Dear Tiffani,

            For Easter this year, I thought it would be special to give my son a real rabbit in his Easter Basket. Jeff really likes animals and has been wanting a dog. Now that he is 12 years old, I thought this might be a good way for Jeff to learn about taking care of his first pet, but on a smaller scale than a dog. Can you give me advice on where to get a bunny and what sort of supplies we’ll need to care for it?  

            Signed, Excited to Deliver the “Easter Bunny”

Dear Excited,

            Getting your son a rabbit sounds likes a very sweet and fun idea. However, these cute and cuddly creatures require much more care than you may imagine. I recommend you do some additional research on rabbit personalities, care, and handling before deciding if Jeff is ready to care for one. I would also ask your son if he wants a rabbit, it is never a good idea to surprise someone with any kind of pet as a gift. Also, rabbits have a long lifespan, many living more than ten years. Consider who will take care of the bunny once Jeff grows up moves out.

            Rabbits are very appealing and can make great companion animals, but they do take specialized care. They are complex creatures, and require a great deal of supervision. It may be “easier” to care for a rabbit in some ways, such as not needing to walk them, but their care is more difficult in other ways, such as their special dietary needs and socialization requirements. Rabbits are very fragile and need to be handled carefully. By nature, they are prey animals and not accustomed to being picked up or held. You must work slowly when handling them until they learn to trust you. An agitated rabbit can break its own spine while struggling since its hind legs are so powerful and its bones are so delicate.

            It is safest for a rabbit to live indoors. There are numerous problems associated with rabbits being outdoors. They are prone to animal attacks. Rabbits are very sensitive, and a wild animal, or even a dog running up to the cage, can stress them out enough to lead to a fatal heart attack. Bunnies also do not tolerate extreme temperatures well – either hot or cold – and could die from weather exposure. Rabbits kept outside, too, are often forgotten and left under socialized.

            A rabbit’s cage should be at lease five times their size; big enough for them to stand up, completely stretch out, and move around. Wire flooring is hard on rabbits’ feet, so they will need cardboard or similar non-toxic disposable material to stand on. Rabbits enjoy having a cardboard box in their cage as a den for them to “hide” in and feel safe. Rabbits require a great deal of quiet time; they sleep mostly during the day and night, becoming playful at dusk and dawn. A bunny does need to be out of its cage several times each day for exercise. Rabbits can roam free in a home if they are trained to use a litter box and the area is rabbit-safe. Bunnies like to chew things, and can easily get into trouble or endanger themselves chewing through things like electrical cords.

            Rabbits have complex and vulnerable digestive systems. They need hay, specifically timothy grass hay, and various vegetables; primarily leafy greens. It is recommended rabbits be fed a variety of three vegetables at a time. Bunnies enjoy treats such as an occasional carrot and certain fruits. Rabbits have very sensitive stomachs and there are a number of foods to avoid such as iceberg lettuce, cabbage, seeds, candy, anything moldy, and much more. Pellets should be used as a supplement to hay and leafy veggies, not a substitute. Rabbits need an ample supply of fresh water and that is changed daily.

            Spayed or neutered rabbits make even more desirable pets. It helps with aggressive tendencies, and urine-spraying behaviors. A sterilized rabbit is also less likely to act territorial, and consequently can be easier to approach. Altering your bunny also helps with overpopulation and their general health. It is just as crucial to spay or neuter your rabbit as it is to sterilize your dog or cat.

            If these care requirements don’t sound too daunting, and Jeff is willing to care for a bunny, a shelter is a wonderful place to find one. Each year thousands of rabbits are left at shelters after people realize that they weren’t ready or prepared for the kind of care a rabbit requires. By adopting from a shelter, you are likely to get some history about the rabbit’s behavior and habits. Too, there are many reputable rabbit rescue organizations on the internet that offer not just rabbits, but information and resources on rabbits and their care.

            A person willing to adopt a rabbit must be very patient, gentle, and ready to make a long-term commitment to a rabbit’s complex care needs. However, as dedicated rabbit owners confirm, a properly socialized rabbit is well worth the effort. Rabbits are intelligent, fun-loving creatures that enjoy attention and may even show their affection by nudging, licking, and coming when called.

            Best of Luck if you decide to bring a new companion into your home, and bear in mind that surprising Jeff with a life-size chocolate bunny may be just as fun!

            Happy, Hoppy Easter, Tiffani

Tiffani Zimmerman is the Behavior Specialist at the Stafford Animal Shelter. Email questions to her at behavioradvice@imt.net, call 406/222-1312, or read archived columns at www.staffordanimalshelter.org.