Caring for any animal can be a tough journey without proper knowledge.
Bunnies, in particular, need potential owners to conduct lengthy research to ensure they are looked after properly. They need more freedom and enrichment than most people realize. Hard work, patience and love can provide a beautiful life to a bunny.
“A lot of people get the impression, especially when they see them in a pet store that they’re a caged animal kind of thing,” says Petland employee Arin Clarke.
Clarke has two bunnies of their own at home. The bunnies are free to roam and only stay in their cages at night when no one can watch them.
Litter training a bunny is essential to keeping your home free from droppings.
Clarke recommends keeping a close eye on bunnies to prevent electrocution due to obsessive chewing
“They’re going to chew cords, carpet, tables,” Clarke says. “You can buy sprays and protectors and that helps for sure.
“A lot of people don’t give them enough enrichment, and they need tons of toys so they don’t chew up your furniture.”
A bunny’s teeth are constantly growing. Chewing helps with their anxiety and keeps them from being bored. Giving them sunlight and a place to run around is important for their mental health.
“I have a playpen for her and I just set that up outside and let her roam around,” says bunny owner Dawson McMullen-Lenting.
“She’s basically a lawn mower.”
McMullen-Lenting found her bunny Hazel downtown as a baby. She was injured, and as such, McMullen-Lenting took it upon herself to raise Hazel and give her a better life.
Hazel roams McMullen-Lenting’s bedroom most of the time as well as going outside on warm days.
Even when she can’t afford stuff for herself, McMullen-Lenting always makes sure Hazel has everything she needs.
“They take a lot to take care of,” says McMullen-Lenting. “You need litter, hay and food pellets,
“Hay is about $40 a bag, same with food pellets being $25 per bag.”
McMullen-Lenting changes the litter every two weeks and feeds Hazel twice a day. Hazel gets sunlight as much as possible while getting time to run around inside due to the weather being too cold.
Rabbits are social creatures with gentle natures and individual personalities, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. They require just as much attention as a dog or cat,
“They can’t stay in their cages all the time,” says Clarke. “They need their running time.”
