List of Need-to-knows

Question
Dear Randy,
I am making a list of things that new rabbit owners need to know, for a sotre that sells rabbits.  Me and employees at the store are worried about the way rabbits are sometimes treated after they ae taking home.  I know things that are important for rabbit care, but I thought I would ask an expert.  What things do you think is most important to tell new rabbit owners?  

Thank you for your time,
Sincerely, Maria

Answer
Hi Maria,

How refereshing.  I wish everyone that offered rabbits took your attitude.  Education is so important since rabbits are not what they media has played them to be and that is why, as you already know, that lots of domestic rabbits become "bad rabbits" and are "set free".

Two main points I use when training vet students is learn Bunny 101...and the most important parts of that are diet and behavior.  Most domestic rabbits are improperly fed.  Their diet should be primarily hay.  Pellets are never a "complete" food.  Learning what to feed...and what not to feed....would be a major break thru in rabbit husbandry.  Rabbits are hind gut fermenters much like horses and they have a very delicate and specialized digestive system.  The most often seen request for assistance I get is for digestive system problems (and they quickly become life threatening) and nearly all are due to improper feeding.

It is important for breeders/pet stores to educate people on behavior.  Most rabbits don't like to be held.  And if they are held improperly, they can suffer traumatic spinal injuries.  They need to know that rabbits can become aggressive especially as they mature and the hormones start to kick in.  Rabbits are also very intelligent and very sociable.  They love to play games and need to be stimulated mentally or they get bored and tend to misbehave.

There is just so many things that people misunderstand about rabbits and it would be impossible to cover them all in this forum.  I have had rabbits for over 30 years....and most of the rescued "special needs".  Diet and behavior are the two issues that come up most often.  I would suggest you visit House Rabbit Society.  It is a group dedicated to the betterment of pet rabbits.  I would suggest visiting their site at www.rabbit.org and you will find lots of good information to read at your leisure.  I think it would really open your eyes to the world of rabbits and you, in turn, can help to educate people on the wonders of having rabbits in the house.  Good luck.