Pet Rabbits: Not An Easter Decoration!
When the Easter season rolls around and you find yourself thinking that a "live" Easter Bunny might be a seasonal hoot...you should probably reconsider. Sure, Easter is a time to celebrate life and living, but purposely buying a rabbit just for decoration is like buying a jet engine with which to dry your hair. Pet rabbits are a big deal. They are living creatures that require attention, affection, daily feedings, and space to roam.
Pet Rabbits Need Care
The Easter Bunny is nothing like a pet rabbit. The Easter Bunny doesn't need food or water and he can run free wherever he wants. A pet rabbit needs food, water, a safe and appropriate cage, love, tender care, and veterinary visits. If this sounds too much like a pet for your tastes then you should probably put the bunny back in its cage at the store and rethink your "live" Easter Bunny idea.
Are You Ready?
If you believe that you and your family are ready for the responsibility of caring for a pet rabbit then you should probably gear up and buy all the things your bunny will need for healthy and happiness. A rabbit needs a hutch or cage that is at least 5 times its size. Also, your rabbit will need a nutritional supply of pellets or fresh greens, and fresh water everyday. Some hardware you will need besides a cage are feeders (bowls or containers to hold the rabbit food and water), old pieces of carpet to give your pet rabbit a place to rest its feet off the hard wire of the cage floor, bedding, litter, and toys. Yes, toys! Pet rabbits are very fun and social creatures and actually crave attention, sport, and companionship. When buying a baby bunny, you should consider that fact that most rabbits live 10 years or more and can get lonely. Buying your pet rabbit a rabbit friend is a good idea, but unless you want more rabbits that you know what to do with, it is advised that your rabbit's companion be a bunny of the same sex.
If your family consists of small children (children under 5) you probably shouldn't get a pet rabbit. Small children don't understand that rabbits are actually rather breakable and shy. If you think you are ready to own your very own pet rabbit, by all means bring one home and love it!
When Easter comes and that urge to entertain a real "live" Easter Bunny arises, unless you are prepared to care for the bunny for the remainder of its bunny life, you should probably put that urge to bed. Remember, pet rabbits are pets not decorations to be bought, displayed, and put aside.