Fluffernutter, enjoying her out-of-cage playtime
My living room is not really mine; it is actually the domain of Fluffernutter. Fluff came to us from someone who could no longer keep her. My mistake was in thinking that rabbits were a no-brainer pet. Fluffernutter soon set me straight on that account.
I did a lot of research on rabbits that first month. I wanted to make sure that I was doing the best I could to make sure she was healthy and happy. I soon found out that there was just as much misinformation out there as there was good information. Here are a few myths about rabbits:
1. Rabbits are low maintenance pets. Fluff most certainly DISAGREES. While most pet rabbits spend a good majority of their life in a cage, they also need some run-around time where they can stretch and jump. While they are outside the cage, their play area needs to be bunny-proofed. This means that all cords need to be covered or tucked securely out of reach. Their cage needs daily cleaning. They should have fresh water and a varied diet each day that includes not only grasses, but also fresh vegetables. Fluff is a Lionhead rabbit and needs frequent brushing to keep her longer hair free from mats.
2. Rabbits should stay in a hutch outdoors. A rabbit in an outdoor hutch is more likely to be neglected. There is also the risk of predators and foul weather. Most rabbits thrive on interaction with their humans. Housing your rabbit indoors in an area where your pet can socialize with you several times a day is recommended.
3. Rabbits are filthy and smelly. Rabbits are extremely easy to litter train as they are fastidious about being clean. If a litter box is not provided, rabbits usually designate a certain “area” of their cage for waste. If you clean the litter/cage daily, there is no smell at all. A rabbit will also spend some time each day to groom itself. Fluff is VERY particular about her living space. After cleaning her cage , everything has to be placed back just the way she had it arranged before or she will grunt her disapproval and thump her feet until it is corrected.
4. Rabbits don’t live long so are not a great commitment. Many indoor rabbits live 10 years or more depending on the quality of care.
5. Rabbits do not require much space. In addition to a safe area to play outside the cage, the cage itself should be a minimum of 4 times larger than the rabbit. Bigger is always better. You want room for the rabbit to stretch up without hitting her head and stretch out when lying down.
6. All your rabbit needs is some carrots and lettuce. Hay should actually be the largest part of your rabbit’s diet. Carrots and dark leafy greens are good; iceburg lettuce is bad. Here is a list of fresh vegetables that your rabbit will enjoy: Rabbit Diet Requirements.
No matter what type of pet you have, be diligent in your research to keep your pet happy and healthy.
