Easter Bunnies
Thinking about getting the kids a real bunny for Easter? I’m glad! Not so much glad that you’re getting the kids a rabbit for the holiday as that you are at least doing some thinking! We can help you out on that part – in fact, this Saturday (and the second Saturday of every month) is our Bunny Day where all our knowledgeable rabbit volunteers are on hand to answer questions and to show off our adoptable buns. That would be a good first stop to learn more about the care that a rabbit requires.
Sadly, less than five percent of the baby bunnies (and chicks) purchased on a whim around Easter make it to one year old. Of those that survive, many get surrendered to shelters when the novelty wears off and the reality of the daily care sinks in. These are living animals that need food, water and a clean environment daily, not to mention exercise and other enrichment activities and toys. The good thing about rabbits is that other than being altered and a yearly check-up, they don’t need much in the way of medical care. Unless they get sick and then it’s almost always an emergency!
Since rabbits are prey animals, they see and interact with the world in a different way than dogs and cats, who are predators, do. Prey animals disguise their illness until it’s almost too late – unless you are super vigilante – so by the time you notice they’re not eating or pooping, it’s a crisis.
They can be frightened to the point of having heart attacks just by having an aggressive dog charge their cage (not even making contact physically with the rabbit). And they can break their backs if picked up the wrong way (so young children should never be allowed to pick up the bunny).
On the plus side, they make wonderful house pets. They are quiet, can be litterbox trained, and can get ample exercise running around the house or a safe room. Once altered, the male’s urine loses that strong odor and they stop marking. With good care a fixed bunny can live 8-10 years or longer! So it is a long-term commitment and should be thought through carefully. Since the children will probably have moved on in interests, if not physically from the home, it’s important that the parents are also into having the rabbit as a pet. We know who’s going to end up doing most of the care!
Bunny Day at the shelter is a great time to explore the options, and meet some adorable rabbits. Our volunteers can answer more of your questions and help you select a rabbit that would work for your family and lifestyle. Occasionally we have bonded pairs available, and that’s always a plus since rabbits are social creatures and humans tend to have busy lives. It’s so sweet to see two bunnies grooming each other and cuddling. One of the things our volunteers like best is the dating service they offer. Helping single rabbits find a compatible match is so satisfying!
Hope you can hop on by during one of our monthly Bunny Days and check out the action. If you have a rabbit, bring him/her along for a free mani/pedi and shop our Bunny Boutique for fresh hay, treats and toys. All proceeds help support the shelter’s small animal program. If you decide that a real rabbit isn’t quite the right choice for your family –we’ll have some chocolate ones available instead!