11/02/2021
While Easter is still awhile off, a lot of breeders are breeding/having baby bunnies right now just in time for Easter. As I do every year, I wanted to make a post encouraging you to very carefully research what rabbits will require before buying one on a whim!
We do not breed for Easter bunnies, but we always share as much info as possible.
Easter is a very popular time for buying bunnies as gifts, and often times a few weeks-a few months after Easter, bunnies get set loose, dumped at shelters, or given away because they’re too much work.
While Easter is the main reason for this post, I encourage ANYONE getting a bunny to research as much as possible, because Easter bunnies aren’t the only buns that end up rehomed shortly after being adopted.
What does a rabbit need for supplies? (Minimum)
•A large cage or playpen
•A water bottle or bowl
•A food bowl
•Something to hold hay, such as a hay feeder or litter box
•Litter box
•Bunny safe Litter
•High quality grass hay, such as Timothy hay, orchard grass, or meadow hay
•High quality pellets, free from corn, “treats”, and soy
•Toys, treats, etc. all make a happy bunny
What does a rabbit need for care?
•Clean, fresh water
•Pellets
•Unlimited Hay
•Playtime/interaction
•Quick cage cleanup daily
•Full cage and litter clean out 2x a week
•Nail trimmings monthly
•Fresh salads after 6 months of age
•Vet care if Sick, which can be very expensive.
While it doesn’t sound like too much work, actually doing all these things are more difficult than they may seem on paper. The basic care for bunnies is often too much for little kids, who are often the recipient of Easter bunnies, and not all parents want to care for the bunny every day.
Another big factor is COST. Bunnies themselves run from free all the way up to $400+, but most breeders charge $30-$100 (purebreds are often times more)
Cages are typically $35-$100
Bagged hay is $10-$20 per bag, whole hay bales are about the same price and last much longer.
High quality pellets for pet rabbits are typically about $10-$15 per 4-5lb bag. This will be needed at least monthly
Food/water bowls average about $5 each unless bought at a dollar store
Litter boxes can be purchased at a dollar store for $1, or cat boxes can be used (a bit more)
Bunny safe litter, such as paper bedding or pine bedding averages $6-$10
Toys/treats will depend a lot on where they’re purchased.
Last but not least, let’s talk about size and personality.
The bunny on the left in this picture is 8 weeks, and the same bunny is on the right at 1 year. A bunny will grow to it’s full size within 6-8 months, except for large breeds which typically take closer to a year. The total lifespan of a bunny is 7-10 years with the proper care, but they frequently live longer! The oldest bunny ever recorded passed away at almost 18 years old.
Before buying a bunny, make sure you know what size the bunny will be! This will determine cage size, how much food you’ll need monthly, etc.
Bunnies are cute and cuddly, but don’t always like to be held, and if they are being held you’ll have to make sure their feet and body are well supported. Most bunnies are very sweet, but some can become quite aggressive, especially around 6 months of age when they reach “maturity”.
Your bun may growl when you pet them or touch items in their cage, they may mark things with their chins, leave droppings everywhere, or even bite if they’re very upset.
Most rabbits will naturally calm down between 18-24 months or spaying/neutering is thought to help. (Which is also another $100+!)
You’ll also want to keep in mind that NOT ALL VETS WILL SEE RABBITS-they can be hard to treat and are considered “exotic”, so only certain vets will care for a sick bunny. This is another thing you should research before buying your bunny. Make sure you have a good, knowledgeable rabbit vet just in case you need them.
With all this said, bunnies are truly amazing pets and they are incredibly smart! They can be trained, they can learn to understand over 200 words, and they develop a strong bond with their people! If you’re ready for the expenses, time, and effort your bun will need, we know you’ll absolutely love one of your own!
