Rabbit as a Pet

Rabbit as a pet are most adorable and easy to adopt and cared ones.  All they need is a social connection.  Once you have one, you will enjoy their company.

Rabbits first came from Europe and Africa, but they slowly started to adapt other places of the world. Now they can be found all over the globe and can be kept as a pet.

You can purchase food for them in most pet shops, or other shops that have pet food available. You should also make sure the food for them is safe and given in a specific amount. Information on rabbit food can be found anywhere and can be asked by pet specialists or those who have kept pet rabbits before. You can keep a pet safe as long as it’s in a perfect environment. Different species of bunnies can have different information about them and climates to stay in.

Breeds of Rabbits

Different breeds of rabbits

There are many breeds of rabbits exclusive to each region, there are currently 49 breeds of bunny rabbits around the globe. Each breed of them is special some are rarer than each other. Sumatran striped rabbit is considered to be the rarest of them yet they are located in Sumatra (Indonesia). Bunnies of all breeds are known for special features some may be bigger than others or smaller. Most of them are quite easy to care, if you treat them carefully.

Lop rabbits are known for their ears that are drooping downwards there are other represented species of this bunny.

Chinchilla rabbits are known for their coat as they resemble a Chinchilla but they are not related any closer to one.

Harlequin rabbits are known for their fur markings and colorations, they originated from France having a unique marking but they are sadly extremely rare and are not found easily in most pet shops. My favourite one is Harlequin rabbit. There are more unique breeds but I have listed only few of them that I like the most.

Rabbit’s snacks and foods

Rabbits are only herbivores they will only eat plants and vegetables. When it comes to feeding healthy plants to your pets, I recommend feeding your bunny bushes, plants, weeds, and some healthy and safe vegetables like romaine lettuce, carrots, mustard greens and etc.

Cute Rabbit

Exercise Rabbits

Your rabbits need to run, walk and jump as it helps them grow strong and skilled so exercising them is something you need to do often. If your pet lives in a small hutch it needs an upgrade so that they can walk and do activities, your hutch should be also safe when the bunny is sprinting or jumping. If you want to keep to hutch small you can add an exercise area for your Rabbit so they can access the area anytime they need to exercise for more than 4 hours a day. You can add toys, obstacle courses and environmental decorations so your Rabbit can exercise while you’re gone so you don’t have to worry about them not exercising enough.

Rabbit’s den

Rabbits are very social, especially when it comes giving them a den. When giving them a den make sure it’s safe for your bunny. As most unsafe ones are prone to predators or some objects might hurt it. Give you bunny a nice big hutch with hay bedding beneath it to make it more safe and comfortable. The area should be avoided by weather and need enough space to walk and run freely.

When deciding a hutch make sure it’s waterproofed as the bunnies might get wet, the hutch can have two floors to make it bigger then it is, rabbits also need hay bedding to sleep and rest as it’s not comfortable to sleep on a solid ground. Having two or more rabbits can make your pets feel less alone.

Rabbit’s behavior

As said rabbits are very social as they need a companion with them or else they will feel lonely. If you own or thinking to only get one bunny, you need to give it a lot of attention. Otherwise they will get too bored. Rabbits are very playful pets.  They will chew on stuff which is okay. As it’s good for their teeth health. They will also be making nests with their fur or with other objects they find comfy. Once they get attached to objects, they will also play with them!

Rabbit’s diseases and problems

Your rabbits need care in case if your bunny is feeling sick. There are some type of diseases and viruses you need to watch out for them for example Calicivirus and Myxomatosis. These diseases are very harmful to your bunnies. You should make sure that your bunny is in an environment where there is protection from mosquitoes and wild rabbits.  If your pet is getting bitten by a mosquito then there is a chance that mosquito might be carrying the virus by other wild Rabbits. There’s also a dangerous virus spreading nicknamed “Bunny Ebola” killing 90% of all affected Rabbits.

Take your pet immediately to vet to get emergency treatment if you find change in behavior or feel some sickening symptoms.  By the way, special care is needed if you find out that in your community there is a spread of Bunny Ebola, Calicivirus and Myxomatosis. Also pray that these pet don’t get Corona Virus. Rabbit as a pet requires your utmost attention to its health and safety.

Rabbit handling

Rabbits are fine around kids and babies. But they can get injured and hurt while being handled by kids.  Vets see a lot of cases where they find accident involving the drop or squeeze a bunny. They are very fragile. They may scratch or bite if not handled properly if you handle your Rabbits well they have a positive view of you. Bunnies should feel secure while being handled so they can rest themselves. They should be regularly handled especially if they are young.

Rabbits around with other pets

Rabbit and a dog

If you have other pets then just a rabbit. It’s okay to keep them around with other animals, but there are some stuff you’ll need to know. Keeping bunnies with carnivores can be a problem. It is a natural way for dogs and cats to hunt them as prey. When letting them be around with them you can keep an eye on them to make sure the bunnies are safe. Rabbits can also get frightened when introducing new animals, you can make sure that your pet can bond easily with other species of animals too.

Rabbit as a pet can bond with other pets which will be great for you. During your travels with them at least they have another companion to be with when you’re gone away.

By Sarah Shahzad