Gifting Rabbits

Many people believe that rabbits make a good last minute gift around holidays and for birthdays. This is true in some cases, but in most cases that poor little bunny will end up in a shelter or booted out to fend for its own life.

Rabbits make amazing companions, as long as you have both time and an excellent income. I have three of my own and I would not trade them for the world.

Being almost 18, working 30 hours a week and going to school full time really makes a dent in the time I have to spend with my buns. They have an extensive care list and beyond people's beliefs, they are not an inexpensive pet to have. I spend an average of $150 per month taking care of my girls.

Rabbits need much more than you think. They have a very specific diet and have other complicated variables included in parenting them. Yes, they are cute fluffy pets, but this being said, they do not make good gifts for children.

A rabbit's diet consists of four basic food groups. A healthy diet consists of 80% grass hay, 10% dark leafy greens, 5% healthy pellets, and 5% healthy snacks. Apart from the diet, a rabbit needs a large living arrangement (NOT those small critter nation cages) and lots of things to keep it occupied. At the end of the day, you're looking at an average of $300ish for the proper rabbit owner start-up.

The closest pet store is usually the go to for start-up and I just want to say that I don't advocate buying anything rabbit related from any pet stores anywhere. Companies tend to make treats and toys out of dangerous materials and market them for their targeted audience. Selling dairy, corn, nuts, seeds, and starch, all labeled safe for rabbit consumption (all life-threatening ingredients). I'm here to tell you not to buy into it. Your rabbit's life could depend on it. If you love your rabbit, you'll look into feeding them nothing but homemade treats, as I do. If you can't find time to make treats and feed your rabbit good, well, you simply don't need a rabbit.

Apart from at home supplies, it is wise to spay/neuter all rabbits. Not only does it prevent impregnation, but it also prevents both hormonal and physical health problems as the rabbit matures. This procedure can cost anywhere from $100-$500. It is also the law in some states and/or countries to have your rabbit vaccinated, chipped, and insured. Here in Wisconsin, it is not.

This article is mildly scatter-brained, but as the holidays passed, I felt the need to remind people that it does more harm than good to dump a rabbit into the arms of someone who does not know how to take care of it. This has never truly bothered me much, but I just recently rescued an impulse buy and she was so neglected that it isn't even funny.

PLEASE! For the sake of these poor bunnies, give them a heads up if you're going to gift a rabbit. Have your loved one or friend research the animal and proper care methods prior to bringing it into their home. Make sure they're ready for this kind of commitment, because I will personally tell you right now... RABBITS ARE NOT AN EASIER ANIMAL TO CARE FOR THAN A CAT OR DOG (trust me, I have three rabbits, a cat, and a dog). Their diet is twice as extensive and their overall living condition truly creates a huge impact on how they thrive and adapt to anything you call home.

When rabbits are cared for improperly, they have no trust in people at all. Being an animal of prey, it takes a long time to imprint. Most people get rid of their rabbit before this process occurs, thinking it never will. I've had Tottie since March and I am still fighting for her trust to this day. Most people would have given up by now and rehomed their rabbit without recognizing the little details that have created a foundation.

Overall, owning a rabbit is a very big responsibility. You need an endless amount of patience, time, money, space, and calm nerves if you ever even think you could properly take care of this animal.

Do your research. Plan ahead. Do not give up.