Raising Rabbits 101: Part 1
Channel: Pets Life
Date: 03/02/2021

In today's video, we are going to talk about Raising a rabbit as a pet.


Rabbits are lovely pets to have. However, it does take a lot of work to take care of a rabbit. Like all pets, rabbits need a clean, healthy environment and the right kind of food in order to thrive.

Rabbits are very active and playful animals that are also very social, they will form a close bond with other rabbits and even with people. The ideal owner for a pet rabbit is an individual or family with the time and space to dedicate to an active pet that enjoys cuddling and playing and requires a bit of maintenance. Whether it involves daily interaction with owners or other rabbits, these animals require a lot of interaction.

Rabbits make wonderful indoor pets. They are adorable and brimming with personality. But before you swoop into the shelter and pick out a cutie, there are a few things you should know to ensure a rabbit is right for you and your family.


Purchasing Your Rabbit.

The association between rabbits and Easter means rabbits are often impulsively acquired as pets around the Easter holiday. Unfortunately, many of these bunnies end up neglected or given up for adoption since those cute little bunnies grow up into rabbits that need as much attention and care as a dog. Avoid the impulse to get a bunny for Easter.

The best option is to adopt a rabbit from a nearby shelter or rescue. There are many wonderful pet rabbits who need a second chance at finding a forever home. Don't worry about the age of an older rabbit, you can quickly get a good sense of an older rabbit's personality, and they will often bond with new owners even quicker than a younger rabbit.


Rabbits can live for 5 to 12 years.

This may be the most important thing to know when it comes to rabbits since they require a sizable degree of daily and weekly care over the course of their lives. Given how long they live, it's a good bit of work that's more than just feeding and picking up after their poop. It's an especially big commitment if a rabbit is given to a child as a pet.


Rabbit Behavior and Temperament.

Rabbits are social, and with gentle handling, are generally quite tame, playful, and entertaining to watch. Rabbits often form very close bonds with their owners, many rabbit owners spend evenings watching TV with their rabbits by their sides or interacting with their pet. Rabbits also have the great advantage of responding well to litter-training. They also do well with clicker training and can be trained to do special behaviors and tricks.

All of these qualities mean that rabbits do require a great deal of interaction with their owners and other rabbits. Daily playtime and exercise outside of their cage is a necessity. They do need to chew, so lots of safe chew toys should be provided, and any spaces where the rabbit is allowed to run must be carefully rabbit-proofed. 

While they are generally quiet pets, rabbits are not a good match for active young children who may not be careful enough when picking them up or playing around them. While rabbits like to be near their people, it's also important to know that they often would rather not be held.


Handling your rabbit.

Rabbits make great pets for children. However, they are fragile and young children should not handle them. They can accidentally cause injury picking the rabbit, by squeezing too tightly, or dropping them. Children should always be supervised when interacting with and, in the case of older children, handling rabbits.

Rabbits must be handled appropriately so they do not scratch or bite and so they can develop a positive relationship with humans. Handle rabbits regularly, especially when they are young. Sit while you are handling a rabbit so the rabbit can't fall. Rabbits should be picked up with two hands. Hold them close to the chest or on your lap so they can rest their feet and feel secure. 

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