Easter rabbit warning: Charity urges families to think carefully before buying pet rabbit
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When Easter and spring time comes around, many are drawn towards an impulsive purchase of a pet rabbit. But charities said many underestimate how much work goes in to looking after a rabbit.
As well as needing a large hutch, rabbits need two annual vaccinations and should be neutered to avoid unexpected litters.
They also need fresh food, water and bedding every day, and their hutch cleaned of waste. Charities advise at least two rabbits per household as they are incredibly social and can get lonely without a companion. Rabbit insurance is also advised as they can live for up to 12 years.
Claire Stallard, animal behaviourist at national pet charity Blue Cross, said: “There is usually an increase in owning rabbits at this time of year with many sadly still bought on impulse. It’s important to think carefully before deciding if rabbits are the right pet for you - they are complex animals with very specific needs and not as easy or cheap to own as once thought.
“They’re still often bought exclusively for children, but as rabbits are timid by nature and don’t enjoy being picked up, it’s easy for children to lose interest quickly and for rabbits to become scared of being over handled.
“With the right approach rabbits are incredibly rewarding and interesting pets to live with, but they need lots of space, care and companionship of their own kind. Having at least one rabbit friend is incredibly important to their wellbeing - although it’s important that they are all neutered and introduced carefully.
“As with any pet we’d urge people to do their research before taking these animals into their homes.”
For those serious about taking on a pet rabbit, charities urge looking at rescue centres as they are currently overwhelmed with unwanted bunnies.
NimbleFins previously reported the RSPCA had nearly 2,000 unwanted rabbits come through its doors last year - an increase of 48%. The charity said there were not enough people coming forward to adopt them, and they were struggling to afford the cost to vaccinate and neuter incoming rabbits.
Things to think about when bringing a rabbit into the family
- Rabbits need lots of space to run, hop and jump so ensure their hutch is big and tall enough.
- Rabbits are happiest with a companion as they are incredibly social. Just ensure they are both neutered to avoid unwanted litters!
- Rabbits are scared of humans and need a lot of patience before they will allow you to pick them up for a cuddle.
- Rabbits eat mostly hay, but can also eat garden cuttings and even fruit and vegetables from the house. Here’s our list of what rabbits can eat.
- Rabbits need fresh hay, and their waste removing, every day. If your children are desperate for a bunny, you might want to talk to them about care responsibilities.
- Insurance is important for a rabbit. Rabbits can live to about 12-years-old but many insurers won’t take on new rabbits once they hit five or seven-years-old. Read our guide about the cost of rabbit insurance and other expenses that come with owning a rabbit.
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