Top 10 Best Things To Know Before Keeping Rabbit As A Pet

Rabbits are the cutest animals. It's understandable that many people would want one as a pet with their iconic ears, bouncy legs, and twitchy noses.

However, just like with any other pet, bringing a rabbit home necessitates preparation and understanding of the risks involved. This is particularly valid for hares.

When we get a cat or dog, most of us know what to expect, but caring for a rabbit isn't something we just know. According to PETA, this could explain why rabbits are the third most commonly surrendered animal to shelters.

Top 9 Best Things To know Before Keeping Rabbit As A Pet

• Rabbits Can Live for 10 to 12 Years
• They Aren't Great Pets for Kids
• They Like Being With Other Rabbits
• Rabbits Need Exercise and Room to Roam
• You'll Need to Rabbit-Proof Your Home
• They Need More Than Carrots
• They Require Unique Medical Care
• They Like to Cuddle—on Their Own Terms
• Rabbits Keep Their Own Time

1. Rabbits Can Live for 10 to 12 Years

Rabbits can be trained to do little things like give high-fives and kisses and live for 10 to 12 years. If you want your experience to be successful, you need to be a consistent, conscientious owner because all of this requires proper training.

You can, however, be prepared to care for a rabbit or rabbits if you have some knowledge. More on that later.

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This might be really significant to know with regards to bunnies since they require a sizable level of day to day and week by week care throughout the span of their lives. It's a lot of work that goes beyond just feeding and cleaning up after them, given how long they live. If a rabbit is given to a child as a pet and that child goes to college, the parent or guardian now has to care for the rabbit. This is a particularly big commitment. And referring to children,

2. They Aren't Good Pets for Kids

While every child would love to have a happy bunny to call their own, the rabbit may not be as happy with a young child taking care of them.

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), rabbits are prey animals, so they are easily startled by sudden movements and loud noises. Rabbits may mistakenly believe they have been grabbed by a predator if they are picked up. The HSUS strongly recommends that parents or guardians wait until their children are older before adopting a rabbit for their family.

3. They Enjoy Interacting With Other Rabbits

Rabbits are social animals that depend on one another to survive in the wild.

A rabbit on its own must always be on the lookout for potential predators, but if there is another rabbit nearby, the responsibility is shared by all of them.

Additionally, since rabbits only speak rabbit, being around another rabbit makes them feel much safer. In a similar vein, if you intend to have two rabbits, spaying and neutering them is a wise decision, but it is generally prudent even if you only have one.

4. Rabbits Need Exercise and Room to Roam

PetMD recommends that rabbits get at least four hours of exercise each day, which basically means that keeping them cooped up in a cage all day is not a good idea.

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Like for humans, exercise improves mental and overall health as well as digestion, and who wouldn't want a happy rabbit?

A separate room just for your rabbit is probably a good idea if you have the space because it gives them plenty of room to run around. According to the HSUS, if you don't have enough space, the cage or container that holds your rabbit needs to be at least five times its size.

This includes having to be on a vertical level so that the rabbit can stand on its hind legs without bumping its head. Containers with multiple tiers are also recommended. Every day and once a week, the area around the rabbit will need to be cleaned.

Your rabbit can be harness-trained and taken for walks outside. For extra special experiences, some owners take their rabbits on trails or to the beach. It's a surefire way to get people you meet along the way talking.

5. You'll Need to Rabbit-Proof Your Home

If you don't have room for a large cage or a dedicated rabbit room, giving your rabbit free reign in the living area may be your only option. This means getting the rest of the house ready. Hares' teeth grow constantly, so they love biting on everything, including furniture and links.

The temptation to chew can be eliminated by wrapping plastic tubing around the cables, or the wires can be taped up to keep them out of the rabbit's reach.

Best Friends Animal Society suggests using cardboard barriers around chair legs, chewing deterrent sprays like Grannick's Bitter Apple, or wood or plastic coverings to protect wood furniture and baseboards.

Also beneficial? As an alternative, ensure that your rabbit has plenty of safe and chew-friendly toys.

6. They Need More Than Carrots

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The common belief is that rabbits will eat vegetables all day long. While some people may want their rabbits to do so, it is important to provide them with a varied but healthy diet.

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) recommends that grass or hay make up the majority of their diet, with fresh vegetables making up a smaller portion.

These vegetables can incorporate kale, broccoli, romaine lettuce and parsley. Treats like fresh pineapple, apple, and carrots should only be given once or twice a week. Pineapple, yes. It might aid in their digestion.)

7. You need to be aware of your rabbit's overall well-being

just like you would with any other pet, but rabbits have their own unique requirements. PETA says that because of this, rabbits also have their own specialized vets, who can be more expensive than your typical vet. The RSPCA prescribes yearly vet visits to really take a look at their teeth, to test for parasites and get inoculations.

8. They Like to Cuddle—on Their Own Terms

Rabbits are incredibly soft and silky, which is a big part of their appeal. They like to cuddle on their own terms. If done correctly, usually low to the ground or on your lap, they enjoy being stroked. They will feel insecure if you pick them up too high. You'll have to prepare them since early on to become acclimated with nestling; This does not come easily to me. Beginning with petting them on the floor, you can eventually move closer to them, hug them, and hold them in your lap.

9. Rabbits Keep Their Own Time

Rabbits are crepuscular, which means that they typically sleep both during the day and at night. When do they wake up, then? Dawn and dusk! Even though this is great for evening cuddles on the couch, if they have free reign of the house, it might not be the best idea when you're trying to sleep.