Rabbits one of the most popular pets in the country, with over two million bunnies across the nation. It’s easy to see why people love them because they’re so cute. However, rabbits have very specific needs, and some new owners underestimate them. These social animals need plenty of love and attention, the same you would offer a dog or cat. This is something to consider before bringing one home; rabbits are not low maintenance!
Here, we’ll look at everything you need to know about giving attention to pet rabbits.
Pet Rabbits Need Hours of Interaction Daily
Rabbits are emotionally complex creatures capable of forming lasting bonds with their owners. This is something to consider before getting a pet bunny. You should interact with your pet bunny for at least an hour a day, so they don’t feel lonely. Beyond that, they need at least four hours of free-roaming time in a secure area, such as a pet-friendly playpen.
Unlike some small mammals that fear handling, pet rabbits enjoy human company, and you can play games with them. They will play with their owner and enjoy spending time with them. This makes them very fulfilling pets because you can genuinely build a relationship. Don’t buy a rabbit and stick it in a hutch without being there emotionally for it. Your rabbit will become miserable, and this could have many unfortunate consequences.
Can Two Bunnies Keep Each Other Company?
If you can’t give your pet rabbit all the love it deserves, you should consider getting it a companion. Two bunnies can provide each other company, as well as many other benefits. They’ll help groom each other and will also snuggle together for warmth and security.
We strongly recommend being strategic when getting multiple rabbits. While rabbits aren’t naturally aggressive, neutered opposite-sex pairs are ideal. Only put the two together if you’re 100 percent sure the male has been neutered. Sometimes, breeders make mistakes, and suddenly you have a pregnant rabbit on your hands. Pet rabbits can have up to 15 babies in one litter and may fall pregnant again within two hours of giving birth! This is a problem that most people won’t want to deal with.
Note that getting your rabbit a friend is not a substitute for human interaction. They still want your attention above all else!
Enrichment Activities for Pet Rabbits
There are many ways to provide enrichment for rabbits while you’re at work or otherwise away from home. Plenty of activities will enhance their emotional lives and reduce the risk of stress, which can weaken their immune systems and lead to health problems.
Most people know that wild rabbits love digging, but they don’t think about their pet bunnies doing the same. Owners could provide a digging box for their rabbit with soil, sand, or even just paper. They will instinctively dig in this small pit, and it will provide plenty of satisfaction. Chew toys are also great options because they will help the rabbit maintain healthy teeth. Without regular chewing, their incisors can grow too long. Wooden objects are the best options.
Meanwhile, consider creating a fun hutch environment. There should be plenty of hiding places for your bunny. Your rabbit will feel more comfortable if it can disappear out of sight when it wants. Don’t forget to give them opportunities to exercise. Provide obstacles for them to climb and explore. These could include PVC pipes, cardboard boxes, and even empty toilet paper tubes.
Playing with Your Rabbit Outside Its Hutch
Your rabbit cannot spend their entire life in a cage; you must take them out and allow them to exercise for at least four hours daily. For example, you could let your pet wander on the kitchen floor or put it in a child’s play pen. Above all else, you must prioritize your bunny’s safety.
First, ensure there are no other animals in the area. Many cats and dogs will instinctively attack your pet rabbit. Yes, we’ve all seen pictures of people posing their bunnies with their cats. They’re taking a massive risk, and we don’t advocate these interspecies interactions.
If you take your rabbit outside, you should constantly supervise it. This may seem overprotective, but your bunny could escape, or a predator could target it. In some areas, there may even be birds of prey that could swoop down and snatch it. We advise playing with your rabbit in an enclosed area indoors, so there’s less risk of anything like this happening.
Playing with your rabbit outdoors at night also isn’t the best plan. Also, avoid taking them outside when it’s too sunny because they can overheat. Lastly, while playing with your rabbit indoors, ensure there are no hazards on the floor that could harm them. Remove choking hazards or anything that could cause them injury.
Are Children Good Company for Pet Rabbits?
Children and pet rabbits can be good company for each other. Again, it’s important to exercise caution, especially with younger children. Rabbits have a delicate bone structure, and their ears are very sensitive. Smaller children may inadvertently hurt the rabbit with clumsy behavior or by pulling on the bunny’s ears. It’s crucial to supervise kids to ensure that they behave properly. Older children are more dependable, but sometimes, they lose interest in their pets. Ensure that they’re giving their pet bunny enough attention because these animals require plenty of company.
In conclusion, rabbits make excellent pets because owners don’t need to walk them, and they take up relatively limited space. However, they prefer quieter environments, so they may not be the best option for a very lively household. Rabbits can live up to 12 years, so they’re a relatively long-term commitment. This is something else for parents to consider because their children could leave their pet behind when they go to university!
