The Pet Rabbit Speaks (Continued)

 A really good way to bond with us is to get down on the floor where we like to be - hang out with us.  Take some time and just lay around waiting for our curiosity to get the better of us.  We are much more curious than cats.  Please know this, we do not respond well to reprimands ( i.e. being yelled at or chased, or both at the same time) but we do respond well to praise and treats.  Letting us eat treats from your hand is a way to develop trust.  We are gentle animals, and our feelings can be hurt.  Getting to know our individual personality is part of the fun of owning us.

As you can see, it requires a lot of responsibility to properly care for one of us bunnies.  We need daily food, a clean living area, regular grooming, and an emotional commitment from you.  Our lifespan continues to increase, so to live ten years is now common for us.  Since we are exotic pets, visits to the Vet for health issues can be costly.  Also keep in mind, small children with bunnies need constant oversight.  So if you are not able to make us a valued part of your family, then it would probably be best to wait until the time comes when you can.  But for those of you whose time is at hand, I assure you your commitment to your bunny will be amply repaid in hours, days, and years of companionship, entertainment, and good old fashioned fun. 

We rabbits love playing with toys, shredding paper, doing "binkies" (jumping into the air and twisting around just for the sheer joy of it), standing on our hind legs to check out the scene, and racing around the floor to show off how fast we are ("bunny 500's").  And we are a very quiet breed - we like repose.  Only under extenuating circumstances would we dare to bite, although we may nip at your feet as our way of saying we love you (or maybe to let you know we are displeased with you).  We can even be taken for a walk on a harness/leash (although it is more like we are walking you).

We keep ourselves clean (more so than cats), we are litter-box trainable, and if properly fed, watered and cared for we will lead a healthy life for a good 8 - 10 years, maybe even as many as fourteen years! (fifteen years may be the record).  We are magnificent creations (and also humble), hearty yet delicate.  And we do not require vaccines (unless we live in Europe).

I hope I have interested you in joining the growing ranks of humans who have become proud pet rabbit owners.  We are now the third most popular indoor pet and our popularity continues to grow.   You will find we have a tranquilizing effect on your demeanor.  We bring out the softer side of life in humans.  Interacting with us provides a shelter from the storms of the troubled world around you, and the need to just enjoy being in the moment.  We help you develop patience.  I like to think of myself as a peacemaker. 

Visit your local Humane Society or Rabbit Rescue group to find the bunny for you (see Choosing A Bunny).  Or seek out the FFA or 4-H Clubs.  There are currently 45 official breeds of domestic rabbits in America, and around 200 worldwide so you have a large variety to choose from.   You might even want to consider getting more than one of us.

I realize this has been a very brief introduction into the world of pet rabbits, so please visit the other pages on this web site to get a thorough working knowledge and understanding about everything pertaining to pet rabbits.  There are so many of us waiting for a companion home in which to live, please consider opening your home and heart to us.            <<Back