It's the holidays, people want rabbits for Christmas, but people either are eager to sell for Christmas or pretty cautious. A lot of people want to buy a present for their girlfriend/boyfriend or kid, and well, why not a cute bunny? This time of the year you see lots of those photos, of why a bunny isn't a present, and such. I've seen a few myself and have some opinions on this, that I'd like to share. I find there is a lot of misinformation out there, and I like to put out the truth (in my opinion) for my buyers and readers..so, here's my thoughts: This photo is one I've seen going around recently. I actually really disagree with this, surpsingly. Lets go through these points it shows real fast: 1. Bunnies hate being held This is dependent upon the rabbits personality, some rabbits love being held. But some rabbits hate being held. Some rabbits love attention but don't want to be held. Every rabbit is different, it also depends a lot on how much handling the rabbit had from a young age and what the parents personalites were. 2. Bunnies are expensive to maintain If you asked me this question, I'd say yes and no. On a breeding scale, yes. On a pet scale, not really. You have one rabbit as a pet, you buy a cage and feed/water dishes, as well as a litterbox. Those should all last you a long time. The only real expense is feed ($8-$15 depending on brand and bag size) and bedding ($5-$10). With you only having one rabbit, you're not going to go through that too quickly. You can usually make DIY toys and treats are not required, and if given should be fruits and veggies that aren't processed and not those little rabbit treats. Therefore, I do not think pet rabbits are expensive to maintain. Getting those base supplies and rabbit itself will cost you the most. THOUGH, If your rabbit ever needs vet care, that will be expensive. 3. Bunnies do not live in a cage This is the biggest reason I'm really surprised that breeders have liked/shared this. Rabbits DO live in a cage, yes, some people do have free range rabbits but it is possible and FINE for them to live in a clean cage, that allows them to hop across it a few times and stand up on their back feet (at minimum). Solid or wire flooring, doesn't matter, as long as the cage is clean. 4. Bunnies bite and scratch like cats and dogs Rabbits should not be agressive by nature, do not get a rabbit that is just a jerk. A biting bunny is not fun. None of my rabbits bite me, and if they do they don't stay in my barn long. I don't tolerate bad attitudes because it WILL pass onto babies. Though, if rabbits are not held properly or get frightened, handled roughly or very annoyed they may bite or scratch, so learn the signs and don't annoy or scare your rabbit! In the end they are animals with teeth and claws, as well as a mind of their own. 5. Bunnies chew stuff like cats and dogs I don't even need to say anything about this, except it's TRUE. Bunnies teeth grow their whole lifetime so they need stuff to chew on, and they seem to like doing it anyways. 6. Bunnies are not suitable for people with hay fever/pollen allergies No comment on this one, except I do agree with it. 7. Bunnies need specialized vet care. Yes and no. Most breeders rarely (if ever) take their rabbit to a vet, because we've learned how to treat and handle stuff ourself. Though there are not many rabbit savvy vets, so finding one that can treat your bunny and REALLY knows what they're talking about can be hard, in my opinion it's best to find a trustworthy, knowledgable breeder and ask them. If they think you should see a vet they will usually tell you, and sometimes can mention a good vet to you. 8. Bunnies get sick/hurt easily I do agree with this one, more so the "hurt" then the "sick". Rabbits must be held properly because if they twist or land wrong they can EASILY break their back or neck and it will kill them. I had this happen once with a crazy junior of mine, it's honestly horrible. They have more risk of getting injured easily then getting sick easily. 9. Bunnies are not cheap See #2. Though purchasing a bunny from a reputable breeder will not be cheap usually, go find that breeder and pay that extra money for a healthy bunny and someone you can contact with any questions. A good breeder will help you and answer your questions with no problem. 10. Bunnies are not easy I think we've addressed this one pretty well in the last 9. I think they are an easier pet, though if considering a pet for your child PLEASE remember that you need to be responsible and able to step up and care for the rabbit too if needed. Rabbits can live 8-10+ years with proper care, they do have a sensitive digestive system and should only be fed treats in moderation, their cage needs cleaned and they need attention. Breeding rabbits though, that is not easy. It is a hard, heartbreaking task at times. But we do this because we love them, all the dead babies and freak accidents make it sad, but that little "kiss" from your rabbit or seeing friends at shows and selling people rabbits that they're happy with make it all worthwhile, at least for me. Remember what we go through before you say we are horrible people that feel nothing because we keep rabbits in cages. 11. Bunnies are not 'starter' pets Is any animal really a starter pet? You have to start somewhere with a pet, if you want your first pet to be a bunny, research it and go for it. If it's a 'starter' pet for a kid, please see #10. ' 12. Bunnies are not christmas gifts Rabbits can make great Christmas gifts if you're serious about it, and as I've said, ready to take responsiblity if needed, mainly when giving to a child. Don't buy a bunny without researching, because they're so cute or for kicks. Please, please, do your research. Getting a bunny for a gift at easter or christmas, or even birthdays should be given a LOT of thought and as I said several times, if bought for a kid, the parent MUST be ready and able to take responsibility for the bunny if needed. They are not a pet that lives for 2 years, they are a long term commitment. They are not something that you can release into the wild when your child or you gets bored with it. They can be amazing pets though! So please please do your research and think it through, talk it through with the family even! Don't be scared to ask questions to the seller, a knowledgable reputable breeder/seller should be able to answer and not mind. Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or thoughts, leave them below!
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Emma EarlyHello! Archives
January 2019
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