| Thinking about getting a pet? There’s one | | | | they go into adolescence. Some love toys, others like |
| furry companion you probably haven’t | | | | to romp in the tall grass. Getting a rabbit |
| considered, but should. It’s smart, uses a litter | | | | that’s at least 6 months old will help guarantee |
| box, can learn to come and walk on a leash, is at | | | | that the bunny you adopt will act the same way a |
| home anywhere from a big house with yard to a | | | | year from now. If you adopt from a rescue |
| college dorm room, and it probably won’t | | | | organization, the foster parent can give you |
| make you sneeze. What’s this terrific | | | | information on the bunny's likes, fears and quirks. |
| alternative to a dog, cat and hamster? A rabbit. | | | | If you’ve got a dog, consider up front how it |
| Rabbits are funny and charming – and they | | | | will respond to a new pet in your home. Many dogs |
| need you as much as you need them. Like dogs and | | | | learn to get along with rabbits; some befriend them; |
| cats, rabbits are abandoned every day. The United | | | | some see them as prey. If a rabbit will be safe in |
| States Humane Society reports that 3 million to 4 | | | | your home, choose one that’s the right size |
| million -- yes, million -- rabbits are euthanized in | | | | to interact with your other pets. |
| shelters each year. By adopting a bunny, you not | | | | Rabbits have a variety of personalities. Like cats, |
| only get a terrific companion, you save a life. | | | | some rabbits will play hard to get; some will sit on |
| What’s so special about bunnies? | | | | your lap and let you pet them as long as you like. |
| Rabbits are quiet, smart and will play with toys. | | | | Find a bunny that suits your style. |
| They’re cute. Watching them eat a carrot or | | | | Reputable rabbit rescue organizations will insist that |
| just wash their big ears will put a smile on anyone's | | | | your rabbits be spayed or neutered, for their health |
| face. | | | | and your happiness. Most rescues factor that into the |
| Far fewer people have allergies to rabbits than other | | | | adoption fee. |
| furry pets, and you can find some breeds that barely | | | | How do you care for bunnies? |
| shed. | | | | Rabbits need attention, fresh water and food |
| They’re clean, as animals go. Once | | | | (timothy hay, rabbit chow and vegetables) every |
| they’ve learned to use a litter box, they can | | | | day. |
| roam around your house like any other pet. Plus, their | | | | Their litter boxes must be changed at least weekly. |
| droppings are virtually odor-free and are considered | | | | Rabbits need a cozy space to call home, but they |
| cold compost, meaning you can toss them directly | | | | don’t require much stuff. An extra-large wire |
| into the garden with great results. | | | | dog crate, water bottle, heavy food bowl, litter box |
| They are social animals. They’re happiest and | | | | with recycled paper litter, a box with shredded paper |
| healthiest when they have another rabbit to play | | | | to dig in, and a few hard infant or cat toys will keep |
| with. They also like to snuggle with people, so you | | | | them happy. |
| can plan to spend time holding, petting and playing | | | | To keep your bunnies healthy in a wire-bottom cage, |
| with them each day. | | | | put old carpet scraps on the bottom. Without that |
| There are more than 40 different types of rabbits to | | | | protection, they’ll develop painful and |
| choose from. (For more information on them, go to | | | | debilitating arthritis in their toes. While you’re |
| Who should get a rabbit? | | | | at it, add a 12- by 12-inch ceramic tile for him to lie on |
| Bunnies are especially good pets for people who live | | | | to cool off. You can often get these for free from a |
| in apartments because they’re quiet, | | | | local flooring store. |
| don’t need to be walked and can be litter | | | | Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits take a few weeks to |
| trained. Most apartments and dormitories allow rabbits | | | | warm up to new people and surroundings. At first |
| because they are considered "caged" | | | | they will hop a few feet out of and then back into |
| pets. | | | | their cage, then they’ll gradually start to |
| Rabbits -- especially if they have another bunny for | | | | explore. They’ll relax once they become |
| company -- are ideal for people who work long hours | | | | comfortable with their environment. Although they |
| or take weekend trips. They do fine for a day if you | | | | love to hop around the house, rabbits need a safe |
| leave plenty of timothy hay, rabbit feed, veggies and | | | | place -- a covered box or small covered doggie bed |
| water. | | | | – where they can go when they need time |
| They are great starter pets for school-age children | | | | alone. |
| (the recommended starting age is 8, but it depends | | | | Bunnies don’t see in color, so they often |
| on your child). Just be sure the bunnies aren’t | | | | mistake wires for weeds and chew on them. You |
| too big for your kids to handle properly. And since | | | | can easily bunny-proof your home by tacking wires |
| rabbits live about 10 years, be sure you’re | | | | up out of their reach. |
| prepared to care for them, like you would dogs or | | | | House rabbits have difficulty cooling off above 85 |
| cats, if your children don’t. The organization | | | | degrees and staying warm below 40 degrees, so |
| where you get your rabbits can help you find the | | | | you’ll need to use caution when you take |
| best match. | | | | them outside in the summer or winter. |
| If you are unsure about a rabbit as a pet, seek out a | | | | My bunny’s home. Now what? |
| local rescue organization and become a foster. Most | | | | Enjoy! You won’t be able to resist: |
| rescues will pay for all supplies and food -- and all pay | | | | -- Watching carrot juice drip from your baby |
| for veterinary care -- until a permanent home is | | | | bunny’s chin after an especially good carrot. |
| found. This is a wonderful way to save some | | | | -- The first time bunny grooms you (to show you |
| bunnies’ lives, decide if you’re a rabbit | | | | are his). |
| person and find the perfect one for you. | | | | -- The times when she jumps with glee and spins |
| How do you choose? | | | | around in mid-air. |
| Rabbits’ personalities change greatly when | | | | |