What You Need to Know BEFORE You Adopt a Bunny

Rhosgobel was a dumped bunny. And finding him has prompted me to write this post just for parents.

At only 5 months old he was probably born in March and then adopted at a 1 month in April. A cute, tiny, baby bunny. Hundreds of bunnies (especially baby bunnies) across the nation are adopted during the Easter season. Kids get a kick out of all the adorable bunnies plastered all over Easter decorations, and TV shows. Then they get an idea that it would be so much fun having their own bunny. To hold and snuggle. To show off to friends. And I don't blame kids for wanting a bunny. I was a young kid who wanted a bunny. But too many children whine, complain, and beg their parents into getting them a bunny. They get a bunny (usually a cute, small baby) and then after 2 or 3 months they soon realize that bunnies are ton of work and usually the kid loses interest in the rabbit. So 1 of 3 things happens. One, they take the bunny back to the shelter or rescue. Two, they leave the bunny abandoned in a forest preserve or park (usually a sure death sentence for a domestic rabbit). Or three, the bunny dies of neglect or malnutrition from not being properly cared for. This is the reality for many bunnies during the Easter season and even after. And rabbit shelters are bursting with an overload of unwanted rabbits. The poor bunnies are sometimes euthanized, adopted only to be abandoned again, or live their whole life in a shelter. It is a sad reality for bunnies.

Five of the Biggest Myths About Rabbits:
. Myth #1: Bunnies only live for 2 years so they aren't a long-term commitment.
 Reality:The average lifespan of a bunny is 7-10 years. Although some can live longer. They are a long-term commitment.

.  Myth #2:Bunnies are great pets because they are so low-maintenance and don't need much. 
   Reality:Bunnies may be small but they are NOT low-maintenance. They are one of the most high-maintenance pets you could get for yourself! As exotic pets they require a lot of special vet care, home care,food needs, and living spaces. Bunnies need a lot of care, and time.

. Myth #3:Bunnies are great pets for kids.
  Reality:In all honesty, generally rabbits are not great pets for kids. Bunnies are very delicate and get stressed easily. (Stress actually kills bunnies). Most kids are not responsible or careful enough to to own one. The majority of bunny experts recommend a pet rabbit for kids ages 12+. Not to say that all young kids will be awful rabbit owners, but it is a notable child that will be diligent enough to have one and do a good job. 

. Myth #4:Bunnies love to be held and cuddled.
  Realty:Most bunnies do not like to be held and cuddled a lot. They don't mind a short cuddle time, but bunnies like to keep all four feet on the floor. They also need to be held in a special way because their spines are very delicate. They also cannot be picked up by the ears.

. Myth #5:Bunnies need only a small cage space.
  Reality:All bunnies (even small ones) need a big cage space. They also need a safe place to play outside the cage. Too many bunnies stay cooped up in small cages all their life. Rabbits were never meant to be crammed up in the corner of someones house and life.

Parents, it is CRUCIAL that you seriously consider all the things involved in getting a bunny. No matter how much your kid begs to you, complains to you, and whines to you, do not get them one. A bunny should be a reward for a hardworking, responsible, gentle kid.

Your child should not get a bunny just when they "want one". I wanted a bunny when I was five. I begged and whined. But my parents made it very clear that I could not have a bunny until I showed that I was going to be responsible, hardworking, and gentle to animals. So for the next four years until I was nine I helped with house chores without being asked , read all I could to learn about the proper care for bunnies, and learned to be kind and gentle to the cats I already had and the people in my life. This showed my parents that this wanting a bunny wasn't just a faze, but a real passion for these little creatures, and that I really, truly wanted one bad enough. If any child really wants a bunny bad enough they will prove it to you by obeying the standards you give to them. If they are not respectful to you, your expectations before they can get a bunny, and other animals, then what makes you think they will love and care for a special bunny? A bunny should NEVER, NEVER, NEVER,  be given to a child to try and force them to be responsible and/or good with animals. A child should already have showed you that they are responsible and love all animals. And the good behavior should continue even after your child gets a bunny. It is unfair and cruel to any rabbit to get one when they will likely be ignored, and neglected. Rabbits die from improper care. So your child needs to know (and you too) how to love and care for a bunny.

Your Child Can Get a Bunny When:
1).They are regularly being responsible and taking initiative. This means they do their part in helping with household chores. They need do do their chores without being asked too. They need to do them without complaining and fighting you on it. Remember, how bad do they want it? If they really want a bunny they will show you.

2).They are reasonably knowledgeable about bunny care.  Children who want a rabbit need to learn about rabbits. Parents, you also need to learn about them. If your child is sick or away on a school field trip, then you will need to care for the bunny. There are a lot of books on bunnies and bunny blogs. Your kids can read this blog as it has been made specifically for children.

3).You see that they are kind to animals and treat people (including you) with respect. Kids need to learn that bunnies (and all animals) must be treated with respect. They have to be taught to be kind and loving. You should also see that they are being kind to other people. Not bullying or being rude. If they are being rude and unkind to other kids and you then they will likely be limited in respect for bunny.

Also, you should get a bunny when finances are good, you have a good "bunny-living space", and you are sure no one has allergies to rabbits. There are many other things to consider.

Never be a part of the problem of abandoned, neglected, and mistreated rabbits. Rabbits are a wonderful family member. But they deserve all the love and respect we give one another.

Welcome to the Family Rhosgobel!

2 weeks and 4 days after my precious little Snowberry died, we found little Rhosgobel abandoned in a parking lot at 9pm . My older sister spotted him. I carefully approached him and scooped him up.

Rhogobel is a Mini Lop, about 5 months old, and very friendly. He is a very healthy boy other than the fact he has a tick infestation! (Don't worry, the vet gave him special tick medicine)! Thankfully, we still had SnowB's cage and hay and litter that I hadn't donated yet! We just had to get him new toys and a new litter box.
(If you're wondering, the name Rhosgobel comes from the movie "The Hobbit". In the movie, a group of characters are trying to get away from some evil wolf/dog things. A good wizard helps the group to escape by distracting the wolf/dogs by riding past them on a sleigh of "Rhosgobel Rabbits". They escape unharmed. I'm a big Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit fan)!

Welcome to the family my little Rhosgobel Rabbit! 

Rhosgobel

Lucky I didn't take apart SB's cage yet!