Doing your research before getting a bunny is a crucial step that I wish I had fully appreciated before getting one myself. As much as I love and care for my rabbit, there were many things I had to learn along the way about what having a bunny actually entails. So, to help others who are considering adding a bunny to their family, here is my list of things I wish I knew before getting a bunny:
1. They live longer than you might expect.
Rabbits are not a short-term pet. Depending on the breed, rabbits can live anywhere from 5 to 10 years on average. However, many rabbits exceed these expectations and may even live well into their teen years. So, if you are thinking about adding a bunny to your family, it is important to consider whether or not you can commit to them for 10+ years.
2. They need lots of time to bond with you.
Rabbits are prey animals. This distinction means that they are constantly on guard and, unlike dogs or cats, they are not going to be as confident engaging with you right off the bat. Having a pet bunny requires plenty of patience and effort to gain their trust and to have them feel comfortable in your home.
This point is especially important to consider if you have young children in your home. If you are looking for a confident pet that will excitedly engage with your children and provide them with instant gratification, then a pet bunny is probably not your best choice.
3. Baby bunnies do not stay cute and cuddly forever.
When you look at a baby bunny, it is easy to think that they will stay cute and innocent forever… but this is not the case. As they mature, rabbits – especially males – go through an aggressive phase that can wreak havoc on you and your home, and it is not especially cute. Even though rabbits can’t help it, this phase can be extremely frustrating for owners.
Speaking from personal experience: When my rabbit was in this phase, he would vigorously bite people, pee everywhere, and was seemingly immune to being trained.
While bunnies typically grow out of this phase after being spayed/neutered, these challenging behavioural issues can put owners to the test in terms of how serious they are about committing to having a bunny.
4. They can be expensive.
Rabbits have very particular needs, and these needs come with a price tag. Buying heaps of hay, the right litter, and a plethora of chew toys over the years adds up quickly. Moreover, veterinarian bills for rabbits can also become quite high. Rabbits are quite sensitive and are susceptible to developing certain ailments, so getting your rabbit treated by a rabbit-savvy vet is crucial. Typically, these vet bills only get higher as your rabbit ages, as they may need regular medications or more frequent check-ups.
5. They will be your best friend if you put in the work.
Ultimately, when it comes to having a relationship with your bunny, you get out of it what you put in. If you view your rabbit as a form of entertainment or as something that can simply sit in a cage all day without social interaction, you are dramatically decreasing your bunny’s quality of life and missing out on a valuable opportunity to have a meaningful bond with them.
However, if you are patient with your rabbit and put effort into loving and caring for them each day, then having them as a member of your family can be an incredibly positive and fulfilling experience for everyone involved (including your bunny!)
Article written by:
Jane Billingsley
Jane is a long-time rabbit owner and animal-lover. She has owned rabbits for most of her life, and is passionate about advocating for the ethical treatment of rabbits and animals in general. She is currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Alberta, and hopes to pursue further education specializing in animal welfare and conservation. Outside of school, Jane spends her time writing, playing soccer, and cuddling with her bunny, Prince.
