The truth about bunnies that everyone has to know

Rabbits become very popular around Spring time because they are basically the mascots for Easter. The majority of us around the world know about the Easter bunny and there's usually the Easter Egg hunt that is the main activity for children around this period of time.

Unfortunately, many people also think that it's a good idea to buy a pet rabbit and to gift it to someone else, thinking that rabbits are low maintenance animals. This is because rabbits don't make any noises and are known to be the silent, timid type of animals. They are usually seen as prey in the wild and are known to be very cute as domesticated pets.

The truth about bunnies

The truth is, rabbits are not low maintenance animals at all. In fact, they are to be considered as high maintenance, just like cats and dogs. This is why it's especially important around this time of year to not see these animals as commodities, or the equivalent to buying a Christmas tree and then just throwing it out.

Rabbits need a lot of care and attention, and even though they might not make any noise, they do use a lot of body language in order to get their message across. In fact, rabbits are actually social creatures and it would be better if someone who wants to seriously commit to a pet rabbit to buy a pair rather than one so that they can socialise together.

If you cannot afford to take care of two rabbits, it is okay to get one, but it's absolutely crucial to spend time with it and to not neglect it. Rabbits can become depressed if they are neglected, which is why you need to build a bond with your rabbit and pay attention to it on a regular basis.

Rabbits can also become destructive out of boredom, and this can lead to you having a lot of chewed wires and furniture in your house because they are seeking your attention. They are also curious creatures and can sometimes be confused with their identity by thinking that they are beavers. (ha-ha)

It has been known that it's better to buy a female and male as a pair, but what happens if they constantly mate? That's why it's important to neuter/spay the pets and it's crucial to take your pet rabbits to a specialised vet who has experience in this.

Rabbits need to be neutered when they are between 4 - 6 months. The surgery is risky, which is why it's best to find a vet who has a lot of experience and knowledge about rabbits so that the procedure can be done safely. If you don't neuter/spay your rabbit, you will have to deal with your rabbit being territorial and the possible consequences of getting cancer (just like in cats and dogs).

The living conditions of a rabbit

Another thing that people don't realise is that rabbits shouldn't be kept in small/medium-sized cages. They need to have plenty of exercise in an open space area and if you want to set boundaries for your rabbit, you should buy a large playpen that is usually sold for puppies. You can also train your pet bunny to use a litter tray and they're very clean animals, so they will happily do their business in a litter tray. Rabbits should not be kept outside and they can be great housepets. They're comfort creatures and they much prefer to sit on the sofa with you, rather than outside in the cold.

The medical bills can be costly because rabbits have a sensitive digestive system which means that they can get ill very easily, but they usually hide their symptoms. It's important to get regular check-ups for your rabbit and if you notice that your rabbit is not pooping, eating or drinking and is very lethargic, you need to take them to the vets right away.

The myth about rabbits

When it comes to the lie about rabbits being low maintenance animals, there also falls the second lie that they only eat carrots. From my personal experience that I learnt from my pet rabbits, they didn't actually like carrots at first as a snack. Also, carrots are meant to be given to them in small pieces as a special treat and not as a main meal.

Rabbits have a rich diet and it's important to follow this through because if you don't follow the diet chart properly, it can lead to life-threatening consequences such as GI Stasis.

Here is what they should eat:

80% good quality hay - Oxbow Hay is the best brand. For baby bunnies, they need to eat Alfafa hay and for adult bunnies, they need to eat Timothy and/or Orchard Grass hay. They need to have plenty of fresh hay available throughout the day.

10% Fresh Vegetables - It's important to research the list of vegetables your rabbit can eat. It's also best to ask your vet or join a community online to see. Examples of fresh vegetables are parsley, dill, arugula leaves and romaine lettuce. Please keep in mind that Iceberg lettuce poisonous for rabbits.

5% Healthy pellets (NOT MUESLI MIX) - Depending on the size of your rabbit, you need to measure out twice a day the number of healthy pellets they should eat. It is usually instructed on the back of the packet and the best brand to go for is Beaphar Nature Rabbit.

5% Healthy treats- This means that you can occasionally feed your rabbit fruit and vegetables that are high in natural sugar as treats. For example apples, bananas, carrots, strawberries and watermelon are safe treats for your bunny.

Fact: Rabbits eat their own poop because it is filled with rich minerals and nutrients.

The takeaway from all of this

Rabbits can be the best pet companions because they love to bond with humans once they trust them. They're very affectionate animals and each has a unique personality; you might adopt/buy a rabbit that's always hyperactive or grumpy or clingy. But the most important thing that you need to remember is that they are animals that can live up to 10 years and should only be considered to be a part of your family if you are someone who is responsible and will not neglect it at all.