The Top 5 Reasons Why Rabbits Make Great Pets
The Top 5 Reasons Why Rabbits Make Great Pets By Zach and Amy Phillips-Gary Looking for an animal friend to add to your life? Snakes too slithery? Fish too tank-bound? Cats, dogs, birds just not what you're looking for? Well maybe a house rabbit is right for you?! All creatures have their endearing and not so easy to deal with qualities. Before bringing any pets into your home it is vital that you do the research and consider if that particular creature is a good fit for you and your family. We hope that you will consider our top 5 reasons why we think rabbits make great pets because you may just be ready for a rabbit! Number 1: No barking, hissing or squawking House rabbits are very quiet animals to share your life with. Aside from a gentle clicking of the teeth when happy or a low grunt when irritated, rabbits are virtually noiseless pets. There are a variety of bunny body language signals that house rabbits use to let you know how they are doing and even what they want. For example, if your rabbit bows her/his head down and lies low to the ground, chances are good your bunny is presenting and wants to be stroked. Number 2: Bunnies can be very affectionate and personable When treated with respect and care, most house rabbits show their love in clear ways. A happy bunny will give you soft licks akin to kisses. They will also indicate if they are angry or feel threatened. Of course, each house rabbit's personality is different. Be sure to research breed temperament tendencies and if possible, spend time with the rabbit before adoption. Once home, a close bond can be encouraged between family members and the bunny by providing plenty of social time. Rabbits need at least 2-3 hours a day out of their cages or pens and they tend to like to be around others, especially during those peak activity times of day. Number 3: Rabbits are Earth-friendly pets Whether it's sharing a salad with your bunny or using her/his waste and litter to enrich your compost heap, house rabbits are a great complement to a sustainable lifestyle. Rabbits are vegetarians and can easily share the abundance of your garden or purchased produce. There are many diet choices you can make for your bunny rabbit. However, it is vital that you feed him/her mainly fresh hays and green vegetables with quality pellets as well. Recycling with your rabbit can happen in countless ways: Providing your bunny with cardboard tubes as toys, using clean old towels for his/her cage or pen, or even purchasing litter made from recycled paper are just a few everyday examples. Number 4: Compatible companions with your other pets Contrary to what you might think, with careful training and gradual introductions, your house rabbit can coexist peacefully with other pets. Careful consideration needs to be taken when bringing a bunny into a home already inhabited by other pets. For example, if your dog is a hunting breed--e.g. beagle--and has been trained to emphasize those breed tendencies, perhaps a house rabbit is not an ideal match. However, in most cases, other pets can be trained to treat your bunny with respect and they may even become buddies! Taking a slow, gradual and consistent approach when introducing other pets will help all of the animals in your family understand how to live harmoniously together. Number 5: Bunnies are just plain fun! One reason why house rabbits are so unique is how playful and personable they can be. Especially during their most active hours--early morning and early evening--don't be surprised to find a happy bunny racing and leaping about your home providing just about the best entertainment a pet can offer! Yes, providing proper care can be a lot of work and deciding to adopt a house rabbit in the first place should never be taken lightly. But one ticklish lick from a nose-twitching lagomorph (aka rabbit) and we think you'll agree that house rabbits may just be the best pet you've ever shared your life with! For more in-depth information about house rabbits, visit http://www.rabbitinfocenter.com
