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Rabbit Adoption - Everything You Need To Know

 
Josie F. Turner
By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. November 20, 2018
Rabbit Adoption - Everything You Need To Know
Rabbits

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Cat and dog adoption are common topics of interest among most pet lovers. However, recently, there has been a rise in popularity when it comes to rabbit adoption. It is important to remember, as with all cases of adoption, one needs to be aware of what to consider before adopting a pet. In fact, people are often not aware of the funds and responsibility it takes to care for an animal and as a result, the numbers of animals that are abandoned has increased.

Are you thinking of adopting a rabbit? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Here at AnimalWised we will be discussing everything that needs to be taken into consideration before and during bunny adoption. Keep reading for more.

You may also be interested in: The Ocelot as a Pet: Everything you Need to Know

Rabbit abandonment: the main reasons people abandon rabbits

It is difficult to comprehend how someone could get rid of such a beautiful ball of fur, but unfortunately the truth is that it happens more often that one would like to think. Despite being smart, quiet and sociable animals, rabbits, just like any other pet, and any other living being - requires a number of things in order to live a happy and healthy bunny life. Rabbits, as with all animals, require;

  • Food and water
  • A cage
  • Socialization
  • Exercise

In addition, you should provide your bunny with a hygienic space, warmth, love and games (for it’s mental and physical development). If you don’t have these resources before adopting a rabbit, we suggest not doing so. If you do have a rabbit, but are lacking some of it’s important needs, know that animal abandonment is not a solution.

The main causes of animal abandonment are usually;

  • Lack of time
  • Holidays
  • Lack of financial resources
  • Allergies
  • Moving house
  • Birth of children

If you’ve decided to take on the responsibility of adopting an animal, you need to remain just as responsible if one of the above problems starts to affect you. As such, you should spend time and energy on finding it a home where it can develop and lead a happy and fulfilled life. It doesn’t matter if you’re not prepared or you don’t know how to look after a rabbit. Take time to learn, save funds and take responsibility of ensuring your animal lives a happy and healthy life.

Again, we cannot stress enough the importance of research before adoption. This is fundamental in order to decrease the amount of abandoned animals in the world.

In addition, many people wonder if they can release a pet rabbit outside into the wild and the answer is NO. A domestic rabbit that is abandoned should not be left outside (and should not be abandoned in the first place). In fact, most pet rabbit breeds have been bred by humans and are called domestic rabbits for a reason, they are domesticated. This means that domestic rabbits do not know how to survive in the wild like wild rabbits do. Therefore, if you abandon your rabbit outside, they will be killed by a predator or die from lack of ability to survive alone. If this does not happen, the alternative result are large unwanted rabbit colonies (due to uncontrolled rabbit reproduction). These rabbit colonies sadly end up dead; shot or poisoned by land owners protecting their plants from being eaten.

For more about rabbit adoption, we recommend taking a look at our article on; Advantages and Disadvantages of Having A Rabbit.

Rabbit Adoption - Everything You Need To Know - Rabbit abandonment: the main reasons people abandon rabbits

Rabbit adoption: Why should you adopt a bunny?

Fortunately, there are many people who spend a lot of time and resources on abandoned animals. You can probably find an animal shelter near you filled with rabbit cages holding abandoned rabbits waiting to be adopted. There are also some shelter houses, organised by volunteers who keep and look after rabbits in their houses.

Many of these poor bunnies are found hungry, alone and injured in gardens or parks around the city. As we have already mentioned, leaving a rabbit in a bush is a death sentence as it doesn’t have the capacity to survive by itself after spending its whole life in captivity.

Here are a list of reasons why you should adopt a rabbit instead of buying a rabbit:

  • They need to be adopted as they don’t have a real home.
  • They are very intelligent and playful animals that will provide you with some unforgettable memories.
  • Pet bunnies are very cute.
  • Adult rabbits already know where to do their business and are often already well trained.
  • You can offer a bunny a happy life.

Adopt a rabbit and give it the name it deserves! In addition, if you want to find out more interesting facts about rabbits before adopting one, take a look at; 10 Things About Rabbits You Didn’t Know.

Rabbit Adoption - Everything You Need To Know - Rabbit adoption: Why should you adopt a bunny?

Bunny Adoption: Where can I adopt a rabbit?

So now, where can you adopt a rabbit? By typing ‘Rabbit adoption center near me’ into your search engine, you will fine multiple associations which are dedicated to caring for; rodents, lagomorphs and other small-sized mammals.

Usually, each and every rabbit adoption center has its own delivery policy and different adoption requirements.. In these rescue shelters, they offer you a vaccinated rabbit (with a chip that corresponds to your name).

Also remember, you can also become a volunteer for rabbits at any animal rescue center near you.

Rabbit Adoption - Everything You Need To Know - Bunny Adoption: Where can I adopt a rabbit?

Requirements for adopting a rabbit

Before adopting a rabbit, remember that you need to meet a series of basic requirements. If you don’t think you can meet these rabbit requirements, consider adopting a different animal that you are able to look after:

  • A rabbit’s cage: You should provide your rabbit with a large space suitable for its size, along with basic utensils such as a feeding bottle, water dispenser or chips.
  • Bunny hygiene: A rabbit’s feeding utensils should be cleaned every day. In addition, every week you should clean its cage and wipe its fur with baby wipes, for example (bathing it is not recommended).For more, take a look at; Can I Clean My Rabbit?
  • Exercising a rabbit: Your rabbit should be taken out of its cage twice a day to exercise.Offer your rabbit a safe space where it can move around safely.
  • Rabbit health: Like other pet, rabbits should be given the appropriate vaccinations on a regular basis. In addition, if your rabbit is getting ill or showing symptoms of behavioral problems, take it to the vet immediately. Remember that this will entail economic cost.
  • Relationship: Rabbits are social animals. As such, if they are unable to interact with other members of its species, they will feel sad and can suffer symptoms of stress. Play with your rabbit, making sure that it is both mentally and physically stimulated. If you are worried that your rabbit might be sad or anxious, we recommend reading our article on: Signs of Stress In Rabbits.

Finally, all you need to know is that abandoned rabbits just need someone to love them and care for them. Most importantly, they need to not be abandoned or left alone again.

If you found this article helpful, take a look at our AnimalWised YouTube video on: 5 Clears Signs Your Rabbit Loves You.

If you want to read similar articles to Rabbit Adoption - Everything You Need To Know, we recommend you visit our What you need to know category.

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