This is the time of year when the thought of the Easter bunny fuels desire for a pet bunny. A recent shelter survey estimates 43,519 rabbits were abandoned in shelters nationwide in 1996. Rabbits often do not like to be held or cuddled, and can bite and inflict deep scratches if not properly handled. Normal rabbit behavior includes such possible destructive or unwanted actions as chewing, digging, spraying urine, and mounting or other sexual behavior.
Rabbits can be litterbox trained, but it requires much time and patience.
Rabbits who are litterbox trained will still drop fecal pellets around the house, as they cannot retain their droppings like cats or dogs. Rabbits are natural gnawers, so this behavior is to be expected. Between 3-6 months of age an experienced rabbit veterinarian can spay or neuter a pet rabbit. This can often eliminate such negative behavior, but it is not a guaranteed cure for it. Spaying and neutering is important to eliminate or reduce the risk of uterine cancer, as well as lessen or prevent such behaviors as mounting, spraying urine, and aggression.