What to Know Before Getting These Cuddle Bugs
If you’re interested in getting a bunny because a dog doesn’t fit your current lifestyle and you’re allergic to cats (like me), here’s what you need to know before you adopt one. Bunnies are often mistaken as easy first pets, and it’s somewhat true, but they still require a lot of attention, love and care. Despite the obvious things like getting a decent-sized pen for them, here are some other tidbits that you should expect when deciding if a bunny is the right option for you.
1. Bunnies Do Not Like Being Handled
Though they are adorable and you just want to squeeze their cute faces, bunnies do not like to be picked up. They are prey animals in the wild, so if you pick them up, their automatic thought is that you are a predator, such as a hawk, lifting them up. Unless you pick them up the correct way, they will squirm and jump out of your arms. Never pick them from their ears, obviously, and make sure that their spine is supported. I typically lift my bunny, Peaches, up from the side under her front arms and use that same hand to support the butt. I use my right hand to secure her and pet her. However, your best bet is to interact with your bunny on the ground rather than pick her up.
2. Bunnies Need a Lot of Exercise
Bunnies need a couple of hours every day to roam around – this is how they get their exercise and stay mentally stimulated as well. Bunnies are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn, so exercise will help keep them asleep a bit longer. If you don’t exercise them every day, you’ll find they will let off steam by running around their pen at 5 a.m., and you will not be happy to be woken up.
3. Bunnies Need Hay 24/7
While you can get off only feeding them pellets once a day, rabbits are grazers and typically need hay all day every day. If you are someone who travels a lot, DO NOT get a bunny. They cannot spend more than a day alone, maybe two if properly taken care of, because they need to have their hay and water replaced. I recommend using Oxbow’s Timothy Hay; I have never had a bad experience with the brand and they give sizable bags that can last a month. Also give your bunny lots of Timothy Hay treats – they will love you for it.
4. Their Urine Smells Most
Bunnies are clean animals and spend a lot of time grooming, so they do not normally smell. Their poop doesn’t really have a smell either, but you will notice if you don’t clean their litter box for a few days, that their urine has a very acidic scent. Depending on the size of your litter box and bunny, I would typically clean the litter box a couple times a week. Bunnies do eat some of their poop for nutritional reasons, and that is essential in order to keep their digestive tract moving, but bunnies poop a lot more than they pee, so you will need to stay on top of cleaning.
5. Bunnies Communicate With You
Bunnies are usually pretty clear when they like or don’t like something. If your bunny stomps or makes a thumping noise (yes, that’s where the name ‘Thumper’ comes from), he or she is saying that they are upset or scared. I learned that my bunny hates when I have my window open no matter the temperature, because she continues to stomp until I close it. She also stomps when I reach into her pen – bunnies are very territorial – so make sure to respect their area and listen when they don’t like something. Bunnies do growl, so don’t be alarmed if you hear that.
Bunnies are also very happy and relaxed pets when they feel comfortable. When you let your bunny roam around, you’ll notice she’ll get the zoomies and do binkies. Binkies are when rabbits jump and twist their body while they click their heels in the air. It’s the epitome of a happy bunny and is a form of getting their happy energy out. You might notice your bunny flop over, which may even seem concerning at first because they just fall over, but it’s nothing to be worried about. It actually means they’re relaxed and happy.
If you read all this and still are ready for a bunny, go for it! Despite the work, Peaches is the best companion animal, and I look forward to coming home and spending time with her. Bunnies are definitely cuddly, cute and loving if given the right care and attention.