Adoption Rabbit Care Must-Knows

Care begins at the adoption stage

According to Wikipedia, rabbits have been pets in Western nations since the 19th century. Rabbits can bond with humans and learn to follow simple voice commands.

This shows that rabbits have been around for a long time as pets, building connections with humans.

In addition, some facts must be noted to ensure our rabbits are being cared for.

• Rabbit Care starts at the adoption process or the point of making them pets
• Not all veterinarians will treat rabbits; they might need exotic animal veterinarians
• Rabbits might hide illnesses; owners are advised to go for routine check-ups.
• PETA explains that rabbits aren’t suitable companions for young children
• They also stated that rabbits need specific foods, stimulating environments, and specialised veterinarians.
• As with every animal, rabbits have specific care requirements that must be fulfilled to keep them healthy and give them a beneficial environment. 

This article will look at the right rabbit care at the initial stage of adoption and the factors needed to adopt a healthy rabbit.

We begin with the very first point of care needed in a rabbit’s life cycle, which is at the point of adoption or the process of becoming your pet.

Adoption

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According to PETA, rabbits are often purchased on a whim, especially in spring, and potential caretakers rarely understand their specific needs. 

After the rush feeling to get a rabbit dies down, they are neglected, relegated to outdoor cages, dumped at shelters, or simply turned loose in the wild, having a slim chance of survival.

This situation puts the rabbit’s life in danger, which can all be avoided if they are adopted for the right reasons.

Before adopting a rabbit, ask yourself: 

Do you want a rabbit because of your love for it and commitment to raise it well, or is it just a momentary feeling that fades in seconds?

To give the best care to our rabbits, we have to understand some key points:

• When is it best to bring them home?
• Understand why you need a rabbit; don’t take a rabbit without having the intention to take care of it.
• Study their specific needs and be ready to fulfil them
• The above points will help get you and your rabbit off to a good start regarding their care and your well-being in keeping them.

PETA also states that dealers and pet stores usually request 4-week-old bunnies because they require less space and are “cuter.”

However, bunnies of this age are ill-prepared to be weaned from their parents. Thus, it is best to refrain from bringing home a bunny that still requires care or is not healthy enough to be brought home.

Here are some red flags to look out for while scouting for your bunny friend:

• Runny Nose
• Sneezing
• Listlessness (Lack of Energy)
• Head-tilt
• Lastly, bare spots or scabs anywhere on their body imply the rabbit has parasites or fights with other rabbits.
  These points help give your rabbit the best care from the start.

Instead of making it your pet at a vulnerable time, you show care and compassion for the rabbit by helping it get the help it needs before taking it home.

Things to know before Adoption

There are some things we should know before adopting our rabbits.

This information will help us give them the best care and prepare our homes to welcome them.

1. In an article by PetMD, rabbits have a long expected lifespan and do well as indoor pets, so keep them mostly indoors.
2. Animal Humane Society gives tips from experienced rabbit parents; rabbits’ spines need support when carrying them, so their owners should learn the proper way to carry them. 
3. Also, there is a myth that rabbits like cuddling, but the truth is that every rabbit has a unique personality.  Some might dread cuddling, while others love cuddling. Study your little bunny after adoption.
4. Lastly, before adopting your little bunny, check the list of requirements, from a clean, safe, and healthy living space to nutrient-satisfied diets to routine cleaning and health checkups.

In addition, PETA advises adopting from your local humane society or rabbit rescue group. 

This is because rabbits require annual checkups by veterinarians who are familiar with them, as they have a long life span of up to 10 years.

After Adoption
After adopting your bunny, some myths might interfere with the care you give them.

Also, their specific diet, care, and needs have to be diligently met to foster a healthy environment for our dear animal friends.

These other points will be discussed in upcoming articles.

Conclusion

This article sheds light on the fact that caring for rabbits does not only start when they become pets but also before that.

The beginning of our relationship with rabbits has to be healthy for us to provide the right care moving forward.

In the following articles, we will be discussing the myths around rabbits and explaining their specific needs to ensure more love, care, and compassion are given to our little animal friend, the “rabbit.”