Bunnies maybe synonymous with Easter celebrations but one rabbit owner who is studying animal science has warned against taking one on as a seasonal pet.
Speaking to TUXtra, Ellie Simpson said: “They are so expensive. The cost of food, predominantly hay which they need access to 24/7 as they will eat a ball the size of themselves everyday.
“They need specialist exotic vets due to their unique physiology compared to like cats and dogs. Their dental needs can be an issue due to constantly growing teeth which if they aren’t given enough resources to chew on can quickly become very painful and a hefty bill.
“They also have extremely sensitive digestive systems and can very quickly go into gut stasis where their digestive system essentially shuts down and gas builds up inside which will also kill them.
“They are very social animals and need to be in pairs for their mental wellbeing so they can express the behaviours they would naturally in their social groups. They also require a lot of space. They require 3x2m x 1m high of space at all times so they can hop and binky as they please.”
Ellie went on to tell her experiences of raising her own rabbits. “It was really stressful and took a lot of physical work,” she added.
“I felt guilty that I wasn’t able to spend more time bonding with them because I was so busy.”
She offered a message to people looking to get Easter gifts: “Think carefully if you are able to provide them the time, money and everything they need to be happy and healthy. And if you do insist on getting a rabbit, make sure that you do a lot of research into all their needs. Alternatively, you could buy a rabbit or chick plushie as a gift instead which will come without the long term stress and responsibility.”
