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STOP! Don't Buy
That Bunny!
It's a common scene each Easter. Parents
take their kids to look at the bunnies in the pet shop and end up buying
one on a whim. Then the problems start. The poor animal ends up being caged
all day long and fed a poor diet of harmful foods, he or she won't play with
the children like a dog will, being naturally timid, and the novelty wears
off. Rabbits are especially afraid of being picked up and have unintentionally
hurt themselves and small children.
When the bunny reaches sexual maturity, he or she will become aggressive,
leave droppings all over the place, and may do embarrassing things to shoes
or stuffed toys. Male rabbits even spray their owners with urine. Many people
end up dumping the poor animal in a park, where predators and illness lurk,
or at an animal shelter where he/she will most likely be euthanized due to
the overflow of other unwanted pets.
If you are ever in the mood to have a pet rabbit, tick where your answer
is yes to these questions and see if a bunny will be a welcome family member
or just another irksome chore.
__ Are you and your family willing to spend a few hours per day quietly on
the floor, gaining your rabbit's confidence?
__ Can you convince your children that the bunny is a fragile living creature
with feelings and emotions just like they have?
__ Will you set aside time to find out what your new pet requires for food,
shelter, and medical care?
__ Can you provide your rabbit with a quiet and cool, but not damp, place
to escape from too much attention?
__ Are you willing to find a rabbit savvy veterinarian for your new furry
friend?
__ Will you be willing to provide cardboard boxes and other chewable toys
for your bunny's entertainment?
__ Are you willing to "bunny proof" your home by covering up electrical wires
and phone cords, putting up chew proof baby gates in doorways, and otherwise
preventing your fur-clad companion from gnawing on things like furniture?
__ Are you, or your spouse and children, allergic to hay or pet fur?
__ Will you be willing to spend the money when your rabbit requires
neutering/spaying surgery as well as any shots and other vet costs?
If you ticked yes to all these questions, you are a prime candidate for a
house rabbit. You'll find that your new companion is an affectionate, clean,
humorous, and delightful pet. When you give your bunny loving respect for
his/her particular needs, you'll have a loyal heartwarming furry friend for
10 years or longer.
Far from being an unresponsive lump of fur just sitting in a hutch, your
house rabbit can develop a remarkable personality which will amaze and enchant
both you and your family. Your kids may also learn to be gentle with, and
caring about, other animals and perhaps even each other.
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