6yrs

[Erin]

Thank you, thank you for posting this! It really saddens me when people think getting an "Easter bunny" is a great idea without actually thinking it through. I have two rabbits and I love them, but they are a lot of work. Mine are house bunnies too, I would never ever keep them outside. I encourage everyone thinking about getting a rabbit to do their research first. Then if you do decide a rabbit is right for you, look at your local shelter first. There are so many bunnies out there looking for a new home.

[Maddie]

I have had rabbits since I was a little girl and I know how demanding they can be! They love attention, but only when THEY want it. They can be your best friend, but if they aren't taken care of right, they can turn into real nightmares too! They have such diverse personality's as well and some may never be the friendly, lovable, Easter bunny - but that's just their personality. I'm in college now and I have a 10 month old lionmane rabbit and I've gotta say, he can be a pain! But, he has his moments and I love him to death.
I really hope that when someone is looking for a pet rabbit they will do their research before selecting bunny for them.

[Adromyda]

They honestly do make great pets though and they aren't that difficult to take care of.. They need their cages regularly cleaned and they need fresh veggies, hay along with organic rabbit pellets but they're sooo sweet. I just hope that whoever gets one as pet understand that they do need time and attention for love and care. Otherwise, they are some of the best pets, I believe, available to the public.

[sayan jaana]

wissh 2 hv such a cute rabit

[Roseanna Weinstein]

hey honestly do make great pets though and they aren't that difficult to take care of.. They need their cages regularly

[KoriEdward]

Another misunderstanding is that

[MetaMcart]

They can be your best friend, but if they aren't taken care of right, they can turn into real nightmares too! They have such diverse personality's as well and some may never be the friendly,

[Zora Lavoie]

A Pet Rabbit is For Life, Not Easter

[Laurene]

hey honestly do make great pets though and they aren't that difficult to take care of.. They need their cages regularly

[Rubiern]

If you do feel you can provide the level of care they deserve, please don't buy from a pet shop.
Instead,