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Every Easter finds a ready supply of cute, cuddly “bunny rabbits” for sale on the side of roads, in department store parking lots as well as feed and pet stores. Their soft fur, pretty eyes, and twitching noses are impossible for any child to resist and parents who stand looking long enough will often have the same difficulty. After spending $5 -$25 on what they consider to be a small, easy to keep pet, parents are the left wondering what to do with that bunny they bought that isn't as cute as it seemed BEFORE Easter.
First off, let me say that rabbits make great pets. They can even become a house pet like any cat or dog. They are very easy to train to a litter box, when they get used to you they will play and can get along with other house pets when the owner uses a little common sense. It is important for the owner has to consider the nature of the other pets though.
I have mixed rabbits with Collies, Shelties, a German Shepherd mix, cats and of course my various age rug rats, all with excellent results. Dogs that were bred years ago for fighting or those that were used for hunting such things as rodents, rats, rabbits, moles, etc. would not mix as well. These include most all of the terrier breeds, beagles and others along these lines.
You best bet is to introduce the pets slowly. I always used a wire dog crate that was made for a dog the size of my collies. The rabbit was kept in here except for when we handled it for up to two weeks. This crate also made housebreaking a cinch.
While the pets are getting used to each other, start putting a litter pan in with the rabbit. The majority of the time, they take right to it and will continue using it after being let out of the crate. For those that like gardening, rabbit droppings make a great fertilizer that can be put directly from animal to plant.
When you do start letting the rabbit out of the crate, do so in small time spans when someone can be there to oversee the first nose-to-nose meeting. Do not let them loose together and leave the house. Also remember that a rabbit in the house is like having a crawling nine-month-old child around. They like to eat and chew on every thing. Beware of electrical cords, certain house plants, candy, cigarettes and other hazards so your best bet is to get down on the floor and look at the house from their level.
If a house pet is not what you are looking for, then they can be caged outside and even handled enough to become gentle. When caging outside, be aware of the shade provided to the rabbit through out the day. Remember, as the seasons change, so does the angle of the sun. Rabbits can become over heated very easily. A trick that I learned in south Texas was to take plastic milk jugs, cut in half, fill bottom of it with water and freeze.
This works almost like an A/C unit for the rabbit plus gives cool, fresh water every day.
Another important thing to remember with outside rabbits is the type of cage you have them in. Make sure it is constructed in such a way that the neighbor's dogs can't get the door open or a hold of a foot through the bottom wire. Working emergency, I have seen many rabbits that had their legs chewed off because of this problem.
Other care tips, carrots, lettuce, apples and such make good treats but do not make a stable diet for a rabbit. Feed stores have many brands that can acquired such as Purina Rabbit Chow. These specialty foods contain a balanced diet with all the nutrients and protein they need.
Pet rabbits can also have problems with nails growing too long and teeth getting so long the poor animal can starve because of the inability to close it's mouth and chew. They also get ear mites, cutarebra larva under the skin, allergies, fleas and so many other. Regular vet care is recommended.
The wonderful thing about having a rabbit for a pet is the difference in annual physical costs. Other than the office visit charge, there are no vaccinations to worry about and most vets will throw in a free nail trim so the children or other family members. This is important to have done for the safety of the family because that loving, cuddly bunny can suddenly seem like Freddie Krueger when frightened and the claws start raking your arms and stomach at an alarming speed.
Although their life span is very short, if cared for properly and given a chance, they make wonderful pets for adults and kids.
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