Rabbit

Rabbits are funny and charming - and they need you as much as you need them. Like dogs and cats, rabbits are abandoned every day. The United States Humane Society reports that 3 million to 4 million rabbits are euthanized in shelters each year. By adopting a bunny, you not only get a terrific companion, you save a life.

Rabbits are quiet, smart and will play with toys. They're cute. Watching them eat a carrot or just wash their big ears will put a smile on anyone's face. Far fewer people have allergies to rabbits than other furry pets, and you can find some breeds that barely shed. They're clean, as animals go. Once they've learned to use a litter box, they can roam around your house like any other pet. Plus, their droppings are virtually odor-free and are considered cold compost, meaning you can toss them directly into the garden with great results.

Rabbits are social animals. They're happiest and healthiest when they have another rabbit to play with. They also like to snuggle with people, so you can plan to spend time holding, petting and playing with them each day.

Rabbits - especially if they have another bunny for company - are ideal for people who work long hours or take weekend trips. They do fine for a day if you leave plenty of timothy hay, rabbit feed, veggies and water. They are great starter pets for school-age children (the recommended starting age is 8, but it depends on your child). Just be sure the bunnies aren't too big for your kids to handle properly. And since rabbits live about 10 years, be sure you're prepared to care for them, like you would dogs or cats, if your children don't. The organization where you get your rabbits can help you find the best match. If you are unsure about a rabbit as a pet, seek out a local rescue organization and become a foster. Most rescues will pay for all supplies and food -- and all pay for veterinary care -- until a permanent home is found. This is a wonderful way to save some bunnies' lives, decide if you're a rabbit person and find the perfect one for you. Rabbits' personalities change greatly when they go into adolescence. Some love toys, others like to romp in the tall grass. Getting a rabbit that's at least 6 months old will help guarantee that the bunny you adopt will act the same way a year from now. If you adopt from a rescue organization, the foster parent can give you information on the bunny's likes, fears and quirks.

Rabbits need a cozy space to call home, but they don't require much stuff. An extra-large wire dog crate, water bottle, heavy food bowl, litter box with recycled paper litter, a box with shredded paper to dig in, and a few hard infant or cat toys will keep them happy. Bunnies don't see in color, so they often mistake wires for weeds and chew on them. You can easily bunny-proof your home by tacking wires up out of their reach. House rabbits have difficulty cooling off above 85 degrees and staying warm below 40 degrees, so you'll need to use caution when you take them outside in the summer or winter.

The best way to protect your rabbit from disease is to make sure that your rabbit and its cage are always clean. Regularly clean your rabbit s cage with a disinfectant, and also give your rabbit an occasional bath. If you have a new rabbit, quarantine it from the rest of the rabbits for at least two weeks. If at the end of the two weeks the new rabbit looks fine, it is probably safe to put it in with the other rabbits. If you have questions about rabbit care, ask your veterinarian.

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