The Duchess
Wise Old Thumper
The main reason for rabbits needing to come into rescue space used to be 'kids got bored' or 'can't afford it' or 'got a new puppy', having a baby, or of course abuse/neglect.
Times seemed to have changed and here at The Rabbit Crossing, I have seen a trend that sees many more much loved and previously well cared for rabbits (and yes pairs rather than lonely single buns) coming in looking for a new home. With the shift in the economic state of the country, more often it is down to a change in personal circumstances, which might be downsizing home to a flat or somewhere with no garden, or maybe going into rented where pets are not permitted. It may involve moving in order to keep a job or find new work, often overseas, or a redundancy that means that the cost of keeping animals properly is no longer possible. It may be relationship breakdown where there is only one wage earner, or maybe starting a family, where you will have no time for animals any more and simply not the cash.
Whilst often unavoidable and unforseen, there are some things folks really should consider before contemplating having some rabbits, and also before they consider adding a partner rabbit to their existing - because whilst every rabbit should definitely always have a friend, if circumstances change where a single house rabbit might just be feasible in your life, a pair of bunnies may just make it impossible to keep them.
So before you take on new rabbits or rabbit, please consider the following.
ARE RABBITS FOR YOU?
There are many things to think about when considering giving a home to some rabbits.
• Can you commit to on average 8-12 years of rabbit care?
Rabbits’ life expectancy should be in the region of 8-12 years so need the same level of commitment as a dog or cat
• Can you provide the sort of accommodation that bunnies need either indoors or outdoors?
Rabbits need a big hutch (absolute minimum of 6ft +) and run, or a large safe area indoors
• Can you provide a suitable home for a pair of bunnies?
Rabbits should not be kept singly; they naturally live in colonies and need the company of other rabbits?
• Can you afford the start up costs?
Accommodation, equipment and importantly vet care. (Vaccinations - Combined Myxomatosis and VHD annually. Neutering for both sexes) and the ongoing veterinary bills?
• Are your circumstances likely to change in the near future?
(Redundancy, moving, divorce, baby) If so make sure you have contingency plans both financial and for ongoing care if things should change so the rabbits don’t suffer.
• Is anyone in your family allergic to rabbits or hay?
It is a common for owners who discover they are allergic to give rabbits up and so spending time with some prior to purchase or adoption is absolutely essential
• Are you willing to put in the time to learn lots about rabbits, which are very complex animals?
Rabbits are not easy pets and can become unwell or unhappy if not cared for correctly. There are many myths about rabbit care so homework in advance will help keep the rabbits happy and healthy
• If the rabbits are to be pets for the children, are you happy to be the responsible adult carer, particularly if the children loose interest?
Very high numbers of rabbits are given in to rescues within the first year of ownership due to the children getting bored and the parents not wishing to continue the care
• Can you spend quality time every day with your rabbits?
Rabbits do need social interaction from their carers. It’s a very important part of their behavioural development and an excellent way to monitor health
• Have you thought about the need for rabbit boarding when you go away for weekends or for your summer holidays (or if you travel frequently with work)?
Rabbits need to be cared for properly when you need to go away from home and someone popping in just to feed them is not normally sufficient. Boarding facilities are recommended but can add expense to your holiday budget
• Do your family members understand that rabbits generally do not like to be picked up and cuddled and are happiest with all four feet firmly on the floor?
Youngsters may become upset if they cannot pick up their rabbits, and can also lead to aggression (defensive behaviour) from the rabbits resulting in injury to the rabbit or carer.
CAN YOU COMMIT TO RABBITS FOR THE NEXT 8 -12 YEARS, FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES?
Times seemed to have changed and here at The Rabbit Crossing, I have seen a trend that sees many more much loved and previously well cared for rabbits (and yes pairs rather than lonely single buns) coming in looking for a new home. With the shift in the economic state of the country, more often it is down to a change in personal circumstances, which might be downsizing home to a flat or somewhere with no garden, or maybe going into rented where pets are not permitted. It may involve moving in order to keep a job or find new work, often overseas, or a redundancy that means that the cost of keeping animals properly is no longer possible. It may be relationship breakdown where there is only one wage earner, or maybe starting a family, where you will have no time for animals any more and simply not the cash.
Whilst often unavoidable and unforseen, there are some things folks really should consider before contemplating having some rabbits, and also before they consider adding a partner rabbit to their existing - because whilst every rabbit should definitely always have a friend, if circumstances change where a single house rabbit might just be feasible in your life, a pair of bunnies may just make it impossible to keep them.
So before you take on new rabbits or rabbit, please consider the following.
ARE RABBITS FOR YOU?
There are many things to think about when considering giving a home to some rabbits.
• Can you commit to on average 8-12 years of rabbit care?
Rabbits’ life expectancy should be in the region of 8-12 years so need the same level of commitment as a dog or cat
• Can you provide the sort of accommodation that bunnies need either indoors or outdoors?
Rabbits need a big hutch (absolute minimum of 6ft +) and run, or a large safe area indoors
• Can you provide a suitable home for a pair of bunnies?
Rabbits should not be kept singly; they naturally live in colonies and need the company of other rabbits?
• Can you afford the start up costs?
Accommodation, equipment and importantly vet care. (Vaccinations - Combined Myxomatosis and VHD annually. Neutering for both sexes) and the ongoing veterinary bills?
• Are your circumstances likely to change in the near future?
(Redundancy, moving, divorce, baby) If so make sure you have contingency plans both financial and for ongoing care if things should change so the rabbits don’t suffer.
• Is anyone in your family allergic to rabbits or hay?
It is a common for owners who discover they are allergic to give rabbits up and so spending time with some prior to purchase or adoption is absolutely essential
• Are you willing to put in the time to learn lots about rabbits, which are very complex animals?
Rabbits are not easy pets and can become unwell or unhappy if not cared for correctly. There are many myths about rabbit care so homework in advance will help keep the rabbits happy and healthy
• If the rabbits are to be pets for the children, are you happy to be the responsible adult carer, particularly if the children loose interest?
Very high numbers of rabbits are given in to rescues within the first year of ownership due to the children getting bored and the parents not wishing to continue the care
• Can you spend quality time every day with your rabbits?
Rabbits do need social interaction from their carers. It’s a very important part of their behavioural development and an excellent way to monitor health
• Have you thought about the need for rabbit boarding when you go away for weekends or for your summer holidays (or if you travel frequently with work)?
Rabbits need to be cared for properly when you need to go away from home and someone popping in just to feed them is not normally sufficient. Boarding facilities are recommended but can add expense to your holiday budget
• Do your family members understand that rabbits generally do not like to be picked up and cuddled and are happiest with all four feet firmly on the floor?
Youngsters may become upset if they cannot pick up their rabbits, and can also lead to aggression (defensive behaviour) from the rabbits resulting in injury to the rabbit or carer.
CAN YOU COMMIT TO RABBITS FOR THE NEXT 8 -12 YEARS, FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES?