Minnesota Animal Shelter Shares 4 Things to Expect When Adopting a Rabbit
With springtime just around the corner, you may start seeing baby animals peeking out of their dens for the very first time. Baby birds may not be big enough to leave their nests quite yet, but both wild and domestic animals will be welcoming new family members as the weather warms up. That includes rabbits!
In some folks' minds, springtime is the 'ideal' time of year for adopting a rabbit. It may seem like a fun and novel thing to do, especially with Easter coming up soon, but these animals require a lot of thought and research before committing to their care. That's why the folks at Minnesota's Animal Humane Society put together a thoughtful video about what to expect when bringing home a rabbit.
Watching this February 27 video can be a great starting point in your rabbit research, so what are you waiting for?
Wow! As someone who's never owned a rabbit, I learned several new facts from this video. I did, however, know that not all rabbits enjoy being picked up. In elementary school, one of my friends brought her pet bunny to school for show-and-tell, and he was not a happy camper.
Related: Animal Shelter Highlights the Heartbreaking Reality of People Dumping Rabbits After Easter
That's because rabbits tend to be much happier in their hutch, enclosure, or yard. Some bunnies will love being held and picked up, but others won't shy away from letting you know they don't like it. The best thing to do is to follow their lead--then you'll have a happy bunny!
It made me smile to learn that rabbits do best in pairs, thanks to their social natures. It must be adorable to see a couple of bunnies cuddled up together or gnawing on the same rabbit toy, but--like any two animals--they'll have to take introductions slow to make sure they get along.
Rabbits are a Commitment
As this video proves, pet rabbits are not an ideal starter animal or a good gift for Easter. These are animals that require consistent care and attention, from cleaning their enclosures to keeping them fed and hydrated. They can't be left alone for long periods of time, and they need plenty of enrichment to keep them stimulated and happy.
On average, domestic rabbits live to be 8-12 years old. That's over a decade of love and care you'll need to give them, so be absolutely sure what you're signing up for before you choose to adopt a rabbit. Every pet deserves to have the very best care, and the Minnesota shelter reminds potential owners that that includes rabbits, too!
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