Sharon

Spring is getting close and soon there will be bunnies everywhere. The pet stores, markets and farm stores will have plenty of these cute little balls of fur for sale. Tempted? Let me give you something to think on. How much trouble can a little bunny be? Let me count the ways. Long term commitment 8-12 years on average(my longest lived was 16)

Bunnies make very inappropriate pets for young children. These are very fragile animals requiring very specified care and diet. Many a bunny back has been broken being dropped by small hands that simply cannot properly lift or hold a bunny. Bunnies do not do well in households with rambunctious children as it is just too stressful for them. Unaltered rabbits can make poor pets for anyone. Females will be moody and males will spray urine and hump everything in sight. Spay/neuter is also a must to protect their health and it is expensive. Rabbits do chew and dig and some are worse than others. Unsupervised they will chew through wiring, dig and chew carpets, chew furniture, baseboards and anything else they can get their teeth on. Improper handling can lead to some nasty bites and scratches too. These are highly social animals leaving them to languish in a cage is a miserable existence. They are not at all heat tolerant and are prone to heat stroke. Temps above 72F is getting uncomfortable. They are prone to potentially fatal digestive disorders with improper diet. Vet care is very expensive. They need space not only caged space but room to free run at least a couple hours a day. Rabbits kept in outdoor hutches do not live long or happy. These animals require a lot of time and patience to socialize.Pet and other outlets do often sell bunnies too early weaned setting them up for a lifetime of expensive health issues. On the other hand they are highly social, intelligent animals and with proper socialization can be outstanding pets. They are however totally unlike cats and dogs and much research has to be done before taking one on. rabbits are not toys they are a 10 year commitment of time, energy, space and money. Never surprise with a pet. Pets are an adult responsibility and all in the household especially the adults footing the food and vet bills and providing the bulk of the care must be onboard. Look before you hop and read up on www.rabbit.org before you give into temptation. If you do decide to hop into it? please consider adopting from a shelter or rescue that spays/neuters.