Local Rescue Explains Why Rabbits Are Not Good Easter Gifts

Pet Rabbits Require Lots of Care

MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – With Easter approaching comes the annual reminder that live bunnies do not make good Easter gifts. Rabbits are not “easy” pets and they require a significant amount of care and attention. They should be added to the family only after careful consideration. (Pro tip: consider donating to a local rescue for Easter!)

Brittany Graves, founder of Oscar’s Rabbit Rescue in Marshfield, said that this time of year many people consider adding a rabbit to their family – but rabbits are an expensive, time consuming investment and should only be added after careful consideration. Rabbits live approximately 8-10 years in good conditions.

“The amount of rabbits in shelters increases after holidays like Christmas and Easter because people got a bunny without understanding what they were getting into,” said Graves. “Rabbits are intelligent, amazing pets, but they do require specific care and are NOT a low-maintenance or inexpensive pet. They are also not as snuggly as people expect because they significantly fear becoming prey, so they easily panic when they are picked up. They should not be kept in a cage, but rather a large exercise pen with time out of the pen to exercise and socialize. They need lots of room to run around safely indoors only. Outside is dangerous due to RHDV-2, temperatures, and predators.”

She said that the most common reasons rabbits are surrendered is that the family has no time for the rabbit, kids have lost interest in the rabbit, behavior issues related to not being spayed/neutered, or expensive medical care. She adds that most of the rabbits surrendered show evidence of neglect related to poor diet, housing, and care.

Graves added that though rabbits can make excellent pets, they have needs that are not typical of other pets such as a cat or dog. She also encourages those ready to add a rabbit to their own to ADOPT rather than go to a breeder. Shelters are overwhelmed and buying from a breeder adds to more unwanted pets in shelters.

Things to note about rabbits include:

• A rabbit’s teeth grow continuously! If they do not get a proper diet, their teeth can become overgrown and misaligned and must be ground down by a veterinary professional, under anesthesia.
• A rabbit must be provided fresh hay daily. Although pelleted rabbit food is available, it should only be used as a supplement to hay and some leafy greens. Proper pellets never contain seeds or colored additives. Rabbit diets are so important because it can be deadly, quickly, if needs are not met.
• Rabbits require more water than comparable species, and water bowls are needed for this – NOT bottles. A 5-pound rabbit drinks as much as a 24-pound dog per day. The average rabbit consumes approximately 25 to 75 mL of water per pound of body weight per day.
• Typically, rabbits live to between 7 and 10 years, but this can vary based on living conditions and breed of the rabbit.
• RHDV-2 is an extremely deadly and contagious virus that typically shows no symptoms until death. The only prevention is vaccination which is typically costly. After the initial vaccination series, an annual booster is required.
• A pet rabbit should have their living area and bowls cleaned daily! Bad bacterias can cause severe illness or death. Rabbits are not “low maintenance” and require daily attention to their diet, health, and living area.
• Pet rabbits must be spayed or neutered. In addition to preventing unwanted behaviors and litters, cancer risks are high if they are not spayed. The cost to have this procedure done can be higher than with cats and dogs, and is only done by certain veterinarians.
• Rabbits are social creatures! They will need attention and lots of room to run around. Rabbits are most active during the morning and evenings. They sleep much of the day when many families are typically busy.

Another thing to consider before bringing home a rabbit as a pet is whether your veterinarian sees rabbits.

“Not all veterinarians provide services to rabbits. It’s important to find this out before you get your bunny home,” said Graves. “Also, rabbits are prone to issues like GI stasis, so it’s important to have a good vet that understands these issues. A rabbit that does not eat for 12 hours is critical and a vet trip is needed immediately.”

As with any pet, a family must decide whether the care and maintenance of an animal is something that is able to fit into their daily schedule. Talk with your veterinarian and make an informed decision as to whether a pet rabbit is right for you!

Before bringing a pet rabbit home, read these tips from Oscar’s Rabbit Rescue. Want to help local rabbits? Donations are always needed – click here to learn how you can help!

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