So, you think you want a rabbit?
Rabbits make brilliant companions. They are adorable fluffy bundles of joy, and are likely to fill you and your home with love and laughter. We wholeheartedly encourage you to adopt or foster one of our gorgeous bunnies, however it is important to address that there are many misconceptions about rabbits.
Like human beings, rabbits aren’t always on their best behaviour. They can be destructive little rascals, and bunny owners have found their rabbit chewing cables, digging at the carpet, and generally causing mischief. While you can take steps to remedy this behaviour, it is important to recognize it is your rabbit’s natural instinct to dig, as it is for wild rabbits. A happy rabbit will also be unpredictable; leaping, zooming, and performing a funny twisting motion while in the air (a binky). If your rabbit is not content, they may communicate this through aggression, nipping or even biting. Rabbits also generally do not enjoy being picked up or held, and if you attempt to do so, they may try to leap from you, or display aggressive behaviour. Rabbits should not be adopted with the expectation that they can be held or cuddled. For these reasons, they are not always ideal for small children. However, once you have earned your rabbit’s trust, they are much more likely to enjoy your company and accept petting and love.
Rabbits are classed as small animals, grouped with guinea pigs and hamsters, however, rabbits need a vast amount of space to run around. If you have ever seen a wild rabbit, you will know they are extremely fast, and can reach speeds up to 40 km/h (approx 25 mph). Your rabbit may not run that fast, however they will still need plenty of space. For two average sized rabbits, guidelines suggest a minimum of 3m x 2m and a height of 1m. In imperial measurments, this would be: 9’10 x 6’7, with a height of 3’3.
You can access this guideline here: https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/space-recommendations/#:~:text=Our%20minimum%20recommendations,floor)%20of%203m%20x%202m.
Other helpful guidelines are linked below:
https://www.nfacc.ca/rabbit-code-of-practice (See: 1.1.2 Space Allowance)
https://rabbit.org/care/housing/
All suggest that bigger accomodation is better. It might be helpful to visualise that a rabbit’s space should be at least 4-6 times the size of your bunny when they are entirely stretched out.
Ideally, you might provide your rabbit with tunnels, toys, and enrichment for their entertainment, however most important is their diet. Your rabbit should have water and adequate nutrition, including unlimited hay. You should continue to provide them with similar pellets or nuggets that our rescue provides. You can ask us where these are from, and we can direct you as needed. Should you wish to change your rabbit’s nuggets or hay, this should be navigated carefully and sensitively, as rabbits have delicate systems.
If you are fostering one of our gorgeous rabbits, we can offer and provide you with all the supplies your bunny will need, apart from fresh ingredients like lettuce.
Should you wish to litter train your rabbit, you should provide a litter tray large enough for them, and suitable lining. Lining might include a paper based, unscented litter, or wood pellets, shredded paper, and soft paper-based bedding material, along with hay.
More suggestions can be found here or online: https://bunnylady.com/litter/
If properly cared for, a rabbit can live up to 18 years, however they will need checkups and vaccinations to keep them healthy, as well as good care.
In Canada, rabbits should have annual RHDV vaccinations where possible, alongside any others the vet recommends. Prior to adoption from our rescue, your rabbit will be neutered, vet checked, and vaccinated, to ensure the you and your rabbit get the best healthy start together.
What to expect when fostering or adopting one of our rabbits:
~ Due to a potentially troubled past, your rabbit might easily feel threatened or scared. It will be essential to be patient with your rabbit, and gently let them settle into their new home, or temporary home (if fostering).
~ As mentioned previously, your rabbit will be neutered, vet checked, and vaccinated prior to adoption from us.
~ As mentioned previously, if you are fostering from us, you can be supplied with the correct food from us (apart from lettuce items), if needed.
~ Should you wish for more information on adopting, you can read more on our adoption page here:
We hope this quick run-down of adequate care for your rabbit has helped inform you of the responsibilities of owning a rabbit. We would love for you to adopt or foster one of our rabbits, and we hope this information has given you the basics in order to have the best possible life with your new rabbit/s!
