The Bunny Bunch S.P.C.R.
A No Kill Non Profit Rabbit Rescue Organization
909-591-7200 PO Box 2583 Chino, CA 91708
Serving Southern California

Take our quiz below and get your bunny questions answered! Still have more questions? Email us at the Bunny Bunch.

Q. 1. Rabbits make great companion pets

True

Rabbits are warm, social,loving creatures and they make wonderful companion pets. What's especially great about pet rabbits is the fact that they are quiet, very smart and extremely entertaining. Rabbits love to be around humans and love to be part of the action and when they are made part of the family they develop individual personalities that will bring you so much joy and entertainment. Even rabbits that don't want to play with their humans still like to be around them because they are very curious critters by nature and love to know what's going on. They also enjoy listening to soothing music, play with toys like cardboard boxes, tunnels and toilet rolls (especially filled with grass hay) untreated wicker/willow baskets for chewing, bell toys and hard plastic baby keys. Because rabbits are very social and naturally form pair bonds, they are especially happy when bonded with another rabbit.

2. Rabbits and small children don't mix

True

Rabbits are physically delicate animals and are a very poor choice for a child under the age of 10. Even at age 10, an adult should be the main caretaker of the pet rabbit and should teach their child responsibility, proper handling and proper care of their pet rabbit. Children under the age of 10 and very small children tend to be a bit too aggressive and may grab, hug too hard or force the bunny to be held against the bunny's wishes, and when a rabbit is frightened, restrained or feels a sense of insecurity they become very stressed then the rabbit is more likely to kick,bite,or scratch, causing serious injury to a small child. A rabbit can also be seriously injured, and be either dropped by a small child or even break its own back from the force of kicking or struggling.

3. A rabbit only needs alfalfa pellets and water to maintain good health and longevity


False

Fresh grass hay (such as timothy or oat) is the most important part of a rabbits daily diet due to the high dietary fiber that is so vitally important to a rabbit GI tract, a variety of fresh vegetables are second in the order of importance, and pellets (rationed are third. Fresh water daily is an absolute must.

Young rabbits under the age of 8 months can be fed alfalfa hay and alfalfa pellets but after the age of 8 months should be gradually switched over to a timothy based pellet and a good quality grass hay. Both alfalfa pellets and alfalfa hay are much too high in calories, protein and calcium for an adult rabbit.

4. Rabbits are inexpensive pets

False

Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are not inexpensive pets. Food including a variety of fresh veggies daily,good quality pellets and hay, and other rabbit necessities such as litter,pet carriers,etc. are not cheap by any means and although rabbits don't need to be vaccinated or need annual shots, they still need to be seen by a rabbit knowledgeable vet when they either ill or injured, and many times,several visits to the vet are necessary. Furthermore, rabbits up to the age of 5 should be seen by a rabbit savvy vet for for annual well check-ups that should include a blood test and after age 5, should be seen every 6 months.

5.Rabbits can be litterbox trained.

True

The ideal litterbox has a layer of absorbent paper litter topped with a generous helping of fresh hay. Bunnies will sit for long periods of time in their"hay box" munching on nutritious hay.

6. Rabbits like to chew

True

Rabbits have a natural instinct to chew things such as electrical cords,carpet,baseboards,etc. This is why it is important to bunny proof your home,cords,etc. However, rabbits can be diverted to chew safe and acceptable toys like cardboard boxes, newspaper, empty toilet paper rolls, untreated willow basket and things of that nature. Some bunnies never chew anything, but for the ones that do chew,good training, chew toys and bunny proofing can help stop the destruction or keep it to a minimum!

7. All Veterinarians know about rabbits, so any vet will do

False

Very little is taught about rabbits in veterinary schools and what is taught is usually aimed at breeding rabbits. Until recently there was almost no information or interest in maintaining rabbit health for pet rabbits with lifespans of 8-10 years. Most veterinarians are just now beginning to learn about special drugs,surgery,diet that companion rabbits require.

8.It's harder to train an older rabbit because it is set in it's ways

False

An adult spayed or neutered rabbit is definitely much easier to litter train than a young bun. Older neutered and spayed rabbits are able to pay more attention and learn what you want to teach them also they don't have the raging hormones to deal with that could make litter training a bit more difficult.

9. Spaying and Neutering promotes good rabbit health,behavior and longevity

True

Even if you only have one pet rabbit, it is still very important to have him/her neutered/spayed. If you don't spay or neuter your rabbit,either sex is more likely to have behavioral problems such as spraying,mounting,lunging and even biting. Spaying and neutering your rabbit will not only add years to your pets life, it will make those precious years together much more enjoyable for both human and Bun alike.
NOTE: Unspayed females have a 98% risk of developing uterine cancer. Also, more cases of testicular cancer have been reported in unaltered males as well. Please spay and neuter your pets.

10. Rabbits don't need to live in a cage

True

Most rabbit cages are much too small for a pet rabbit and do not provide ample room, especially for a large rabbit. An animal exercise pen in the house will provide your rabbit with all the proper exercise room they need and prevent cage aggression.

11. Rabbits are low maintenance pets

False

Pet rabbits need alot of attention, love and care. They need to be brushed weekly (sometimes daily during heavy sheds)Toe nails clipped, scent glands cleaned, ears, teeth and eyes checked regularly, you should hold them and love them and feel for any lumps or bumps. Litter boxes to be changed every other day or as needed. They need fresh hay,veggies,pellets and water daily. NEVER FORGET THE LOVE!

12. A slice of fruit and carrot should be part of a rabbit's daily diet

False

Fruits and carrot are much too high in natural sugar,carbs and calories for a rabbit to have every day. Keep these foods to minimum and give only as an occasional treat. The recommended amount of fruit to feed is 1 tsp. per 5 pounds of body weight.

13. Rabbits should only be housed outdoors

False

Housing a pet rabbit outdoors is much too cold during the Winter and way to hot in the Summer. In addition to the fact that the outdoors is full of peril for rabbits, such as dogs,Cats,Racoons,Hawks,Owls, Coyotes,etc. Rabbits can literally be "frightened to death." Keeping your bunny indoors in a safe and secure environment gives him/her a good feeling of security, this insures good health and life.


14. How do I get my rabbit adopted through The Bunny Bunch?

Unfortunately we get this question all to often. We get 10 to 20 calls a week from people wanting to give up their pet. This is difficult for us because we can only take in rabbits when we get one adopted. Our waiting list is 6 to 7 months long. If you can foster your rabbit for that length of time we will be able to help you get your bunny adopted by a loving new home. We ask that you send us a picture of your rabbit and information about your rabbit the age, spayed or neuter, your name and address and phone # where you can be reached. We will upon receipt of your letter will try to get the picture up on our website and show it at adoption events to help place your rabbit before taking it in and we can give you instructions on how to get your bunny adopted.

15. How do I become a Bunny Bunch member?

Send your name and address along with a check for $10.00 to our P.O. Box 2583, Chino Ca. 91708 and state that you would like to receive our quarterly newsletter and hear about special events.This membership is good for one year and renewable each year on the date you signup. You will receive your membership card and newsletter in about 2 to 3 weeks, quarterly thereafter.