9 Considerations Before Adopting A Pet Rabbit

Most of us are attracted towards rabbits as pets as they are admirable and have a brimming personality. But adopting one from a shelter requires careful consideration of a number of factors; you would do good to learn all about them before you adopt one. 

Consider the following points before adopting a pet parrot:

1) Finance is the first important consideration: You need undertake the added financial responsibility of adoption fees, housing, food and bunny proof supplies. In addition there are ongoing expenses on litter, vet fees that includes the fees on spray/neuter if the bunny has not undergone the surgery in the shelter.

2) Bunny proofing the house is very important: You may keep your bunny in a cage, condo or puppy pen; still you need to take care to bunny proof your rabbit when it is let out for supervised exercise. Being very curious and persistent creatures rabbits could hurt themselves and mess up by getting into your computer cables, wires, molding, couch piping and slightly frayed rugs. They could also eat up some of your important documents.

3) Housing of the bunny should be inside the house: Rabbits are very social animals that need a lot of social interaction, exercise and lot of enrichment activities. Their cage should be preferably within the house, though you need to make sure the rabbit has some time to relax by himself.

4) Rabbits need activities to enrich themselves: Provide your rabbit a great diversion with a cardboard castle filled with empty toilet paper rolls, old phone books, and other paper products you find around the house; this will keep them occupied and out of trouble. 

5) Proper nutrition in the right amount is vital for the well-being of the rabbit: It is best to have an understanding about the rabbit’s nutritional needs throughout life; their staple diet is fiber and they should have access to a lot of grass hay at all times. Ensure no member of the family is allergic to hay before adopting a rabbit. Read blogs on nutrition of rabbits to be well informed. 

6) Litter box training is very important: Though most rabbits in rescues are litter box trained, some may be stressed and could forget the good habits when they move to your house. Litter training can be frustrating at times, but the key is persistence and consistent reinforcement of good habits. 

7) Bonding with a bunny:  Most rabbits are quite affectionate animals, though personalities may vary from each other. Talk to the volunteer at the rescue about those rabbit that can be a good fit for your family; it is best to know that most rabbits do not like to be held/picked up.

8) Traveling is not allowed and is stressful to the bunny: Rabbits get stressed up when placed in unfamiliar environments; you need a good pet sitter to watch your bunny when you are on vacation. A rabbit may not be the right pet for those that love travelling a lot. Also a few airlines especially within USA prohibit rabbits.

9) Rabbits live for more than 10 years and are not ideal as pets when children leave home: The adoption of a bunny should be a family decision as it involves a long time commitment and are not low maintenance pets. They should have a safe and loving home even after the children leave home to look for work or college.

These considerations would definitely help you decide if a rabbit is the best pet for your family. 

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