What's Up Doc? | Rabbit's as Pets
June 1, 2015
"What's Up Doc?" | Rabbit's as Pets
Are you familiar with that quote? Yup, that’s right – it’s from the worlds most famous bunny, Bugs Bunny! Well, in actuality Bugs is a cartoon as we all know, so perhaps there’s another real bunny that the famed title truly belongs too. But, it is interesting to see just how many fictional famous rabbits there are beyond Bugs Bunny: the Easter Bunny, Br’er Rabbit, and Peter Rabbit to name just a few. Rabbits are probably popular in children stories because of their symbolic innocence and association with Spring and new comings, not to mention they’re just plain cute!
Their innocence and cuteness probably have a lot to do with why they’re so popular as pets, they are after all probably amongst the most docile and pleasant of small pets. Bunnies also come in many different types and sizes. Although, you wouldn’t want to confuse a rabbit with a hare, as hares are quite a bit larger and more rambunctious and in general aren’t very common as pets (there’s usually a good reason for that).
Interesting Rabbit Pet Breeds
The American Fuzzy Lop: yes, we also think it couldn’t possibly have a cuter name!
Lionhead: again, we think this little guy couldn’t have been more appropriately named – my, just look at that mane!
English Angora: wow, we can’t even believe this fluff ball is a living creature.
American Chinchilla: a chinchilla is another type of rodent, and this rabbit does indeed have many similarities with it.
For more rabbit breeds you can check out this awesome website that tells you all about the different common rabbit pet breeds from small to large: Rabbit Breeds.Org
Caring for Rabbits
Rabbits are actually similar to dogs in some ways, for example they can be trained to come when called and will play games of chase or tag. Now that you’re considering one of these little guys for a pet, it’s probably a good time for us to tell you about the care and housing of these beloved fluff balls.
With Kids: it’s important to know that rabbits aren’t actually good pets for kids (contrary to popular belief). This is because rabbits are delicate and unable to cry out when mishandled. Children have a tendency to carry rabbits around and could easily drop and injure the rabbit and if the rabbit is stressed out it may scratch and/or bite the child to try and protect itself. So, while rabbits could make great pets for a family, it’s important that an adult is the primary care giver.
Cage: a cage for a small to medium sized rabbit should be no less than 4 feet wide, 2 feet deep and 2 feet high. Of course, you want to give them space to play and run outside of the cage; you can potty train them, so letting them out for a romp is always easy to do! Make note though, that they shouldn’t be housed with other rabbits if they’re not spayed/neutered.
Diet: Rabbits must have regular access to grass hay – something like timothy or brome hay would be perfect. Their main diet should consist of a high quality bunny pellet with 15-19% protein and 18% fiber.
Litter: Make sure you don’t use pine or wood shavings as the odor could negatively effect the rabbit. Rabbits are naturally very clean and will choose one spot in their habitat to do their duty. Once your rabbit has chosen their potty corner, put a litter of newspaper or hay down to be changed regularly.
Chewing: Rabbits need to chew on things for proper teeth care, so make sure you have chew toys available for their munching.
Well, we hope you’re excited for the possibility of getting a pet bunny, they certainly do make for very cuddly and loving pets!
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Author: Aileen Schultz
Photo Credit: Trinket looking at camera via photopin (license)