Many parents buy rabbits for his or her children at Easter, as a result of traditional association from the Easter Bunny and the fact that spring is originating up and people are spending additional time within their gardens. This gift may bring happiness for your child, no less than for some time, but have you any idea what you’re letting yourself in for? Assuming you worry about the rabbit’s happiness also, think about these questions before you purchase.
Can I afford to invest £200 to £300 over a decent hutch and attached exercise run?
The minimum RSPCA recommended hutch size for just one rabbit is 6ft x 2ft x 2ft and rabbits require a lot of exercise inside a large enclosed, predator proof run so that you can maintain a healthy bone structure. An alternative solution would be to keep the rabbit indoors free range like a house rabbit, for which you is only going to have to have a litter tray but you must rabbit proof your home by protecting all cables, plants etc and your furniture and carpets gets damaged.
Can one afford to achieve the rabbit neutered / spayed and vaccinated?
Neutering (males) costs approx. £60 to £70 and spaying (females) costs approx. £80 to £100. 85% of unspayed females will die from uterine cancer before the ages of 5. Vaccinations cost approx. £25 and must be done yearly for VHD and twice yearly for myxomatosis. VHD is widespread within the wild rabbit population, easily transmitted and results in death by bleeding from the mouth and bottom; the rabbit is at a lot pain it could scream or cry – something no child should have to witness.
Can I provide a lifetime of healthcare to a sick rabbit?
Probably the most common rabbit problem these days is dental disease, a disorder where the teeth are overgrown or have spikes to them which make the rabbit to stop eating. Dwarf and lop breeds will be more prone to this ailment genetically. A normal case of dental disease may involve teeth trimming under anaesthetic every Two to three months at a cost of approx. £100 per treatment. Rabbits can live for as much as 12 many pet insurance policies is not going to cover dental disease. Therefore, a rabbit could end up costing you loads of pounds.
To reduce the risk of dental disease, rabbits have to be fed a hay based diet to grind their teeth down simply small amounts of concentrate food (approx. 1 eggcup full daily) and a variety of more vegetables.
Can I ensure the rabbit isn’t struggling with loneliness?
Rabbits need almost constant companionship, within you or any other rabbit (not a guinea pig, they will bully this). Ideally they should be held in pairs of neutered male and spayed female as well as the easiest choice is to consider a bonded pair from a rescue centre. Lonely rabbits have problems with self mutilation, where they over groom themselves, pull fur out or pull on the bars on the hutch and damage their teeth. A single rabbit must be kept indoors for them to go wherever you go and bond with you.
Rabbits make wonderful, rewarding pets. They are highly social, playful, loving and entertaining to watch. However, this comes at a price – a huge commitment using their owners. It’s true that you can simply obtain a hutch and stick a rabbit inside it but what is the point? The rabbit is going to be suffering and you’re gaining no pleasure as a result as a pet. Rabbits can’t stand being acquired and held, they like to try out and explore at their very own pace, at ground level. No surprise children lose interest in their rabbits – the question is, will you care for the rabbit once they do?
