Adopting a Bunny – Making the Adjustment

As soon as March rolls around I’m ready for spring and all that comes with it. Budding flowers, warmer temperatures, and Easter (IF you celebrate it, if not just enjoy a little extra chocolate and the previously mentioned benefits)! This holiday brings up the next topic of our blog: bunnies!
My family has had pet rabbits on and off throughout my entire childhood, so to me rabbits are no more daunting than a pet hamster- but I understand how even these little guys could seem a little daunting. Bunnies aren’t as hard as people say though, and there are actually some benefits to having these fluff balls around. I wanted to compile a list of tips and tricks to hopefully make you guys feel more comfortable as rabbit owners, or just to aid in your caretaking. 

1. Rabbits are social!

Many buns will bond to other rabbits in duos or trios- or even with cats. Rabbits have super individualized personalities, so they’re great friends to have around.
 Note: Bunnies are not known to be BFFs with dogs.

2. Find the right bunny for you

​There are 40-50 breeds of rabbits. Smaller Netherland Dwarfs range in size from 2-3 lbs, all the way to Flemish Giants who top out around 20! Just like with dogs, decide some characteristics you’re looking for in a bunny, and ask the foster parent what the rabbit’s temperament is like. I’ve had shy, quiet rabbits, and rabbits that spent all day mischievously playing flip-cup with their food bowl. Both were delightful- but one may be more suited to you and your lifestyle than the other. 

3. ​Spay/Neuter your new friend! 

​Bunnies are prone to reproductive cancers when not properly taken care of so it’s important to spay and neuter them. Male buns are likely to develop prostate cancer when left un-neutered, and females have a 60-80% chance of getting ovarian or uterine cancers. If proper precautions are taken, your bun should stay healthy and happy!

4. ​Let’s talk housing! 

​Domesticated rabbits should have a spot indoors, in a semi-controlled climate as they can’t tolerate super-hot or very cold temperatures. That being said, in more neutral weather, my bunnies have always loved having the opportunity to hop around outdoors. Rabbits love to exercise so having a home-base shelter and then a larger place for them to explore is ideal. Previously we’ve used chain-link dog-runs to give our bunnies a place outside – just be careful because bunnies love to dig, and some bunnies are tiny enough to slip through some fencing!

5. ​Pamper your pet. 

Rabbits are excitable little creatures, so ideally their cage will be stimulating. Aim to find something with multiple levels, and make sure you have water bottles designed for rabbits. Another note: avoid wire flooring! Rabbits don’t have the same padding on their feet that cats and dogs do, and wire can hurt them. Rabbits love to explore, so having a cage with an interesting layout is perfect them. You can also buy toys and beds for your little guy.

6. Potty-train your bun! 

​That’s right, you heard me. Rabbits can be housebroken! Just like cats, rabbits can be trained to use a litterbox, which will definitely simplify cage cleanings and managing any smell. It should take about two months to fully litterbox train your bunny. BUT certain types of litter aren’t good for their digestive system. Avoid brands that advertise clumping, and stay away from pine and cedar chips. If you’re worried about finding the right kind, consult your vet!

7. Sadly, rabbits are the 3rd most surrendered animal. ​

​You know what that means… ADOPT, don’t shop. There are plenty of cuddly guys waiting to find forever homes, and they don’t have to come from a breeder. Keep in mind that a pet rabbit is a five- to ten-year commitment, so never bring home a pet unless you’re 100% committed to care for it for its entire life.

8. Hay.

​Rabbits love it. There are two types, alfalfa and timothy (also good rabbit names!) From birth to 6 months, rabbits can have alfalfa, but after that you should switch over to timothy. Both varieties should be available at your local pet store!

9. Fiber isn’t just a people thing!

​Bunnies need fiber too. Luckily, there’s plenty of fiber in standard rabbit food (i.e. pellets). Following the same timeline as with hay, from 0-6 months your bun can have unlimited pellets, but after that consult with your vet about an appropriate amount to feed daily.

10. Snacks.

Leafy greens are great for bunnies. Think kale, arugula, parsley, etc. Be careful though, because watery things like iceberg lettuce can cause diarrhea, which can be dangerous for buns.
Fruit and vegetables can be great snacks as well (if only we could get kids to eat them this easily. Sigh.) Things like carrots, broccoli, celery, and banana slices will make for a very happy bun. Just keep the portions small – they’re little and don’t need much to perk them up. 
Overall, bunnies are super fun pets to have around! I hope this helps you gain the confidence to adopt one, or just helps you better understand the tiny friend you have already.
This list was compiled with help from this website: https://www.care.com/c/stories/6110/so-you-want-to-adopt-a-rabbit/
Definitely check them out for other helpful resources and more information about bunnies.
Have a hoppy day!