Before Buying A Bunny For Easter, Consider The Care Required

By Alicia Wright

Bunnies are cute. Bunnies can be very sweet. Bunnies are often the pet of choice during Easter.

The Connecticut Humane Society wants to remind rabbit lovers everywhere that bunnies are living, breathing, and thinking animals. When you adopt a rabbit, you are bringing a new family member into your home that will require a lifetime of love and care. As with any new pet, do your research so that you know what you are getting your family into before your bring your new bunny home.

The information below will help to get you started on your research.

Your companion rabbit should live inside for the following reasons:

*Safety — Almost every predator on the planet thinks rabbits are fair game. They are not completely safe from attack in an outdoor hutch.

*Health — Outdoor rabbits are more prone to suffering from heatstroke and frostbite. It may take longer to notice potential illnesses due to decreased opportunities for observation.

*Companionship — You are more likely to spend time with your rabbit if he or she lives indoors with you. Regular cuddling and handling will lead to a more stable, sweet temperament.

You should always supervise your rabbit when they are outside their cage in order to prevent the occurrence of chewing and to ensure their safety. Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box. This will help you maintain cleanliness much more easily. Rabbit cages should be cleaned daily in order to provide the best environment for your companion.

What to feed your rabbit:

*Provide fresh water at all times. Bowls and/or bottles should be refreshed daily.

*Hay, hay, hay keeps the doctor away. Rabbits must have daily hay to supplement their standard diet and to provide fodder for chewing. Consider using Timothy, Oat, Brome, Bermuda, or Orchard Grass.

*Green Veggies. Your rabbit should have vegetables in the ratio of one cup of food to three pounds of weight daily. The best greens include arugula, basil, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrot tops, celery, clover, dandelion greens, romaine lettuce, and parsley.

*Fruit. Rabbits love fruit, but they should only have one to two tablespoons per day. Favorites are cantaloupe, honeydew, kiwi, pears, and tomatoes.

*Pellets. Use Timothy hay based pellets with at least 18 percent fiber as a supplement to the diet above. Pellets should not be their sole diet.

Rabbits should not be fed beans, bread, cereal, chocolate, corn, nuts, oats, peas, refined sugar, seeds, and wheat.

Your rabbit needs routine veterinary care.

*Rabbits can live up to 15 years.

*Rabbits should be spayed or neutered for the same reasons we alter our cats and dogs. For control of the pet overpopulation problem, better temperaments, and better overall health.

*Annual visits will help with preventative well care as well as early detection of problems.

*You should consider scheduling a supplemental visit to your vet if your rabbit exhibits the following behaviors: excessive salivation, nasal/eye discharge, depression, reluctance to move, unexplained aggression, and an inability to sleep.

For more information on rabbit care, visit your local library or bookstore. There are dozens of books available on this topic. Proactive research will help you, your family, and your new companion rabbit have a long, happy life together.

To find out how to adopt a rabbit from the Connecticut Humane Society, visit www.cthumane.org.

Alicia Wright is the public relations director of the Connecticut Humane Society.