Here’s 7 Reasons Why Your Family Should Keep Rabbits As Pets
Are you thinking about getting a rabbit as a pet? Rabbits make loving and adorable members of the family. They are social and affectionate, and you can even train your pet to do tricks and use a litter box.
Many people consider rescuing or buying a rabbit because they’re sweet and adorable. As long as you’re willing to care for your rabbit and bunny-proof your home, you should have them for years to come.
Invite every member of your family to help care for the new pet. This is a great way to bond with both your kids and your rabbit.
If you’re looking for more information on these beloved animals, here are seven reasons why you should consider having rabbits as pets.
1. Rabbits Don’t Need Much Space
If you live in a small home or apartment, rabbits take up far less space than a dog or other large pet. You also don’t need to walk them as long as you give them a few hours of cage-free exercise each day.
Play tag with your pet or hold out toys or treats to encourage stretching. Bunnies also love to dig, so creating a digging box with shredded newspaper is a great way to encourage play.
You can do these exercises in a small yard or even an open area of your house. Teach your kids to play with their pet bunny to encourage bonding.
2. They Make Quiet Pets
If you live in an apartment or condo, loud noises can lead to upset neighbors especially late at night or early in the morning. This can be a big problem if you live somewhere where noise carries through the walls, ceiling, or floor.
Dogs bark and even cats sometimes meow to wake you up. But rabbits are quiet pets and perfect for light sleepers.
3. You Can Teach Them Commands
Much like dogs, you can train your rabbit to follow commands. Rabbits are intelligent and you can teach them to do simple tricks with treats and praise.
What can you teach a pet rabbit to do?
- Teach them to jump or sit. You can also teach them to jump into your lap or onto the couch.
- Train them to use a litter box
- Run through obstacles
- Follow you from room to room
Training your rabbit shouldn’t be too difficult. Use treats as positive reinforcement and a clicker if you have to until your pet learns the new trick.
4. Rabbits Have Lots of Personality
Bunny rabbits as pets are very loving and social. They love bonding and spending time with their humans. In fact, if they don’t get enough interaction they start to get bored.
They also have personalities as varied as humans. Bunnies can be affectionate, interactive, curious, or playful. Take your family to meet your new pet before you take them home to make sure you find one with a personality that fits yours.
It might take some time to learn about your pet’s tastes and personality, but bonding with them makes your pet feel like a member of the family. Don’t be afraid to get on the floor and play with them or watch them as they move around the house.
5. Rabbits as Pets Live Longer
Losing a beloved pet is heartbreaking, so many people opt for pets that live a long time. Rabbits can live as long as seven to ten years or more if given proper care.
Because they are long-lived pets, it’s important to know how to care for them. This includes a healthy diet, recommended daily exercise, weekly grooming, and regular vet visits.
Veterinary care can be expensive, but there are ways to save money and still provide the best life for your furry friend.
6. Bunnies Are Clean
You can train your pet to use a litter box to prevent them from making a mess. They also groom themselves to keep clean.
All rabbits need are a few brushes per week. Long-haired breeds, like an Angora, may need more grooming.
To keep your rabbit’s area in good shape, it’s important to clean their cage on a regular basis. Change their paper bedding and litter box as needed.
Another way to keep their food area clean is to lay down fresh hay. You can mix up the type to see what your bunny likes best. For example, alfalfa hay for rabbits is rich in nutrients and fiber.
7. You Can Rescue Them from Shelters
Did you know that rabbits are the third most surrendered animal in shelters?
If you and your family want to rescue a pet rather than buy one at a pet store, there are plenty of rabbits in shelters. Not only will you feel good, but you’re also saving a life.
Plus, many rabbit rescue groups and shelters start the process of litter box training. If your rabbit isn’t trained, it’s easy to teach them how to use a litter box.
Animal shelter staff are also open to any questions you might have. It’s a good time to ask about care and see if your new pet does well with children.
The Final Step Before Buying or Adopting a Rabbit
Rabbits are intelligent and lovable pets with lots of personality. Not only are they clean and quiet, but they also love to bond with their owners.
However, it’s important to make sure you’re ready for the commitment of having rabbits as pets. Adopting a rabbit should be a family decision. Make sure to talk to every member of your family and discuss care and costs.
Decide who is going to help take care of the bunny (it’s best if every member of the family learns how to care for your new pet.)
You should also bunny-proof your home and section off areas you don’t want your rabbit to wander. A puppy pen is a better solution than a cage because it provides more room for your rabbit to hop around. You can also use baby gates to close off certain rooms.
Now that you’ve decided to bring a new pet into your home, you might be wondering how you can save money. Learn how to budget and still provide for your pet with our tips on saving money.