Choosing a pet is about much more than cats and dogs. Ferrets, reptiles, birds, fish, guinea pigs, and rodents are all common suburban pet options. And so are rabbits.
Any pet has certain common requirements: suitable and adequate shelter, food, fresh water. There will be veterinary expenses, vaccinations, desexing, and planning for when you are absent (and need a service like
Pet Minding Yarraville).
A bunny can be a lovely pet - but are not as "care-free" as many people might expect. Before choosing to adopt a rabbit into your family, consider the following:
The Pros of Owning a Rabbit:
* Rabbits are quiet yet sociable and tame. They do not tend to be destructive.
* Rabbits can be very loving and playful, and form close emotional bonds with their human families.
* Caring for a rabbit involves limited grooming, etc.
* Rabbits live longer than many other small pets (rodents, for example) and a well cared for bunny can live for a decade on average.
* Some bunny breeds can be trained to perform tricks - and may even be toilet trained.
* Bunnies are a great introduction for children into pet ownership: they are friendly, tame, form bonds well and do not make an enormous amount of mess to clean up. (Be aware small children need to be very careful picking up a bunny as it can hurt the bunny and rabbit claws can be sharp!)
The Cons of Owning a Rabbit
* Though maintaining a bunny doesn't cost a lot, he or she will require a large hutch with shelter as well as outside areas. The more bunnies, the bigger the hutch requirement. And be warned, more than one rabbit equals a high chance of breeding (and the saying "breeding like rabbits" is not without good cause). Make sure all are desexed.
* Rabbits may free-roam in the yard - but remember they can dig their way out, and will eat any vegetables in the nearby vicinity. This will not endear them (or you) to the neighbours.
* Bunnies kept indoors will chew on wires and cables (to naturally trim their teeth).
* Unless trained to use a kitty litter, an indoor rabbit will make a smelly mess.
* Rabbits must be protected against myxomatosis and calicivirus and require vaccination. There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching a pet die of one of these diseases (this writer had that experience as a child).
* Bunnies require regular nail trimming. Otherwise they will be not only uncomfortable for the bunny, they will scratch up your furniture.
Rabbits require plenty of social interaction with their human family. They need daily exercise outside their hutch, and time for play and exploration. They should be fed a diet of not only rabbit pellets, but also fresh vegetables and quality hay. Always provide plenty of fresh water. The area they inhabit needs to be rabbit proofed, and safe chew toys are highly recommended. And when you go on vacation, investigate a service like found at "
Pet Minding Yarraville" to adequately care for your pet.
A bunny can be a loving and rewarding addition to the family home - do a little research and make a choice right for you.
