Life with Bunnies Series – Is a Bunny Right For You?
Bunnies are wonderful pets but it is important to keep in mind that they are unlike dogs. Bunnies are aloof and independent. They make great house pets because they can be litter trained, making them similar to cats.
If you are thinking of a bunny for a pet, I highly recommend that you research what breeds are available from trusted breeders and pet shops in your area and then research the breeds to find the right bunny for your family. If you are able to provide special care, a rescue bunny may be right for you. Many bunnies are purchased as Easter gifts and then abandoned when the family realizes how much care a bunny needs.
Bunnies require specialized vets, daily hay, daily fresh vegetables, daily litter box changes and because their teeth and nails continuely grow, they need to see a vet a few times per year to trim their teeth and nails. Left untrimmed, a bunny’s teeth will develope sharp edges that can cut and grow into the inside of their cheek or tongue. Buttercup, for example, needs to see her vet about every 3 to 4 months for dental care and nail trims. Your bunny may need more or less Visits for dental care and nail trims. As your bunny grows you’ll figure out how often they need their teeth trimmed.
Additionally, bunnies are very cautious animals and must be allowed to come to you. If you are looking for a cuddly lap pet, you may be disappointed. In my experience, and that my differ from someone else’s experience, the smaller the bunny – the more fierce and the larger the bunny – the more cuddly.
My large bunnies would come to me when I called their name and they would happily get on my lap, whereas my little Buttercup can be quite moody. She knows her name but rarely comes when called. She loves to have her ears and nose scratched but usually prefers to stay at arms length but if she thinks I’m sleeping her curiousity often gets the better of her.
If she thinks I’m sleeping, she will comb my hair, snuffle my ears, sit on me, sometimes lay on my head and loves to play leap frog over my head. She’s very funny! On the other hand, if she doesn’t like you, you know it! Lol
Not long ago, I was having a very difficult day and I just laid down on the bed and started crying. Buttercup had been in her cage chomping hay but as soon as she heard me crying, she dropped her hay and ran as fast as could to comfort me. It was very sweet! I love her very much and I know she loves me!