IT'S BUNNY TIME! WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE A RABBIT AS YOUR NEXT PET

Rabbits are often misunderstood. Did you know they offer as much loyalty, intelligence and curiosity as a household pet? And that’s exactly why I fell in love with them, choosing to own bunnies as my first pet when I first left home. And I still love them. Here are 11 reasons why it's bunny time:

1: Low maintenance: Unlike larger pets, rabbits don't require a lot of space. A safe, cozy cage and a small play area will be just fine, so long as they have enough room to move. Plus, their supplies are generally affordable, and you can DIY a lot of it yourself.

2: Easy to feed: Rabbits' diets are simple, mainly consisting of unlimited hay, water, and fresh veggies. Their feeding regimen is easy to maintain, which is a bonus for busy pet owners. You can even grow their greens yourself – something I love to do in my own veggie garden.

3: Allergy friendly: Rabbits are less likely to cause allergies compared to cats and dogs. This makes them a suitable choice for those who have sensitivities but still want a pet.

4: Long lifespan: Rabbits can live for up to 10 years or more, providing a long-term companion. They're perfect for individuals looking for a pet to bond with over a long period. You just have to know how to care for bunnies from the beginning, and make sure you keep up with everything they need – just like you would any other pet.

5: Quiet nature: Rabbits are quite silent compared to other pets. They won't wake you up in the middle of the night with barking or meowing. They’re prone to the occasional thumping of their feet, though.

6: Small size: Their compact size makes rabbits ideal for apartments and small homes. You don't need a large backyard to keep your pet happy.

7: Rabbits are sociable: Rabbits thrive on social interaction and companionship. They enjoy the company of their human families and can even get along well with other pets. They’ll play with you, too, if you gain their trust.

8: Great for kids: With supervision, rabbits can be great for teaching children about responsibility, empathy, and care for others. They are gentle creatures and are rarely aggressive. However, I don’t recommend them for toddlers or young babies who are still learning how to be treat pets.

9: Rabbits are clean: Rabbits are naturally clean animals and spend a good amount of their time grooming. With proper care, they remain clean and odour-free.

10: Exercise with rabbits: Rabbits love to hop and run, providing opportunities for you to engage in play and exercise with them – if you can keep up with them, that is.

11: Bonding: The emotional bond between humans and bunnies can be profound. Rabbits often develop a deep affection for their owners, providing a sense of love and companionship. I’ve found that with all of the bunnies I’ve owned over the years, and those I still have a decade later.

FAQs

What do rabbits typically eat?

Rabbits primarily eat hay, but they also enjoy fresh vegetables and a small amount of rabbit pellets.

How often do they need to be groomed?

Rabbits groom themselves, but brushing them once a week helps to prevent hairballs.

Are rabbits good with kids?

Yes, rabbits can be great pets for kids. They help teach responsibility, but supervision is advised due to the delicate nature of rabbits.

Do rabbits get along with other pets?

Rabbits can get along with other pets, but introductions should be done slowly and carefully.

How long do rabbits live?

With proper care, rabbits can live up to 10 years or more.

Zoey Seaforth is an animal fan-girl and writer on all things small pets, blogging at Pets Foundry. She owns two rabbits and loves to form bonds with unique, exotic animals.