Rabbits are often considered the perfect pet for young children as they are generally thought to be cute and cuddly with very little care required. Yes, they are very cute but they require a serious commitment as they can live up to 12 years and their cage needs to be cleaned at least once a day in order to prevent odor. Most rabbits do not take kindly to being lifted off the ground or being carried around. As rabbits have a fragile skeletal structure, they can easily be injured if they are not handled properly. They can also scratch and bite which makes them a less than ideal pet for a small child.
In the past, rabbits spent most of their lives confined to a hutch in the garden or garage - thankfully, this is now considered cruel treatment of these active and intelligent creatures. A great many pet rabbits are now kept as house pets and there are excellent indoor multi-story dwellings available. One consideration when buying a cage or hutch for your bunny is to ensure that the floor is not made of wire - a wire floor is very convenient for the pet owner but it is very hard on the rabbit's feet and may cause hock sores. Try to find a cage that has an easy to clean plastic floor.
Rabbits are fastidious animals and can easily be litter box trained. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation or they can become destructive. They are also social creatures that enjoy the company of their own species. Although they can get along with dogs and cats, they should never be left unattended with your other pets.
Rabbits love to play games with humans. For example, I have sat on the floor with my back to my bunny and he has come up behind me, gently nipped my butt, and ran away doing a "binky" which is the happiest rabbit expression.
A rabbit's main diet should be timothy hay but you can also feed them some rabbit pellets and fresh vegetables such as beet greens, broccoli, carrot tops, and spinach. They can also be given romaine lettuce in moderation but absolutely no iceberg lettuce.
If your rabbit is allowed to run free in your home, the area must be "bunny-proofed". Rabbits love to chew on electrical cords so you need to make sure they are safely covered or out of harm's way.
Allergies are another consideration. Some people are allergic to rabbits but the main reason for allergic reactions is the hay which is the rabbit's staple diet.
Rabbits should never be lifted by their ears; rather you should place your hand under their chest and pull them close to your body, making sure that the rump is fully supported.
Rabbits are wonderfully charming and entertaining pets but time needs to be taken to learn their behavior and understand their body language.
I share my life with two adorable and playful pet house rabbits who are a constant source of delight and amusement.
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