Is a Rabbit The Right Pet for You?
Information on owning a pet rabbit. Rabbits make great pets, but they do require a lot of work.
Owning a pet rabbit can be extremely rewarding. These cute, furry creatures can make absolutely wonderful pets, but they aren’t for everyone.
Image via Wikipedia
Rabbits are not low-maintenance pets. Owning a rabbit takes as much work as owning a cat or a dog. A rabbit cannot live in a cage 24 hours a day. Rabbits need a lot of room to roam around outside of their cage. Your rabbit should only be kept in a cage when you can’t be there to supervise. If you are unable to spend a lot of time with your rabbit, then you probably should consider a different pet. Additionally, you will need to “bunny-proof” any area of your house where you will allow your rabbit to roam. Rabbits will chew anything they can find and can easily get into trouble!
Rabbits do not tolerate extreme temperatures well and therefore should only be kept indoors. Outdoor rabbits are also at risk for being attacked by predators… even in a safe enclosure! Rabbits are also not as cuddly as they seem! Most rabbits do not like to be held and can become very frightened if they are picked up.
The average life span of a rabbit is 8-10 years. Some rabbits can live even longer than that. If you are unable to commit to taking care of a pet for that long, then a rabbit is not the right pet for you. Rabbits also require routine veterinary care which can be a bit pricey. In order for your pet to be happy and healthy, it is necessary to have your rabbit spayed or neutered. This surgery alone can cost over $100! Owning a rabbit is not cheap!
Rabbits are very social animals and enjoy being around other rabbits. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you get a pair or trio of rabbits instead of owning a single rabbit.
As with any pet, make sure you do your research before deciding to get one for a pet. You have to make sure that a rabbit is the right pet for you, that you are able to properly care for it, and that you are committed to do so for the rabbit’s entire life.
If you decide that a rabbit is the right pet for you and your lifestyle, then there is no doubt that you will be most pleased with your new pet.
Liked it
Published in: Pets
iakul | Aug 20, 2009 | Reply
Ah, looks like you started writing those articles that you said that you would write.
raman13 | Aug 20, 2009 | Reply
Very nicely written
Keep it up
Best Regards
SuperMember | Sep 23, 2010 | Reply
great post!
alexgadd | Oct 1, 2010 | Reply
Glad to read an article which to me is very close to the truth. My mother works for the RSPCA as a rabbit foster and as such, is often informing me how people underestimate the work that goes into looking after rabbit.
great post.
ovaflor | Oct 6, 2010 | Reply
I hate it when malls and whomever give away bunnies around Easter-time, as if a bunny were a toy and not a living creature. A lot of people accept these bunnies or buy bunnies from pet stores not knowing what they’re in for, and end up being all surprised when they find that they can’t just stick the rabbit in a cage with pellets and some water and forget about it. Rabbits need a lot of care, maybe even more care than is needed for dogs and kitties. For example, I know from personal experience that rabbits are sensitive to noise and can keel over from sheer fright if confronted with loud noises (not my bunny. my niece’s) T_T
Anyway, thanks for writing this article. My niece is heartbroken as her pet bunny recently died of what the vet calls a heart attack. Sigh.
alvinwriter | Oct 29, 2010 | Reply
Rabbits can be difficult to care for and they can suffer without the proper knowledge. This information is very helpful to people who wish to get a rabbit for a pet.
niwcton | Dec 6, 2010 | Reply
Muy buena informacion