Should i get rabbits

This is especially true for rabbits. Most of us know what to expect when we get a cat or a dog, more or less, but caring for a rabbit isn't something we just know.

This could explain why rabbits are the third most surrendered animals to shelters, according to PETA. Armed with some knowledge, however, you can be prepared to care for a rabbit — or, well, rabbits, but more on that in a moment. This may be the most important thing to know when it comes to rabbits since they require a sizable degree of daily and weekly care over the course of their lives.

Given how long they live, it's a good bit of work that's more than just feeding and picking up after their poop. It's an especially big commitment if a rabbit is given to a child as a pet and then that child goes off to college and now that rabbit is the parent or guardian's responsibility. And speaking of children Yes, every kid would love a hoppy little bunny to call their own, but the rabbit may be less thrilled with a small kid as their primary caretaker.

Rabbits are prey animals , as the Humane Society of the United States HSUS notes, and as such, they're easily startled by loud noises and lurching movements. Picking up rabbits is also a no-go as it may make them think they've been grabbed by a predator. The HSUS strongly advises that parents or guardians wait until kids are older before the family adopts a rabbit.

Rabbits are social animals that rely on one another to survive in the wild. A rabbit by itself must be alert at all times for potential predators, but if there's another rabbit about, that spreads the responsibility around. And since rabbits only speak rabbit, it helps them feel immensely more safe if there's another rabbit about. Related to this, spaying and neutering your rabbit is a good call if you're going to have two rabbits, but it's generally smart even if you're going to stick to one rabbit.

PedMD recommends a solid four hours of exercise a day for rabbits, which basically means that leaving them cooped up in a cage all day isn't the best idea. Exercise for rabbits, like for humans, helps with overall health, including digestion, and mental health, and why wouldn't you want a happy rabbit? If you have the space, a whole room just for your rabbit is probably a great idea, as it gives them plenty of room to run to and fro.

If you don't have the space, then the cage or container holding your rabbit needs to be five times the size of the rabbit at minimum, according to the HSUS, and this includes on a vertical level so the rabbit can stand up on its hind legs without bumping its head.

Multi-tiered containers are also recommended. The rabbit's area will need to be spruced up every day and cleaned once a week. Rabbits are like cats in at least one way — they groom themselves a lot, all the time. According to Red Door, it can lead to shock or hypothermia. You should never fully submerge any part of your rabbit in water. Like other types of babies, baby rabbits have different nutritional needs than adults. For every five pounds of rabbit, you should offer two cups of fresh leafy greens twice daily for life.

Slowly introduce these greens to prevent diarrhea. Avoid all pellet mixes that have dried fruit, seeds, or nuts — none of that is stuff that rabbits should be eating. Also, avoid yogurt drops and other potentially dangerous "treats" that some pet stores sell. If you think that spaying and neutering is simply a choice, think again — in the case of rabbits, it can literally be a matter of life and death.

The vast majority of Easter rabbits are dumped when they become hormonal teenagers. Some shelters — like Red Door — only adopt out rabbits who have already been spayed or neutered, because it makes life easier on everyone. Baseboards, door frames, loose bits of carpeting, anything made out of wood —- these are all attractive to your rabbit. Use baby gates, big plastic boxes, wood boards, or anything you can to block access. Be aware of and block any areas your rabbits can squeeze into or under, such as shelving units, furniture, or major appliances.

Some rabbits also like to chew leather couches, foam, and plastic — and yes, I unfortunately know that from experience as well. Finally, some rabbits also love to climb. To successfully bond, you need two rabbits who have already been spayed or neutered according to Toni Greetis of Red Door.

That dramatically decreases the likelihood of hormonal outbursts of aggression. Even siblings can turn on one another when their teenage hormones kick in. Rabbits have an unique way of deciding who they like. Many rabbits enjoy the friendship of other rabbits. But just like humans, some rabbits prefer to be by themselves. I can also say from experience that there are few things more rewarding than watching two buns fall in love and become inseparable.

Occasionally, bonded pairs are available for adoption together — check with your local shelter if you already know that this is the kind of rabbit companionship you need in your life.

Red Door is a shelter that specializes in rescuing both rabbits and cats. It is important that they are constantly chewing on something, either grass, hay or a gnawing block. Their teeth grow at a rate of 2 to 3mm per week. Overgrown teeth can lead to weight loss, severe pain and discomfort. If you think your rabbit's teeth are getting too long, talk to your vet about some suitable options for reducing their length and maintaining an appropriate length.

Rabbits are susceptible to mite infestations. Symptoms include hair loss and itchiness. Thoroughly clean out and disinfect the hutch. The rabbit should be treated by a vet.

Many animal welfare shelters are inundated with unwanted pet rabbits, which have been bred by accident. If you do not plan to breed with your rabbit, discuss desexing with your vet. In male rabbits this is a relatively simple procedure. In female rabbits it is a more major operation. Desexing can help reduce nesting behaviour and improve toilet training. Rabbits can suffer from heat stress. It is important not to place the hutch in direct sunlight during the warmer months.

Keep it in the shade even on warm to cool days. It does not take long for heat to build up in small areas. On hot days it may be necessary to provide a frozen drink bottle or ice brick in the nesting area of the hutch to reduce the temperature. You could opening a window if there is a breeze which will help cool your rabbit. If you suspect your rabbit is suffering from heat stress, you must contact your vet immediately.

While you are waiting, begin the process of reducing the rabbit's temperature by placing them in tepid water or wrapping them in cool wet towels. Never place your heat stressed rabbit in cold or iced water. Rabbits make great pets for children. However, they are fragile and young children should not handle them. They can accidentally cause injury picking the rabbit, by squeezing too tightly, or dropping them. Children should always be supervised when interacting with and, in the case of older children, handling rabbits.

Rabbits must be handled appropriately so they do not scratch or bite and so they can develop a positive relationship with humans. Handle rabbits regularly, especially when they are young. Sit while you are handling a rabbit so the rabbit can't fall. Rabbits should be picked up with two hands. Hold them close to the chest or on your lap so they can rest their feet and feel secure.

Rabbits need daily exercise. If your rabbit is living in a hutch of minimum size make sure it has an exercise area that is safe. Your rabbit needs to access to it for at least four hours a day. Toys, obstacles and food treats are environmental enrichment that encourages your rabbit to exercise when you are not home. Rabbits can make a wonderful addition to your family. If you have other pets it is important you consider the impact of your rabbit on them and them on your rabbit.

Dogs and cats can have a natural instinct to hunt and kill rabbits. If you are introducing rabbits to a home that already has dogs and cats, your rabbit must be safe from other pets at all times. Barking dogs can also cause your rabbit stress. If you dog barks at your rabbit, ensure the hutch or run is not accessible to your dog when you are not there to supervise.

If your rabbits gets along well with your other pets, that is fantastic. Your rabbit will have another companion when you are unable to be with it. But always keep your rabbit safe. Caring for your pet rabbit Rabbits make great pets. Legislation The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act protects the welfare of all animals, including rabbits. Feeding your rabbit Rabbits are herbivores and only eat plant material.